Yellowjackets
yellowjackets, biography, jakjazz 2008
Yellowjackets is one of the most important contemporary jazz quartet of the 80s and 90s. They are known for producing their own style which blend fusion with smooth jazz, groovy funk even some RnB and rock. It’s just interesting to hear them play, crossing all the borders and delivering delicious compositions for almost three decades now.
It all started when Jimmy Haslip (bass) joined guitarist Robben Ford’s band in 1977. The band included Russell Ferrante (keyboard, synthesizer) and Ricky Lawson (drummer). Together they released an album, but unfortunately the record label wanted them to make more pop-oriented songs. The band evolved, they recorded demo tapes and sent it to Warner Bros. That move earned them a contract, and Yellowjackets were born. Robben Ford, the founder, guested on the first two album of Yellowjackets.
Ferrante once said: “We try to avoid the clichés you’ve heard recycled time after time, whether in jazz or pop or whatever. Everytime I say that, it always feel like I’m trying to defend us, but unfortunatelly we got the respect from many musicians.” Yellowjackets are always evolving. Since their first debut album back in 1981, they always grow at their popularity aslo the credibility. They still continue to explore the music wider and welcoming new ideas and approaches along the lineup changes. Yellowjackets consists all personnel that really know what they’re good at, mastering not only the playing skill, but also all the equipment and settings to produce a perfect performance.
Whenever I hear Yellowjackets, I can hear quality that are always served simple, never complicated and difficult to listen to. It’s not easy to reach both jazz fanatics and music listeners outside jazz, but Yellowjackets has got the formula to bridge it in their own way. Passing their almost 30 years career, they are still strong today, and they will still continue on. Don’t miss the chance to see their performance live at the Jakarta International Jazz Festival (JakJazz) 2008 soon! Be there and witness their performance live! - Riandy Kurniawan
Yellowjackets are:
Russell Ferrante (keyboard)
Marcus Baylor (drums)
Jimmy Haslip (bass)
Bob Mintzer (sax)
The alumnis are:
Ricky Lawson (drums, left the group in 1986)
William Kennedy (drums, group member from 1986-1999)
Marc Russo (sax, group member from 1984-1989)
Discography:
Yellowjackets (1981)
Mirage A Trois (1983)
Samurai Samba(1985)
Shades(1986)
Four Corners (1987)
Politics (1988)
The Spin (1989)
Greenhouse (1991)
Live Wires (1992)
Like A River (1993)
Run For Your Life (1994)
Collection (1995)
Dreamland (1995)
Blue Hats (1997)
Priceless Jazz (1998)
Club Nocturne (1998)
Best of (1999)
Mint Jam (2001)
Peace Round: A Christmas Celebration (2003)
Time Squared (2003)
Altered State (2005)
Twenty-Five (2006)
Lifecycle (2008)
official websites: http://yellowjackets.com
Popularity: 12% [?]
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