In 2001 Madlib fomred the 5-piece jazz group Yesterdays New Quintet - Joe McDuphrey (keys), Ahmad Miller (vibes), Mafik Flavors (percussion), Monk Hughes (bass), and Otis Jackson Jr. (drums) - an unusual step for a hiphop producer, made all the more unusual that no one has ever seen these band members. They exist only in a fictional universe belonging to Madlib. Yesterdays New Quintet's debut Angles Without Edges (Stones Throw-2001) was a combimation of live playing, sampling, jazz and electronic, firmly rooted in Madlib s upbringing in a family of soul and jazz musicians. This led to an album of remixed jazz standards, Madlib's Shades of Blue (Blue Note-2003) and to a 5- year series of solo albums (Wu-Tang style) by each of the YNQ members, most of which were released only in limited vinyl pressings. Jewelz marks the fifth and final chapter in the series of solo releases from the original five members of Yesterdays New Quintet. Drummer Otis Jackson, Jr. (that's Madlib's real name!) completes the cycle. His "trio" drops improvised gems in a setting of overdriven keyboard fuzz bass. Wrth Jewelz, Madlib completes the Quintet's solo series, but tomorrow promises more offshoot groups, more releases, and more crazy music .... Or is it "yesterday"? ....