Peter Yellin – How Long Has This Been Going On? – Jazzed Media

by | Jul 8, 2008 | Jazz CD Reviews | 0 comments

Peter Yellin – How Long Has This Been Going On? – Jazzed Media JM 1037, 56:29  ****:

(Peter Yellin, alto and soprano sax; Bob Mintzer, tenor sax; Renee Rosnes, piano; Dwayne Burno, bass, Winard Harper, drums – Special guests: Harvie S, bass; Peter Leitch, guitar; Bill Hart, drums; Michael Wolfe, piano; Sheila Jordan, vocal on track 8)

It’s been nearly 10 years since veteran Peter Yellin has had a recording date. Thank goodness, Graham Carter’s Jazzed Media label recognizes neglected talent, whereas other labels trim their rosters. Yellin has a degree from Julliard and played professionally since the early 60s with the bands of Lionel Hampton, Buddy Rich, Tito Puente, and Joe Henderson, so you can see he fits in with any jazz format.

On his new Jazzed Media issue, Yellin has the services of  his former employer, Bob Mintzer, as well as the crack rhythm section of Rennee Rosnes, Dwayne Burno and Winard Harper. Several special guests add to the mix.

Winning compositions include CCU (Coronary Care Unit) has the dual inspiration of a McCoy Tyner composition coupled with Yellin’s memory of six weeks in a coronary unit after a bypass surgery.  Its upbeat playing by Rosnes, Harper, and Yellin would lift anyone’s spirits, as was Yellin’s intent for himself. The title track is a warm ballad feature for Yellin, and he blows old school with passion. Dearly Beloved is another tune recorded by many (see current Carl Saunders review..) and here Billy Hart takes over drummer duties from Winard Harper. Guest Peter Leitch, on guitar, also has some nice lines. CP, written for Bird, Yellin’s muse, has Mintzer and Yellin trading bop choruses.

Vocalist Sheila Jordan raps on Everything Happens to Me, and tells her listeners of the joys of jazz, backed by Yellin’s tenor. Lover Man closes Yellin’s return to a leadership role and gets a salsa beat provided by the rhythm section. Hey, Peter – Welcome back; let’s not wait another decade for some more Yellin….

Tracklist:  Four in One, C.C.U., How Long Has This Been Going On, Air for Aaron, Dearly Beloved, Another Hairdo, CP, Everything Happens to Me, Lover Man

– Jeff Krow

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