Yellowjackets

“... a perfectly combustible electric-acoustic outfit whose smart, often challenging and unpredictable compositions draw from fusion, postbop, and contemporary jazz.” – JazzTimes

Throughout their storied, decades-long history, the Yellowjackets have recorded 25 albums, performed countless sold-out tours, and enjoyed worldwide critical acclaim and commercial success. This group’s melding of jazz, funk, and R&B secured the group two Grammy Awards, one for R&B Instrumental Performance in 1987 and the other for Jazz Fusion Performance in 1989.

The group originally formed in the late 1970s as the backup band for guitarist Robben Ford. Keyboardist Russell Ferrante, bassist Jimmy Haslip, and drummer Ricky Lawson quickly discovered a natural chemistry and musical affinity that led to their formation of this ‘band within a band.’ The group chose their name for its connotation of liveliness, energy, and a stinging nature. Since then, with the addition of saxophonist Bob Mintzer, the Yellowjackets have gained and maintained prominence as one of jazz’s most influential and loved groups. 

Over the years, the band has undergone numerous lineup changes. Never failing to rise to the inevitable challenges of adjustment, Ferrante, Kennedy, and Mintzer have maintained an extraordinarily high quality of musicianship that is the rival of many but a surprise to no one who knows and appreciates the band and their music. The most recent addition to the band is Australian bass player Dane Alderson, who brings a new, youthful approach with his exceptional rhythmic sensibility and natural disposition toward groove.

Find your center with standout phenoms the Yellowjackets.