| Jazz |
Many, like myself, believe that the two most significant bands of the 20th century are Weather Report and Yellowjackets. While the members of the former now reside forever in our hearts, the latter, Yellowjackets, has continued—and still continues—its mission with brilliance. A new album from this truly legendary group certainly warrants some explanation for our younger readers.
In 1977, Robben Ford assembled a group of seasoned studio musicians to record his album The Inside Story. The trio—keyboardist Russell Ferrante, bassist Jimmy Haslip, and drummer Ricky Lawson—soon discovered a certain “alchemy,” a musical affinity that led them to form Yellowjackets. Since The Inside Story was primarily instrumental, Robben Ford’s record label urged him to produce another album with a stronger emphasis on pop and vocals. However, the group, then known as the Robben Ford Group, was drawn toward an instrumental approach, leading to the emergence of a “band within the band.” This very ensemble, with Robben Ford on guitar, recorded digital demos that were ultimately accepted by Warner Brothers, thus giving birth to Yellowjackets. Over the years, Robben Ford’s involvement gradually diminished to the point of occasional guest appearances, yet the Yellowjackets thrived.
And so, we are delighted to reunite with Bob Mintzer on saxophones, Russell Ferrante on piano and keyboards, Dane Alderson on electric bass and MIDI sequencer, and Will Kennedy on drums. The pleasure is genuine, for we rediscover their signature phrasing, the magic of their compositions and arrangements, and their rhythm infused with world-music influences—tones both gentle and shimmering. Yes, this album, like all those before it, is a grand vintage that holds many surprises.
What has always been fascinating about this band is the complexity of their compositions, which never sacrifices harmonic beauty. In this regard, it is impossible to declare whether this album surpasses its predecessors. What is certain, however, is that there is nothing here to critique.
The track Fasten Up seems to be a tribute to the legendary Weather Report bassist, Jaco Pastorius. Yet, it remains unmistakably Yellowjackets. This band has always built bridges to other musicians—Bob Mintzer, for instance, has participated in projects on the German label ACT. Throughout their body of work, echoes of various artists emerge in their compositions. It is also intriguing to observe that, despite the evolution of electronic instruments, some colors and sonorities—though having evolved—still evoke sounds heard on their earlier albums. Nevertheless, these musicians remain forward-looking, constantly innovating in their arrangements, blurring boundaries, morphing between intellectual urbanites and mischievous tricksters springing from a box. And we can only admire the remarkable cohesion of this band, which has stood the test of time.
For countless aspiring musicians, Yellowjackets has long been a source of inspiration. The reason is simple: like the members of Weather Report, these musicians have a solid classical foundation—sometimes evident in certain pieces—yet they remain attuned to the vast diversity of the world. This album, like its predecessors, is proof of that. What will particularly strike listeners here are the percussions and keyboards, used in novel ways. Of course, devoted fans and musicians who cherish this group will understand what I mean. Needless to say, this album earns its place among our collection of Indispensables.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, February 10th 2025
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