just got carl craig's innerzone orchestra 'programmed', and I'd have to say it quite surprised me. as others have noted here, it's not consistent. but my reaction after 24 hours and a couple listens is that the good stuff is great, a very unlikely fusion of electronic sounds with live drumming and (on a number of tracks) other live jazz players.
the first few tracks a pretty rough going. there's a throwaway track featuring a booming voice issuing the innerzone manifesto ('coltrane, blakey,' etc.), followed by a rap track that I find painful to listen to. but starting with track 5 ('eruption') things really take off (there are 14 tracks). in addition to the peculiar but satisfyling fusion numbers, some tracks stray pretty far into jazz (70's/miles vein only quite a bit shorter), as well as a great cover of a 70's (?) social realism ballad (people make the world go round) replete with strings and flute. deep flavors and a tendency to elude cliche. A very sophisticated ear at work here, I think...
I'm sure I have more stomach for jazz than many here; those that find it anathema should definately steer clear.
kurt