Pete Yellin

Although Peter Yellin has been active in jazz for several decades, he has had relatively few opportunities to record as a leader. This makes these 2007 sessions special, as they also celebrate his relocation from New York City to the West Coast, like many other participants on this record date. The alto saxophonist's rollicking treatment of Thelonious Monk's "Four in One" also features bassist Dwayne Burno and guest tenor saxophonist Bob Mintzer. His radical reworking of Charlie Parker's "Another Hairdo" slows the tempo, while incorporating a bit of funk and hip-hop in a loopy arrangement. Vocalist Sheila Jordan doesn't sing "Everything Happens to Me" but instead narrates Yellin's commentary about performing jazz. All of Yellin's originals are uplifting tunes: he penned "C.C.U." after enduring six weeks in the hospital following a coronary artery bypass, while the breezy "Air for Aaron" adds delicious solos by pianist Renee Rosnes and guest guitarist Peter Leitch. Mintzer returns for "CP," the leader's salute to Parker. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide