YELLOWJACKETS — Yellowjackets (1981) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Yellowjackets made a splash with their first record, an accessible mixture of jazz, rock, and funk bearing the unmistakable mark of the L.A. session scene that spawned them. In fact, the Yellowjackets had their roots in the sessions for Robben Ford's 1979 album The Inside Story. Russell Ferrante, Jimmy Haslip, and Ricky Lawson all appeared on that album and reenlisted Ford's help for their own debut, with the guitarist's fluid soloing often taking the lead role. As fun an album as it is -- and there are times when the melodies rise to a joyful exuberance that recalls Weather Report's "Birdland" -- Yellowjackets isn't a true fusion record. Ricky Lawson provides rock beats to the material, Haslip's bass work is as funky as it is jazzy, and the arrangements tend to stick with the same groove (as ingratiating as they may be) rather than explore the musical themes like an esoteric jazz band might. The opening "Matinee Idol" is as much the Jackson 5 (one of Lawson's previous gigs) as fusion, "Rush Hour" is jazzy in a Steely Dan sense, while "Sittin' in It" actually borrows from the old funk classic "For the Love of Money." There are some nice, chunky grooves that give the album a sense of substance ("The Hornet," "Imperial Strut"), a wistful track in "It's Almost Gone," and a neat melody tucked into "Priscilla," all of which contribute to the album's charm. But compared to their GRP recordings, the Yellowjackets' debut does seem a little one-dimensional. If you enjoy the smooth, guitar-led jazz from this period (e.g., Earl Klugh, Lee Ritenour), Yellowjackets is worth checking out, both for the upbeat melodies and Ford's seemingly effortless solos. Dave Connolly  
Tracklist :
1.     Matinee Idol 5:08
Russell Ferrante
Saxophone [Tenor] – Ernie Watts    
2.     Imperial Strut 5:25
Russell Ferrante
3.     Sittin' in It 5:06
Ricky Lawson / Bobby Lyle
4.     Rush Hour 5:13
Russell Ferrante / Robben Ford
5.     The Hornet 5:29
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
6.     Priscilla 5:11
Robben Ford / Jimmy Haslip / Chris Palmaro
7.     It's Almost Gone 6:00
Russell Ferrante
Credits :
Arranged By [Horns] – Bill Reichenbach, Larry Williams
Bass – Jimmy Haslip
Drums – Ricky Lawson
Guitar – Robben Ford
Keyboards – Russell Ferrante
Percussion – Lenny Castro, Paulinho Da Costa
Saxophone [Tenor], Flute – Gary Herbig, Larry Williams
Saxophone [Tenor], Saxophone [Baritone] – Kim Hutchcroft
Trombone – Bill Reichenbach
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Jerry Hey

YELLOWJACKETS — Mirage a Trois (1983) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1.    Claire's Song 5:07
Composed By – Russell Ferrante
2.    Top Secret 6:00
Composed By – Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante
3.    I Got Rhythm 4:32
Composed By – George Gerschwin, Ira Gerschwin
4.    Pass It On 6:10
Composed By – Russell Ferrante
5    Goin' Home 5:36
Composed By – Russell Ferrante
6.    Man In The Moon 4:35
Composed By – Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante
7.    Elamar 4:08
Composed By – Mike Miller
8.    Nimbus 4:44
Composed By – Russell Ferrante
Credits :
Bass – Jimmy Haslip
Drums – Ricky Lawson
Guitar – Mike Miller (pistas: 3, 6 to 8), Robben Ford (pistas: 2, 4 to 6)
Keyboards, Piano – Russell Ferrante
Lyricon, Saxophone – Richard Elliot (pistas: 2)
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Synthesizer, Programmed By – James Newton Howard (pistas: 7, 8)
Vocals – Bill Labounty (pistas: 3), Brenda Russell (pistas: 3), Bruce Hornsby (pistas: 3), Marilyn Scott (pistas: 3), Max Gronenthal (pistas: 3), Pauline Wilson (pistas: 3), Randy Crawford (pistas: 3), Yolan Fischer (pistas: 3)

YELLOWJACKETS — Shades (1986) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Yellowjackets are a jazz band for the Windham Hill set: i.e., smooth and relaxing rather than edgy and stimulating. If Shades goes down like straight sugar (and not the lumpy kind), it's supposed to. Since some folks are naturally drawn to this type of music and others are not, an appreciation for jazz is not enough -- you'll need an appreciation for crossover jazz (aka "smooth jazz") to enjoy this album. If you do like your jazz on the lyrical side, and don't mind the late-night talk show arrangements, chances are you'll think Shades is pretty cool. Led by alto sax player Marc Russo, these eight songs glide along with nary a care in the world, promising to burst into song at any moment (which in fact happens on the gospel-inspired "Revelations"). Thanks in part to the electronic instruments and immaculate studio sound, Shades retains an uplifting and bouncy feel throughout. "New Shoes," "One Family," and "Regular Folks" are songs that listeners can warm up to in a hurry. Despite Russo's gratuitous solos, the Yellowjackets are not a flashy band -- Jimmy Haslip's agile bass is too low in the mix to be accused of showboating, and drummer Ricky Lawson and keyboardist Russell Ferrante don't seem interested in the spotlight. Without those individual excursions, the Yellowjackets sacrifice some identity, but generally the compositions stand up on the merits of their melodies. Because the melodies are so accessible, Shades occasionally sounds more like the work of contemporary pop artists with jazz aspirations (Donald Fagen, Bruce Hornsby) than contemporary jazz artists. That this music would sound at home in a supermarket should scare off jazz purists, but even they might find themselves humming along to it somewhere in a secluded aisle. Dave Connolly  
Tracklist :
1.    And You Know That 5:35
Written-By – Ricky Lawson, Russell Ferrante
2.    New Shoes 5:17
Written-By – Marc Russo, Russell Ferrante
3.    One Family 5:37
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
4.    Revelation 5:10
Written-By – Lorraine Perry, Russell Ferrante
5.    Oasis 5:29
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
6.    Regular Folks 5:01
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
7.    Black Tie 5:42
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
8.    Sonja's Sanfona 6:27
Written-By – Bill Gable, Jimmy Haslip
9.    Shades 5:14
Written-By – Donald Fagen
10.    Wildcats & Cougars 5:30
Written-By – Jimmy Haslip, Robben Ford, Russell Ferrante
Credits :
Accordion, Guest – Bruce Hornsby (pistas: 8)
Alto Saxophone – Marc Russo
Bass [Five String, Piccolo] – Jimmy Haslip
Drums [Remo], Percussion, Drums [Simmons] – Ricky Lawson
Keyboards – Russell Ferrante
Percussion, Guest – Paulinho Da Costa
Producer – Yellowjackets
Vocals, Guest – Perri (pistas: 4)

YELLOWJACKETS — Greenhouse (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Yellowjackets' first release for GRP, Greenhouse, is a real gas. The disc starts innocently enough with "Freedomland," the kind of smart smooth jazz song that marked The Spin. It's on the following "Greenhouse" that listeners glimpse a change in the air: Strings (!) set the stage for dreamy, exotic jazz that melts in your mind, music that goes well beyond similar experiments on earlier Yellowjackets sessions. From this point on, the band travels back in time: Russell Ferrante's piano, the understated rhythm section, and Bob Mintzer's saxophones (Marc Russo had left, though Mintzer wasn't an "official" member yet) smoke with the fire of cool jazz. There are still some electronics employed, but generally they're arranged in a subordinate role to give the acoustic sounds an added presence. It would be tempting to call Mintzer the catalyst of change -- his saxophone playing is more note-filled and squeakier than Russo's, a style that evokes traditional jazz -- but the new direction in sound is just as evident in the piano playing of Ferrante, the softened attack of William Kennedy (plenty of cymbals, quieter snare hits), and the articulated playing of Jimmy Haslip (best heard on "Indian Summer"). The fresh start allows the Yellowjackets to escape from under the cloud of smooth jazz and expose their "serious" side, all while continuing to place composition and melody over individual musicianship. Calling this the band's most mature work to date belies a natural distrust of smooth jazz, so better to say that Greenhouse is loaded with personality. Mintzer's spooky bass clarinet on "Brown Zone," the wild bop workout unleashed on "Liam/Rain Dance," and the violin jig on "Freda" are among their most memorable musical moments. The Yellowjackets haven't changed the way they approach their music, but the newfound ability to communicate in a more traditional jazz setting casts them in a whole new (and flattering) light. Dave Connolly  
Tracklist :
1.     Freedomland 6:09
Russell Ferrante
2.     Greenhouse 9:00
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
3.     Seven Stars 7:33
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy
4.     Indian Summer 5:33
Russell Ferrante
5.     Spirits 6:00
Bob Mintzer
6.     Brown Zone 4:50
Steve Khan
7.     Liam/Rain Dance 6:34
Steve Croes / Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
8.     Invisible People 5:45
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy
9.     Freda 5:24
Yellowjackets feat: Kenny Baker
10.     Peace 3:20
Bill Gable
Credits :
Arranged By, Conductor [Orchestra] – Vince Mendoza (pistas: 2, 4, 9)
Bass – Jimmy Haslip
Bassoon – Michael O'Donovan (pistas: 2, 4, 9)
Cello – Dane Little (pistas: 2, 4, 9), David Speltz (pistas: 2, 4, 9), John Cooke (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Judith Perett (pistas: 2, 4, 9)
Clarinet – Gary Gray (pistas: 2, 4, 9), James Kanter (pistas: 2, 4, 9)
Contractor [Orchestra] – Sandy de Crescent
Double Bass – Arni Egilsson (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Timothy Barr (pistas: 2, 4, 9)
Drums, Percussion – William Kennedy
Flute – James Walker (pistas: 2, 4, 9)
Keyboards – Russell Ferrante
Percussion – Alex Acuna
Producer – Yellowjackets
Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Flute, Electronic Wind Instrument – Bob Mintzer
Synthesizer [Synclavier] – Steve Croes
Viola – Brian Dembow (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Dan Neufeld (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Mihail Zinovyev (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Pamela Goldsmith (pistas: 2, 4, 9)
Violin – Anatoly Rosinsky (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Arnold Belnick (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Bill Hybel (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Bruce Dukov (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Clayton Haslop (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Dorothy Wade (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Karen Jones (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Kathleen Lenski (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Polly Sweeny (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Sheldon Sanov (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Stuart Canin (pistas: 2, 4, 9)
Violin [Solo] – Stuart Canin (pistas: 9)
Vocals – Bill Gable (pistas: 8) 

YELLOWJACKETS — Like a River (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Other than the easy-listening pieces that appear near the beginning of the program, this is one of The Yellowjackets' strongest jazz dates. Bob Mintzer's creative reeds (switching between tenor, bass clarinet, soprano and the EWI) keep the music stimulating and keyboardist Russell Ferrante has come a long way as both an improviser (where he is most influenced by Herbie Hancock) and as the band's main composer. With bassist Jimmy Haslip and drummer William Kennedy in strong supporting roles, the ensemble plays intelligent funk grooves, some mood music and occasional sections of straightahead jamming. The inclusion of the Miles Davis-influenced trumpeter Tim Hagans on half of the selections adds variety to a particularly enjoyable set. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.     Man Facing North 6:28
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy / Bob Mintzer
2.     My Old School 7:13
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
3.     River Waltz 6:00
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy / Marc Russo
4.     Dewey (A Tribute to Miles Davis) 5:40
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
5.     Memoirs 6:19
Bob Mintzer
6.     Azure Moon 6:02
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
7.     Sueños 6:35
Russell Ferrante / Bill Gable / Jimmy Haslip
8.     1998 6:58
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy / Marc Russo
9.     Sandstone 5:29
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy
10.     Solitude 5:04
Russell Ferrante
Credits :
Drums – William Kennedy
Electric Bass [6 String Bass], Electric Bass [Tobias Semi Hollow Body], Vocals – Jimmy Haslip
Guest, Musician, Percussion, Vocals – Naná Vasconcelos
Guest, Musician, Programmed By [EWI Programming] – Judd Muller
Guest, Musician, Synthesizer [Synclavier] – Steve Croes
Guest, Musician, Trumpet – Tim Hagens
Guest, Musician, Vocals – Bill Gable
Piano [Acoustic], Synthesizer [Synthesizers] – Russell Ferrante
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Electronic Wind Instrument [EWI] – Bob Mintzer 

YELLOWJACKETS — Live Wires (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This live set by the Yellowjackets (taped at the Roxy in Hollywood) has plenty of solo space for Bob Mintzer (on tenor, soprano, bass clarinet and EWI) and keyboardist Russell Ferrante (who takes a particularly colorful spot on "Homecoming") along with fine backup work by bassist Jimmy Haslip, drummer William Kennedy and percussionist Paulinho Da Costa. Although the back cover of the CD says "Featuring: Michael Franks, Take 6, Brenda Russell & Marilyn Scott," fortunately Franks, Russell and Scott are only heard on one harmless selection ("The Dream" ) while Take 6 just pops by for the closer "The Revelation." The strength of the improvisations and of Ferrante's Joe Zawinul-like originals make this one of the Yellowjackets' stronger efforts. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    Homecoming 5:35
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
2.    Bright Lights 6:53
Written-By – Bob Mintzer
3.    The Dream 5:08
Lyrics By – Michael Franks
Music By – Jimmy Haslip, Marc Russo, Russell Ferrante
4.    Freedomland 6:26
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
5.    Downtown 4:51
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
6.    Claire's Song 7:41
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
7.    Geraldine 7:21
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
8.    The Spin 9:47
Written-By – Jimmy Haslip, Marc Russo, Russell Ferrante, William Kennedy
9.    Wildlife 9:26
Written-By – Alex Acuna, Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante
10.    Revelation 6:24
Lyrics By – Lorraine Perry
Music By – Russell Ferrante
Credits :
Arranged By [Strings] – Vince Mendoza (pistas: 7)
Backing Vocals – Brenda Russell, Marilyn Scott
Bass – Jimmy Haslip
Drums – William Kennedy
Keyboards [Synclavier] – Steve Croes
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Producer – Yellowjackets
Saxophone, Saxophone [Ewi], Bass Clarinet – Bob Mintzer
Vocals – Michael Franks (pistas: 3), Take 6 (pistas: 10) 

YELLOWJACKETS — Run for Your Life (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is one of The Yellowjackets' most jazz-oriented sets. Roughly half of the music uses funky rhtyhms while the remainder is straightahead. "Jacket Town" sounds like it could have come from a good Eddie Harris record, Bob Mintzer's tenor is heard on a rapid run-through of rhythm changes on "Runferyerlife," keyboardist Russell Ferrante hints strongly at Chick Corea's acoustic playing on "Muhammed" and Mintzer's ballad "Sage" is memorable. This fine release is recommended both to The Yellowjackets' longtime fans and those listeners who mistakenly think that this popular group is a mundane fusion band. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.     Jacket Town 5:25
Russell Ferrante / William Kennedy
2.     Even Song 6:33
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy
3.     Runferyerlife 4:22
Bob Mintzer
4.     The Red Sea 5:45
Bob Mintzer
5.     Muhammed 6:47
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
6.     City of Lights 6:56
Russell Ferrante
7.     Sage 5:04
Bob Mintzer
8.     Ancestors 5:01
Matisha / Bob Mintzer
9.     Wisdom 7:29
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
Credits :
Bass – Jimmy Haslip
Drums – William Kennedy
Guitar – Robben Ford
Keyboards – Russell Ferrante
Producer – Yellowjackets
Synthesizer [Synclavier] – Steve Croes
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Electronic Wind Instrument [Ewi], Bass Clarinet – Bob Mintzer 

YELLOWJACKETS — Dreamland (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Perhaps the finest recording of this quartet's illustrious career, Dreamland captures the Yellowjackets at the peak of their compositional and performing craft. This band has moved far beyond its peers with this release. The music here is simply intoxicating, full of gorgeous melodies, deceptively intricate changes, subtle rhythmic and harmonic nuances, and flawless playing. Because of the consistency of the music, it is impossible to point out high spots. Bobby McFerrin has never sounded better than on his guest appearance on "Summer Song," but it's the high level maintained by the four Yellowjackets throughout the disc that especially entrances the listener. This is a Dreamland where any connoisseur of quality music will find delight and quiet satisfaction. Jim Newsom
Tracklist :
1.     The Chosen 4:59
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
Percussion – Luis Conte
Trumpet – Chuck Findley
2.     Blacktop 5:02
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / Bob Mintzer
3.     Summer Song 6:35
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
Percussion – Luis Conte
Vocals, Percussion – Bobby McFerrin
4.     Small Town 6:31
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
5.     A Walk in the Park 5:21
Bob Mintzer
Trumpet, Trombone – Chuck Findley
6.     Turn in Time 5:05
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
7.     Father Time 4:39
Bob Mintzer
8.     New Lullaby (For Gabriela) 4:34
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
9.     Dreamland 5:42
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy
10.     Take My Hand 4:31
Russell Ferrante / William Kennedy
Credits :
Bass, Bass [Shop] – Jimmy Haslip
Drums – William Kennedy
Keyboards – Russell Ferrante
Producer [Produced By] – Yellowjackets
Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Bob Mintzer 

YELLOWJACKETS — Blue Hats (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

As they continue to evolve, the Yellowjackets have gradually gone from being an R&B-oriented fusion band to a more acoustic group that emphasizes fairly straight-ahead improvisations. Although this CD has nine originals by bandmembers and some electronics are utilized (primarily by keyboardist Russell Ferrante for color), much of the music would satisfy even hard bop listeners. Bob Mintzer's many solos on tenor, soprano, bass clarinet and EWI are excellent, but it is the tightness of the rhythm section (which also includes bassist Jimmy Haslip and drummer William Kennedy) that continues to give the Yellowjackets their own original sound. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    Capetown 5:37
Composed By – Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante, William Kennedy
2.    With These Hands 6:56
Composed By – Russell Ferrante, William Kennedy
3.    Prayer For Peace 6:48
Composed By – Bob Mintzer
4.    Statue Of Liberty 6:12
Composed By – Russell Ferrante
5.    Coal Minor Blues 5:57
Composed By – Russell Ferrante
6.    Savanna 7:09
Composed By – Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante, William Kennedy
7.    New Rochelle 6:07
Composed By – Bob Mintzer
8.    Coquimbo 4:31
Composed By – Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante, William Kennedy
9.    Angelina 7:15
Composed By – Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante
Credits :
Bass – Jimmy Haslip
Drums – William Kennedy
Keyboards – Russell Ferrante
Saxophone – Bob Mintzer 

YELLOWJACKETS — Club Nocturne (1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

For their fourteenth album as a band, the Yellowjackets announced the desire to go in a different direction from their previous outings. The difference on Club Nocturne is the inclusion of four vocal tracks. Fortunately, there is no difference here in the high level of musicianship and compositional quality long associated with this quartet. In fact, Club Nocturne is very much of a piece with its immediate predecessors, Dreamland and Blue Hats. "Spirit of the West" and "Stick_to_it_ive_ness" kick the CD off in a buoyant mood, emphasizing Russell Ferrante's inventive songwriting, Jimmy Haslip's nimble-fingered, melodic basswork, and Bob Mintzer's soprano saxophone mastery. The groove is solid, unmistakably Yellowjackets. Track three, the ultra-funky "Up From New Orleans," is a diversion for the band only because it features Kurt Elling singing Mintzer's homage to the Crescent City. The music itself is pure Mintzer-Yellowjackets, fortified with a brass band-inspired, crawfish-fed N'Orleans backbeat. "The Evening News" moves in a syncopated groove laid down by Haslip and drummer William Kennedy, who delivers his usual polyrhythmic virtuoso performance throughout the disc. The two most surprising tracks here are "Even the Pain," featuring a vocal by Jonathan Butler, and "Love and Paris Rain," with Brenda Russell carrying the vocal duty. Though these tracks would be right at home on smooth jazz radio, each has enough character to set it apart from the formulaic ballads clogging up the playlists of such stations. Butler's track has the feel of his native South Africa blended with a touch of Irish pennywhistle, while Ms. Russell's feature stands out because of its unexpected chord progressions. "The Village Church" harkens back to Ferrante's days as a youngster whose dad was a church choir director. "Twilight for Nancy" is a beautiful instrumental ballad, while "Automat" is reminiscent of earlier bandworks, with a sax and synth counterpoint played against and within the melody, conjuring up images of robotic automatons roaming back and forth across a futuristic plain. The final piece, "All is Quiet," again brings Elling to the mike, this time in an atypical setting for a Yellowjackets recording, mostly space and openness, as Elling trades lines with Mintzer's sax while the rest of the band fills in the beatless background with washes and accents. From start to finish, Club Nocturne is a satisfying addition to the Yellowjackets' catalog. While obviously seeking to expand their appeal to a wider audience, they have managed to avoid compromising their high musical standards. Jim Newsom  
Tracklist :
1.    Spirit Of The West 5:07
Composed By – R. Ferrante
2.    Stick To It Ive Ness 5:32
Composed By – R. Ferrante
3.    Up From New Orleans 5:34
Composed By – B. Mintzer
Vocals – Kurt Elling
4.    The Evening News 4:16
Composed By – B. Mintzer, R. Ferrante, W. Kennedy
5.    Even In The Pain 5:24
Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Jonathan Butler, Richard Page
Composed By – R. Page
Percussion – Munyungo Jackson
Vocals – Jonathan Butler
6.    Love And Paris Rain 5:06
Composed By – B. Russell, R. Ferrante, W. Kennedy
Guitar – James Harrah
Vocals – Brenda Russell
7.    The Village Church 4:50
Composed By – R. Ferrante
8.    Twilight For Nancy 5:25
Composed By – J. Haslip, R. Ferrante
9.    Automat 6:58
Composed By – J. Haslip, R. Ferrante
10.    All Is Quiet 5:45
Composed By – B. Mintzer, K. Elling
Vocals – Kurt Elling
Credits :
Bass – Jimmy Haslip
Drums – William Kennedy
Piano, Keyboards – Russell Ferrante
Producer [Produced By] – Yellowjackets
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Bob Mintzer

YELLOWJACKETS — Mint Jam (2001) 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This set differs from most of the Yellowjackets' previous recordings in several ways: It is a two-CD set, it has not been released by a major record company but instead has been put out by the group's own private label, and the music overall emphasizes straight-ahead jazz and dynamic solos. In fact, it contains some of the best solos on record by tenor saxophonist Bob Mintzer and keyboardist Russell Ferrante. With electric bassist Jimmy Haslip inspiring the lead voices and taking occasional solos, while the band's newest member, drummer Marcus Baylor, keeps the ensembles stimulating, the group performs a dozen songs, all of which are originals by Ferrante (who emphasizes his own acoustic piano playing), Haslip, and/or Mintzer. Whether it be the catchy "Boomtown," "Blues for KJ," "Song for Carla," or "Statue of Liberty," the Yellowjackets show that they are one of the most vital groups in contemporary jazz, even after 20 years. The high-quality improvisations, the appealing group sound, and the diverse but consistently satisfying originals make this one of the Yellowjackets' strongest releases. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1.     Les Is Mo 4:30
Russell Ferrante
2.     Boomtown 5:23
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
3.     Motet 9:16
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
4.     Mofongo 7:00
Bob Mintzer
5.     Blues for KJ 5:08
Russell Ferrante
6.     Runferyerlife 7:00
Bob Mintzer
7.     Song for Carla 5:24
Bob Mintzer
8.     Tortoise and the Hare 7:09
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / Will Kennedy / Marc Russo
9.     Mosaic 6:14
Bob Mintzer
10.     New Jig 6:57
Russell Ferrante
11.     Statue of Liberty 9:34
Russell Ferrante
12.     Evening News 6:06
Russell Ferrante / Will Kennedy / Bob Mintzer
Credits :
Drums – Marcus Baylor
Electric Bass – Jimmy Haslip
Piano, Synthesizer – Russell Ferrante
Producer – Yellowjackets
Tenor Saxophone, Electronic Wind Instrument [EWI] – Bob Mintzer 

YELLOWJACKETS — Time Squared (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Following on the heels of their Grammy-nominated Mint Jam, their self-released 2001 "live" recording, the Yellowjackets continue to blaze an enjoyable musical trail that pulsates with their energy and signature sound that few will fail to recognize and many have come to love over the past 30 years. With Time Squared, the group's first studio recording in five years, the Yellowjackets have added 11 diverse songs to this fertile contemporary jazz landscape. The songs, which were all written by the group's new members, range from prayerful, peaceful melodies with improvised vocals, such as "Healing Waters," to those that capture Thelonious Monk's piano style. On "Monk's Habit," pianist Russell Ferrante and tenor saxophonist Bob Mintzer stir up some great jazz memories by playing an amazing straight-ahead set ripe with bebop solos reminiscent of Monk's time with Sonny Rollins. The title track has the listener in a '70s boogaloo instinct, but Mintzer has set it apart with the addition of his bass clarinet for texture, Jimmy Haslip's great basslines, Ferrante's very cool electric keyboard lead on the melody, and truly complimentary rimshots and backbeats from drummer/percussionist Marcus Baylor. The set closes with "My 1st Best Friend," which features Mintzer taking a dynamic saxophone solo that has the potential to take its place alongside some of the more memorable jazz solos. Overall, Time Squared is perhaps the most multi-dimensional offering from the Yellowjackets since their explorations in the 1990s took listeners through a diverse cross section of sound and rhythms. But there are no hints of sameness here. This is a full-length music CD and a multimedia CD-ROM with a video, artist profile, and a lot of great jazz played by great musicians. Paula Edelstein  

Tracklist :

1.     Go Go 5:33

Bob Mintzer

2.     Monk's Habit 5:12

Russell Ferrante

3.     Smithtown 5:17

Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip

4.     Healing Waters 6:10

Marcus Baylor / Russell Ferrante

5.     Time Squared 6:45

Bob Mintzer

6.     Gabriela Rose 4:53

Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip

7.     Sea Folk 6:31

Russell Ferrante

8.    V 5:27

Russell Ferrante

9     Claire @ 1 8 5:29

Russell Ferrante

10     Village Gait 5:31

Bob Mintzer

11.     My 1st Best Friend 4:49

Russell Ferrante

Credits :

Bass – Jimmy Haslip

Drums, Percussion – Marcus Baylor

Piano, Keyboards [Electronic] – Russell Ferrante

Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet [Bb], Bass Clarinet, Flute, Electronic Wind Instrument – Bob Mintzer 

YELLOWJACKETS — Altered State (2005) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The most adventurous quartet in contemporary jazz has met its visual match in Peter Max, the legendary pop artist who, as it turns out, is a huge fan of the band. Russell Ferrante and company could probably feel at home naming any of their innovative, loose-spirited albums after one of Max's paintings, but Altered State definitely fits the vibe here -- which is all odd meters, emotionally provocative melodic lines, and unexpected harmonies. Max, in turn, took a few preliminary tracks and was inspired to create the cool, splotchy cover art. The hourlong musical affair won't cause any permanent mental and emotional departures, but there are a lot of odd and spirited surprises along the way. "Suite 15," featuring the funky interplay of Bob Mintzer's aggressive sax and Ferrante's power chording (not to mention one of Ferrante's classic lush piano solos), is classic Jackets stuff all the way. They almost go "pop" on Mintzer's multi-genre romp "March Majestic," which is driven by drummer Marcus Baylor's New Orleans-styled march beat, Ferrante's gospel-tinged keys, and -- big shock -- Mintzer's ace soloing throughout. The spiritual centerpiece of the disc is "The Hope," a churchgoing gem featuring Jean Baylor on lead vocals and the Perry Sisters backing. Running from the fellowship hall, the quartet goes alternately fun and jazzy and then weird and wild, from Ferrante's dark, brooding, and gently exotic "Hunter's Point" to bassist Jimmy Haslip's simmering and offbeat "Youth Eternal." Marcus Baylor has a blast taking listeners into a dense percussive forest at the beginning of "Free Day," which develops into a fairly straightforward midtempo jazz number. Ferrante explains that this project was about finding some less-traveled roads. But even on those, the band can't get away from the powerful risk-taking and solid playing that make the Yellowjackets treasures in their chosen genre. Jonathan Widran  

Tracklist :
1.    Suite 15 4:51
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
2.    March Majestic 5:20
Written-By – Bob Mintzer
3.    The Hope 5:02
Written-By – Jean Baylor, Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante
4.    Hunter's Point 6:14
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
5.    Mother Earth 4:43
Written-By – Bob Mintzer
6.    Youth Eternal 5:08
Written-By – Jimmy Haslip
7.    Free Day 5:28
Written-By – Marcus Baylor
8.    Cross Current 5:29
Written-By – Bob Mintzer
9.    Aha 5:49
Written-By – Bob Mintzer
10.    57 Chevy 6:23
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
11.    Unity 5:56
Written-By – Bob Mintzer, Marcus Baylor
Credits :
Backing Vocals – Carolyn Perry (pistas: 3), Darlene Perry (pistas: 3), Lori Perry (pistas: 3), Sharon Perry (pistas: 3)
Drums – Marcus Baylor
Electric Bass – Jimmy Haslip
Lead Vocals – Jean Baylor (pistas: 3)
Percussion – Mike Shapiro (pistas: 1, 4)
Piano, Electric Piano, Keyboards – Russell Ferrante
Producer – Yellowjackets
Saxophone [Tenor, Soprano, Ewi], Clarinet [Bass] – Bob Mintzer  

YELLOWJACKETS — Twenty Five (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 Celebrating the smooth jazz giant's 25th anniversary as an ensemble, Twenty Five features the Yellowjackets performing live in Paris in 2005. Showcasing the tenor sax talents of Bob Mintzer, the band also includes longtime members pianist Russell Ferrante, bassist Jimmy Haslip, and drummer Marcus Baylor. Here, the Yellowjackets run through such fan favorites as "Geraldine," "Greenhouse," and others. Also included is a live DVD performance filmed in Italy in 2005. Matt Collar
Tracklist :
1     Revelation 7:38
Russell Ferrante
2     Geraldine 9:06
Russell Ferrante
3     Jacketown 10:55
Russell Ferrante
4     Sea Folk 11:05
Russell Ferrante
5     Free Day 7:37
Marcus Baylor
6     My Old School 5:26
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
7     Greenhouse 11:08
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
8     Runferyerlife 9:39
Bob Mintzer
Credits :
Drums – Marcus Baylor
Electric Bass – Jimmy Haslip
Piano [Acoustic Piano], Synthesizer – Russell Ferrante
Producer [Produced By] – Yellowjackets
Tenor Saxophone, Electronic Wind Instrument [EWI] – Bob Mintzer

YELLOWJACKETS — Politics (1988) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A nearly complete departure from smooth jazz, Politics is arguably the Yellowjackets' strongest effort to date. True, there is the pure pop of the single "Local Hero" (which features a rhythm section more rock than jazz) and the accessible "Evening Dance" to be considered, but they're the exceptions rather than the rule. Like Four Corners before it, Politics engages in exotic, dreamy textures, the new wrinkle here being the joining of Russell Ferrante's keyboards and Marc Russo's saxophones to create intoxicating, complex themes (the opening pair of "Oz" and "Tortoise & the Hare" are the best examples of this technique). The disc also finds the Yellowjackets incorporating elements of post-bop ("Downtown," "Foreign Correspondent") and more traditional jazz ("Helix," which affords a rare opportunity to compare Ferrante's piano technique to those of artists like Chick Corea and Bill Evans). The biggest difference in sound comes from Russo, who downplays his typically smooth soloing for more cerebral fare. Jimmy Haslip's bass has grown steadily more subtle over time, though he does showcase his fretless skills on "Galileo (For Jaco)" and provides a perfect complement to Russo's sax on the romantic "Avance." The rhythms of William Kennedy have moved higher in the mix, which partially accounts for Haslip's diminished presence, with guest Alex Acuña again providing occasional percussion. It's a pleasure to hear the Yellowjackets move beyond smooth jazz to bring their talents to bear on more substantive music. Despite the variety of styles -- from giddy, Ponty-like patterns to thoughtful, unfolding ballads -- the Yellowjackets treat every song with care and craftsmanship. The band returned to self-producing after this, so some of the softness in tone that co-producer David Hentschel brought to the sessions was lost on The Spin. Of the four albums that the band made for MCA, Politics is the one to own. Dave Connolly  
Tracklist :
1     Oz 4:44
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy / Marc Russo
2     Tortoise & The Hare 5:32
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / Marc Russo
3     Local Hero 4:38
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / Marc Russo
4     Galileo (For Jaco) 5:05
Jimmy Haslip
5     Foreign Correspondent 5:43
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy / Marc Russo
6     Downtown 4:02
Russell Ferrante
7     Helix 4:57
Russell Ferrante / William Kennedy
8     Avance 5:17
Russell Ferrante
9     One Voice 3:58
Russell Ferrante
10     Evening Dance 5:10
Russell Ferrante
Credits :
Guest, Musician, Percussion – Alex Acuna
Guest, Musician, Synthesizer [Synclavier] – Steve Croes
Performer [Yellowjackets Are:], Bass [5 String Bass] – Jimmy Haslip
Performer [Yellowjackets Are:], Drums – William Kennedy
Performer [Yellowjackets Are:], Keyboards [All Keyboards] – Russell Ferrante
Performer [Yellowjackets Are:], Saxophone [Saxophones] – Marc Russo

YELLOWJACKETS — Four Corners (1987) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Taking a cue from Weather Report (not to mention a percussionist, Alex Acuña), the Yellowjackets created more exotic textures for Four Corners, often with the use of Zawinul-like synthesizers from Russell Ferrante. The album otherwise represents a shift toward more traditional jazz, felt profoundly in the rhythm section of Jimmy Haslip and new drummer William Kennedy. The change in strategy is made plain on the opening "Out of Town," which finds everyone rethinking their instrument beyond the smooth jazz of Shades. While the atmospheric production of David Hentschel and the band lends an ominous air to the music, fans may see it as a poor tradeoff for the readily identifiable (and often instantly likeable) melodies of their previous work. Though nothing leaps off of Four Corners screaming "Hum me," sections of it are mesmerizing. "Past Ports" and "Wildlife" in particular absorb the listener into a breathing musical world. The disc isn't a full conversion from smooth jazz; Marc Russo's sax is still as sweet as ever, but on a track like "Open Road" the effect is icing on a spice cake. Haslip provides some noisy patterns that suggest he was striving for more substance; in fact, he and Ferrante seem to duke it out for control of "Postcards," while everyone throws their own wrench into "Room With a View." Four Corners is the product of four separate musicians striving to cultivate their own voice, a journey that discovers some interesting music along the way. That the Yellowjackets wanted to explore beyond the fringes of smooth jazz boded well for the band's future. Dave Connolly
Tracklist :
1    Out Of Town 5:02
Written-By – Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante
2    Wildlife 6:03
Cello, Percussion [Additional] – Bill Gable
Vocals – Alex Acuña, Bill Gable, Brenda Russell, Diana Acuña, Jimmy Haslip
Written-By – Alex Acuña, Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante
3    Sightseeing 5:52
Vocals – Bill Gable
Written-By – Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante
4    Open Road 3:37
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
5    Mile High 4:12
Written-By – Bill Gable, Jimmy Haslip, Marc Russo, Russell Ferrante, William Kennedy
6    Past Ports 5:29
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
7    Postcards 5:28
Written-By – Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante
8    Room With A View 4:28
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
9    Geneva 2:24
Written-By – Jimmy Haslip
10    Indigo 5:28
Written-By – Jimmy Haslip, Marc Russo, Russell Ferrante, William Kennedy
Credits :
Drums, Percussion – William Kennedy
Electric Bass [5-string Bass, Fretless Bass] – Jimmy Haslip
Percussion – Alex Acuña
Piano [Acoustic], Synthesizer [All] – Russell Ferrante
Programmed By [Synclavier] – Gary Barlough
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Marc Russo

YELLOWJACKETS — The Spin (1989) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Smooth jazz with some rough edges, you can actually sink your teeth into The Spin. Yellowjackets haven't completely taken pop/jazz out of their diet -- Marc Russo's "Blues for Nikki" and Russell Ferrante's "Whistle While You Walk" will skip a little too lightly for some tastes -- but most of the songs find a satisfying midway point between the sweet and the sour. "Geraldine," "Dark Horses," and "Storytellers" all have some meat on them, with keyboardist Russell Ferrante leading a musical discussion that steers clear of the banal. Leaving Russo to carry the melodies, Ferrante is free to pursue a more discursive dialogue (notably on "Enigma"), with punctuation provided by the brisk percussion of William Kennedy (who shines on "Dark Horses"). Jimmy Haslip's bassline gives "The Spin" its shape, but he continues to fade in and out of the mix, and fails to make the most of his one solo. The compact disc features a great bonus track: a medley of Billy Strayhorn's "A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing" and Bud Powell's "Hallucinations." What their version may lack in soul they make up for in stride. The Spin has more on its mind than an album like Shades, and Yellowjackets' willingness to create and resolve musical problems will give some listeners pause to think. At least on this occasion, Yellowjackets show that light jazz doesn't have to be a guilty pleasure. Dave Connolly  
Tracklist :
1     Geraldine 6:43
Russell Ferrante
2     The Spin 4:46
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy / Marc Russo
3     Storytellers 6:44
Russell Ferrante
4     Prayer for El Salvador 6:00
Russell Ferrante
5     Whistle While You Walk 5:14
Russell Ferrante
6     Enigma 4:48
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
7     Dark Horses 5:00
Barry Coates / Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
8     Blues for Nikki 4:20
Marc Russo
9     A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing/Hallucinations 8:48
Bud Powell / Billy Strayhorn
Credits :
Arranged By [Percussions] – Alex Acuna
Bass – Jimmy Haslip
Drums, Percussion – William Kennedy
Keyboards – Russell Ferrante
Producer – Yellowjackets
Saxophone [Saxophones] – Marc Russo

YELLOWJACKETS — Lifecycle (2008) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Yellowjackets needed a guest guitarist, who would be the best person for the job? Pat Metheny would be an excellent choice, as would Al di Meola, John McLaughlin, Larry Coryell, or John Scofield. Well, the Yellowjackets did hire a guest guitarist for Lifecycle -- an excellent and well-known guitarist, in fact -- and they feature him extensively on this 2008 release. The guitarist is Mike Stern, who enjoys a strong rapport with the Yellowjackets' 2008 lineup: Russell Ferrante on acoustic piano and electric keyboards, Jimmy Haslip on electric bass, Bob Mintzer on tenor and soprano sax and bass clarinet, and Marcus Baylor on drums and percussion. Stern and the Yellowjackets are a perfectly logical combination -- especially in light of the hell-bent-for-jazz direction the Yellowjackets have favored since 1991's Greenhouse. With Greenhouse (which was Mintzer's first album with the outfit), Ferrante and Haslip made it clear that they wanted the Yellowjackets to be considered a serious, heavy-duty jazz combo instead of a group that pandered to smooth jazz stations. That isn't to say that the Yellowjackets' 1980s output lacks merit -- many of their '80s recordings are quite creative -- but with Greenhouse, Ferrante and Haslip really emphasized their Weather Report/Miles Davis/Return to Forever heritage. And that mindset continues to serve the Yellowjackets well 17 years later on Lifecycle. Jazz purists and bop snobs, of course, would argue that if you use electric instruments and have been influenced by rock or funk in any way, you aren't playing jazz, but the truth is that Stern and the Yellowjackets do bring a serious jazz improviser's mentality to engaging tracks like Haslip's bluesy "Country Living," Mintzer's mysterious "Falken's Maze," and Ferrante's probing, somewhat John Coltrane-ish "Measure of a Man." With its blend of electric and acoustic instruments, Lifecycle is relevant to both fusion and post-bop -- and it is also proof that collaborating with Stern was a very wise move for the Yellowjackets. Alex Henderson
Tracklist : 
1    Falken's Maze 6:25
Written-By – B. Mintzer
2    Country Living 6:24
Written-By – J. Haslip
3    Double Nickel 6:42
Written-By – M.Stern
4    Dreams Go 6:49
Written-By – M.Stern
5    Measure Of A Man 7:33
Written-By – R.Ferrante
6    Yahoo 4:52
Written-By – B. Mintzer
7    I Wonder 6:01
Written-By – B. Mintzer
8    3 Circles 7:30
Written-By – B. Mintzer, J. Haslip, M. Baylor, R.Ferrante
9    Claire's Closet 5:05
Written-By – R.Ferrante
10    Lazaro 5:15
Programmed By [Programming], Sequenced By [Sequencing] – Jimmy Haslip
Written-By – B. Mintzer, J. Haslip
Credits :
Marcus Baylor - Drums, Percussion
Russell Ferrante - Keyboards, Percussion, Piano
Jimmy Haslip - Bass (Electric),
Bob Mintzer - Clarinet, Clarinet (Bass), Sax (Soprano), Sax (Tenor)
Jerry Mitkowski : Piano Technician
Mike Stern : Featured Guitar

YELLOWJACKETS — Timeline (2011) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Contemporary jazz ensemble Yellowjackets' 2011 Mack Avenue debut, Timeline features the band's longstanding knack for straddling the line between smooth jazz and more cerebral post-bop stuff. Marking the group's 30 years in the business, the album is a perfect mix of low-key, soulful moments and more funky, angular jazz. In that sense, it's a perfect balance of what the band has done throughout its career. Showcased here are members saxophonist Bob Mintzer, keyboardist Russell Ferrante, bassist Jimmy Haslip, and drummer Will Kennedy, as well as guests guitarist Robben Ford and trumpeter John Daversa. Ultimately, with tracks like the disarmingly knotty opener "Why Is It," the expansive "Tenacity," and the ruminative R&B-infused title track, Timeline reveals Yellowjackets as a band in a seemingly reinvigorated and creative state of mind. Not a bad place to be at 30. Matt Collar

Tracklist :
1     Why is It 5:04
Bob Mintzer
2     Tenacity 6:07
Bob Mintzer
Trumpet – John Daversa
3     Rosemary 4:54
W. Kennedy
4     Timeline 5:11
R. Ferrante
5     Magnolia 4:36
R. Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
Guitar – Robben Ford
6     A Single Step 7:05
R. Ferrante
7     Indivisible 5:22
R. Ferrante
8     Like Elvin 5:32
Bob Mintzer
Trumpet – John Daversa
9     My Soliloquy 6:22
Bob Mintzer
10     Numerology 5:56
R. Ferrante
11     I Do 6:00
R. Ferrante
Credits :
Bass – Jimmy Haslip
Drums, Keyboards – Will Kennedy
Piano, Keyboards – Russell Ferrante
Producer – Yellowjackets
Tenor Saxophone, Sopranino Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – Bob Mintzer

YELLOWJACKETS — Samurai Samba (1985) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Samurai Samba is notable for the addition of fiery saxophonist Marc Russo to the group, an alumnus of the Tower of Power horn section. His sound gave Yellowjackets an identity, and resulted in some memorable tunes such as the album opener "Homecoming" (a concert favorite back in the day), and the title track where Russo blows almost bebop lines over a funky blend of jazz fusion set to a fast-paced samba beat. "Lonely Weekend" is notable for the guest appearance of singer and tunesmith Bobby Caldwell. The overall sound is very much of its time, fitting in well with the contemporary jazz fusion that was popular back then. This one is an important evolutionary album in their catalog. Rudy

Tracklist :

1.    Homecoming 5:13

Russell Ferrante

2.    Deat Beat 5:25

Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / Ricky Lawson / Marc Russo

3.    Daddy's Gonna Miss You 4:33

Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / Ricky Lawson / Marc Russo

4.    Sylvania 4:14

Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / Ricky Lawson

5.    Silverlake 5:45

Russell Ferrante

6.    Lonely Weekend 4:20

Bobby Caldwell / Joseph Curiale / Russell Ferrante / Ricky Lawson

7.    Los Mambos 4:24

Paulinho Da Costa / Russell Ferrante / Marc Russo

8.    Samurai Samba 5:18

Russell Ferrante

Credits :

Vocals – Bobby Caldwell, Carl Caldwell, Marilyn Scott, Paulinho Da Costa

Bass [5-string] – Jimmy Haslip

Drums, Drums [Electric] – Ricky Lawson

Guitar – Carlos Rios, Michael Landau

Keyboards – Russell Ferrante

Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa

Saxophone [Alto] – Marc Russo