The American jazz-fusion band YellowJackets has been around for 43 years. In that time they have recorded 25 albums, been nominated 17 times for a Grammy Award, won 2, and performed worldwide. The group was formed in the late 1970s as a backup to guitarist Robben Ford, and released their debut in 1980. Shortly after, however, Ford decided to go his own way. Thus the group was born, a trio with Russell Ferrante (keyboards), Jimmy Haslip (bass) and Ricky Lawson (drums). Later Bob Mintzer on saxophone was added, while the band went through some line-up changes. Currently the group consists of Ferrante, Mintzer, Will Kennedy (drums) and Dane Alderson (bass). Their latest CD, which will be released next week on Mack Avenue Records, is the 27th in the list. It was recorded in 3 days during the Corona pandemic after a short European tour. “We rehearsed the tunes on the album maybe three times,” Alderson said. “I believe we're only now on this tour performing these songs live, so what you're hearing are about as fresh as they can be. Everything really came to life in the studio in those three days.” Mintzer's 'Intrigue' opens the disc, a track that keeps changing, followed by 'Challenging Times'. The title track sounds calmer, after which 'Onyx Manor' is next. "Samaritan" was originally a sung track, but Kennedy transformed it into what it is today. 'Il Mio Amico' is an ode to Ferrante's new Fazioli piano, followed by the somewhat funky 'Resilience'. And on 'If You Believe' soulful guest vocalist Jean Baylor comes along. 'Early' closes with an R&B touch. This CD proves that the band is still there after all these years. And although it was admitted in uncertain times, it is looked forward to with hope. The focus is still on the band, and the music continues to grow.
		Website Yellowjackets Tracks: 01 Intrigue 02 Challenging Times 03 Parallel Motion 04 Onyx Manor 05 Samaritan 06 Il Mio Amico 07 Resilience 08 If You Believe 09 Early Video: https://youtu.be/OVNyLd8I8gA