Yellowjackets
9:30–11:00PM, Carhartt Amphitheatre Stage
One of the most creative regular groups in the "rhythm & jazz" genre, the Yellowjackets broke onto the scene in 1981 with their self-titled debut album. The critically acclaimed release made serious waves in jazz radio and was followed by a series of successful outings that includes Grammy Award–winners Shades (1986) and Politics (1988). The group’s most recent outings, Altered State (2005) and Lifecycle (2008) received Grammy nominations for “Best Contemporary Jazz Recording” and “Best Contemporary Jazz Album,” respectively. In all, the Yellowjackets have received 14 Grammy nominations.
The Yellowjackets consists of Jimmy Haslip (bass), Russell Ferrante (piano and keyboards), Bob Mintzer (sax) and Will Kennedy (drums). Haslip has played an integral role in defining the Yellowjackets sound, building the foundation upon which their songs are crafted and delivering his thoughtful and fiery solos. Ferrante, an original member of the group, is a formidable keyboardist who has performed with the likes of Jimmy Witherspoon, Joe Farrell, Joni Mitchell, Sado Watanabe, Take 6 and many others. Saxophonist Bob Mintzer is a versatile and thoughtful musician and songwriter. In addition to his work with the Yellowjackets, he is a bandleader, writer and arranger for his Bob Mintzer Big Band, along with performing with the New York Philharmonic. Drummer Will Kennedy’s “. . . performances have not only inspired a generation of musicians, but have helped to define the leading edge of contemporary jazz” (Drummer World). He has appeared on a myriad of records for other artists, in addition to serving as house drummer for The Wayne Brady Show and The Martin Short Show.
