An awesome release; Gato jumps off the CD on this one!
08/31/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this CD. Apparently, it was the last of Gato's Flying Dutchman albums (excluding the compilations), but somehow it feels like Gato is trying to take the listener back just a little, to experience, in a retrospective way, his transition from really screechy free jazz to the richly melodic music of Under Fire, Bolivia, and his subsequent releases. Actually, Yesterdays is not all that screechy or chaotic, when compared, for example, to In Search of the Mystery, which preceded the Flying Dutchman albums. Nevertheless, it may be an acquired taste for some. Not having heard much free jazz before I listened to Yesterdays, I initially disliked the screechy parts. But after listening just a few times, I was totally hooked. What I love about this CD is that Gato makes these great transitions in tempo and playing style throughout, as if to take you on a musical and emotional rollercoaster ride. So vibrant is his playing, that you'll feel like he has jumped off the CD and into your living room! I'd give this one six stars if I could."
The record that turned me on to jazz
11/13/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I stumbled upon this record about 7 years ago in my parents old stack of records, and it absolutely blew me away. I have still never heard a record that could be compared to this one. The songs are approached in a unique way -- they are free and energetic, going back and forth between fast, tight segments and loose, airy segments. Since there are congas and timbales on every cut, the drummer (Pretty Purdie) is free to play in short bursts with just the ride cymbal providing the main beat. The electric guitar playing is really cool, with quirky blues solos and some fantastic chord work. Amazing piano, as always, from Jorge Dalto. And Gato's sax...just listen to it and you will know what i am talking about. Also very cool production-wise -- everthing except the bass and sax are panned either hard left or right (sounds bad on headphones, great on speakers, especially the vinyl). Great old-school sound. You will nod your head to this, without a doubt."
