Yellowjackets
Encyclopedia
Yellowjackets is an American
jazz fusion
/smooth jazz
quartet
.
, Russell Ferrante
, Jimmy Haslip
and Ricky Lawson
, all top-notch L.A. session musicians. Ford had originally assembled the group to record Inside Story
, but, signed to a separate record contract, ended up listed as a guest artist. Eventually he was replaced by saxophone and EWI player Richard Elliott, who appeared only on the "Mirage a Trois" album, before switching places in 1984 with alto saxophonist Marc Russo, who had been in the seminal R&B band Tower of Power
. Ricky Lawson left in 1986 to tour with Lionel Richie
. Some of their songs were featured on The Weather Channel's Local On The 8s segments -- the Ferrante composition, "Matinee Idol," being the most well-known.
Founded in 1981 as a jazz-fusion band that starred guitarist Robben Ford, the group's sound became more R&B-oriented after Ford's departure, with Marc Russo's crisp alto saxophone sound and soaring high-register solos. With original members Russell Ferrante on keyboards and electric bassist Jimmy Haslip, in addition to drummer William Kennedy, the band found its own R&B-ish sound, sometimes playing original compositions that sounded like Joe Zawinul
at his most melodic.
Starting out on Warner Brothers in the early '80s, the Yellowjackets moved to MCA/GRP in 1986, where they released a string of well-received albums. They also appeared with two songs on the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
. They are frequently on stage at festivals like Indy Jazz Fest
.
In the '90s, Russo chose to go out on his own and plays regularly with The Doobie Brothers, and his replacement, Bob Mintzer
(on tenor and bass clarinet), added more jazz credibility to the group's music. They moved back to Warner Brothers in 1995 for several albums before moving the Heads Up label for the live two-CD set Mint Jam in 2002. 2003 saw the release of their first studio album in five years, Time Squared. Three years later, the band celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary as an ensemble with the release of the live album Twenty Five.
In May 2008, the Yellowjackets released their 20th release, Lifecycle, also on HeadsUp International. Lifecycle features guitarist and label-mate Mike Stern
, making it the first Yellowjackets record in 15 years to feature guitar (1994's Run For Your Life featured Robben Ford
on the track Even Song). The album has been nominated for the 2009 GRAMMY Awards in the category of Best Contemporary Jazz Album. Russell Ferrante has also been nominated in the category of Best Instrumental Composer for the track "Claire's Closet."
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
jazz fusion
Jazz fusion
Jazz fusion is a musical fusion genre that developed from mixing funk and R&B rhythms and the amplification and electronic effects of rock, complex time signatures derived from non-Western music and extended, typically instrumental compositions with a jazz approach to lengthy group improvisations,...
/smooth jazz
Smooth jazz
Smooth jazz is a genre of music that grew out of jazz fusion and is influenced by R&B, funk, rock, and pop music styles ....
quartet
Quartet
In music, a quartet is a method of instrumentation , used to perform a musical composition, and consisting of four parts.-Western art music:...
.
History
The original group, called The Robben Ford Group, was formed in 1977, and consisted of Robben FordRobben Ford
Robben Ford is an American blues, jazz and rock guitarist.-Biography:Ford was born in Woodlake, California, United States, but raised in Ukiah, California, and began playing the saxophone at age 10, picking up the guitar at age 13...
, Russell Ferrante
Russell Ferrante
Russell Keith Ferrante is a jazz pianist from San Jose, California who is a founding member of the group Yellowjackets. During his early career, Ferrante performed with American blues singer Jimmy Witherspoon and guitarist Robben Ford. He also toured with Joni Mitchell. The group Yellowjackets...
, Jimmy Haslip
Jimmy Haslip
Jimmy Haslip is an American electric bass player and record producer best known as a founding and current member of the pioneering fusion group Yellowjackets...
and Ricky Lawson
Ricky Lawson
- Overview :Ricky Lawson started playing drums at the age of 16. He would borrow is Uncle's drum set, and would carry it to his house all the way across town via the Detroit Buses that ran in the town. In high school Lawson played in his high school jazz band, which consisted of only 5 members...
, all top-notch L.A. session musicians. Ford had originally assembled the group to record Inside Story
The Inside Story (album)
The Inside Story is a 1979 studio album by Robben Ford. This Robben Ford's solo album can be regarded as the start of the Jazz fusion band the Yellowjackets.-Track listing:All songs written by Robben Ford unless otherwise noted....
, but, signed to a separate record contract, ended up listed as a guest artist. Eventually he was replaced by saxophone and EWI player Richard Elliott, who appeared only on the "Mirage a Trois" album, before switching places in 1984 with alto saxophonist Marc Russo, who had been in the seminal R&B band Tower of Power
Tower of Power
Tower of Power is an American R&B-based horn section and band, originating in Oakland, California, that has been performing for over 43 years. They are best known for their funky soul sound highlighted by a powerful horn section...
. Ricky Lawson left in 1986 to tour with Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie
Lionel Brockman Richie, Jr. , is an American singer-songwriter, musician and record producer. Since 1968, he has been a member of the musical group Commodores signed to Motown Records...
. Some of their songs were featured on The Weather Channel's Local On The 8s segments -- the Ferrante composition, "Matinee Idol," being the most well-known.
Founded in 1981 as a jazz-fusion band that starred guitarist Robben Ford, the group's sound became more R&B-oriented after Ford's departure, with Marc Russo's crisp alto saxophone sound and soaring high-register solos. With original members Russell Ferrante on keyboards and electric bassist Jimmy Haslip, in addition to drummer William Kennedy, the band found its own R&B-ish sound, sometimes playing original compositions that sounded like Joe Zawinul
Joe Zawinul
Josef Erich Zawinul was an Austrian-American jazz keyboardist and composer.First coming to prominence with saxophonist Cannonball Adderley, Zawinul went on to play with trumpeter Miles Davis, and to become one of the creators of jazz fusion, an innovative musical genre that combined jazz with...
at his most melodic.
Starting out on Warner Brothers in the early '80s, the Yellowjackets moved to MCA/GRP in 1986, where they released a string of well-received albums. They also appeared with two songs on the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home is a 1986 American science fiction film released by Paramount Pictures. It is the fourth feature film based on the Star Trek science fiction television series and completes the story arc begun in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and continued in Star Trek III: The...
. They are frequently on stage at festivals like Indy Jazz Fest
Indy Jazz Fest
The Indy Jazz Fest is an annual jazz festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. It first took place on June 17, 1999. It was created by a consortium of Downtown Indianapolis hospitality, civic and business interests as a way to spotlight Indianapolis' rich jazz heritage through an annual event...
.
In the '90s, Russo chose to go out on his own and plays regularly with The Doobie Brothers, and his replacement, Bob Mintzer
Bob Mintzer
Bob Mintzer is a jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger, and big band leader based in Los Angeles, California. Mintzer is a member of the jazz rock band the Yellowjackets.-With The Yellowjackets:*Greenhouse, 1991;*Live Wires, 1992;...
(on tenor and bass clarinet), added more jazz credibility to the group's music. They moved back to Warner Brothers in 1995 for several albums before moving the Heads Up label for the live two-CD set Mint Jam in 2002. 2003 saw the release of their first studio album in five years, Time Squared. Three years later, the band celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary as an ensemble with the release of the live album Twenty Five.
In May 2008, the Yellowjackets released their 20th release, Lifecycle, also on HeadsUp International. Lifecycle features guitarist and label-mate Mike Stern
Mike Stern
Mike Stern is an American jazz guitarist. After playing for a few years with Blood, Sweat & Tears, he landed a gig with Billy Cobham and then broke through with Miles Davis' comeback band from 1981 to 1983, and again in 1985. Since then, he launched a solo career, releasing more than a dozen albums...
, making it the first Yellowjackets record in 15 years to feature guitar (1994's Run For Your Life featured Robben Ford
Robben Ford
Robben Ford is an American blues, jazz and rock guitarist.-Biography:Ford was born in Woodlake, California, United States, but raised in Ukiah, California, and began playing the saxophone at age 10, picking up the guitar at age 13...
on the track Even Song). The album has been nominated for the 2009 GRAMMY Awards in the category of Best Contemporary Jazz Album. Russell Ferrante has also been nominated in the category of Best Instrumental Composer for the track "Claire's Closet."
Discography
- 1981: YellowjacketsYellowjackets (album)Yellowjackets is an album by the American jazz group Yellowjackets, released in 1981. The album reached a peak position of number sixteen on Billboard Jazz Albums chart....
- 1983: Mirage a TroisMirage a TroisMirage a Trois is an album by the American jazz group Yellowjackets, released in 1983. The album reached a peak position of number 145 on the Billboard 200 and number 7 on Billboard Jazz Albums chart....
- nominated for "Best Jazz Fusion Performance" Grammy award (1984) - 1985: Samurai SambaSamurai SambaSamurai Samba is an album by the American jazz group Yellowjackets, released in 1985. The album reached a peak position of number 179 on the Billboard 200 and number 10 on Billboard Jazz Albums chart....
- 1986: ShadesShades (Yellowjackets album)Shades is the 4th studio album from the jazz group Yellowjackets, and their first of four for the MCA label. The album's first track, "And You Know That" won the "Best R&B Instrumental" Grammy Award....
- awarded "Best R&B Instrumental Performance" (And You Know That) Grammy award (1987) - 1987: Four CornersFour Corners (album)Four Corners is an album by the American jazz group Yellowjackets, released in 1987. The album reached a peak position of number three on Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart....
- nominated for "Best Jazz Fusion Performance" Grammy award (1988) - 1988: PoliticsPolitics (Yellowjackets album)Politics is the sixth studio album from the jazz group Yellowjackets, and their third for the MCA label. The album was awarded "Best Jazz Fusion Performance" at the 1989 Grammy Awards.-Track listing:#"Oz" – 4:44...
- awarded "Best Jazz Fusion Performance" Grammy award (1989) - 1989: The SpinThe Spin (album)The Spin is an album by the American jazz group Yellowjackets, released in 1989. The album reached a peak position of number three on Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart....
- nominated for "Best Jazz Instrumental Performance" Grammy award (1990) - 1991: GreenhouseGreenhouse (Yellowjackets album)Greenhouse is an album by the American jazz group Yellowjackets, released in 1991. The album reached a peak position of number one on Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart....
- nominated for "Best Contemporary Jazz Performance" Grammy award (1992) - 1992: Live WiresLive Wires (album)Live Wires is an album by the American jazz group Yellowjackets, released in 1992. The album reached a peak position of number two on Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart....
(Live album, recorded at the RoxyRoxy-Brands:* Roxy , women's brand of clothing, accessories, and snowboards by Quiksilver company for surfing* The Roxy Theatre, music venue in Los Angeles & online source for music, arts, culture, and more.-Names:...
in Hollywood, CA, features Michael Franks, Brenda Russell, Marilyn Scott, Take 6) - 1993: Like a RiverLike a River (album)Like a River is an album by the American jazz group Yellowjackets, released in 1993. The album reached a peak position of number three on Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart....
- nominated for "Best Contemporary Jazz Performance" Grammy award (1994) - 1994: Run for Your LifeRun for Your Life (Yellowjackets album)Run for Your Life is an album by the American jazz group Yellowjackets, released in 1994. The album reached a peak position of number eight on Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart....
- nominated for "Best Contemporary Jazz Performance" Grammy award (1995) - 1995: Collection (GRP compilation)
- 1995: DreamlandDreamland (Yellowjackets album)Dreamland is an album by the American jazz group Yellowjackets, released in 1995. The album reached a peak position of number twelve on Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart....
- nominated for "Best Contemporary Jazz Performance" Grammy award (1996) - 1997: Blue HatsBlue HatsBlue Hats is an album by the American jazz group Yellowjackets, released in 1997. The album reached a peak position of number nine on Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart....
- 1998: Priceless Jazz (GRP compilation)
- 1998: Club NocturneClub NocturneClub Nocturne is the 13th studio album from the jazz group Yellowjackets, and their sixth and final release for the Warner Bros. label...
- nominated for "Best Contemporary Jazz Performance" Grammy award (1999) - 1999: The Best of the Yellowjackets (Warner Bros. compilation)
- 2001: Mint Jam (Live album, recorded at the Mint in Los Angeles) - nominated for "Best Contemporary Jazz Album" Grammy award (2003)
- 2003: Peace Round: A Christmas Celebration
- 2003: Time SquaredTime Squared (album)Time Squared is an album by the American jazz group Yellowjackets, released in 2003. The album reached a peak position of number fifteen on Billboard Top Jazz Albums chart....
- nominated for "Best Contemporary Jazz Album" Grammy award (2004) - 2005: Altered StateAltered State (Yellowjackets album)Altered State is the 16th studio album from the jazz group Yellowjackets, and their third release for the Heads Up International label.The cover image was painted by pop art painter [Peter Max].-Track listing:...
- 2006: Twenty-Five (Live CD/DVD - recorded in Forli, Italy and Paris, France)
- 2008: LifecycleLifecycle (album)Lifecycle is an album by the American jazz group Yellowjackets featuring Mike Stern, released in 2008. The album reached a peak position of number six on Billboard Top Jazz Albums chart....
- featuring Mike SternMike SternMike Stern is an American jazz guitarist. After playing for a few years with Blood, Sweat & Tears, he landed a gig with Billy Cobham and then broke through with Miles Davis' comeback band from 1981 to 1983, and again in 1985. Since then, he launched a solo career, releasing more than a dozen albums...
- nominated for "Best Contemporary Jazz Album" Grammy award (2009) and "Best Instrumental Composition" Grammy award (Russell Ferrante, "Claire's Closet") (2009) - 2011: TimelineTimeline (Yellowjackets album)Timeline is an album by the American jazz group Yellowjackets, released in 2011. The album reached a peak position of number five on Billboard Top Jazz Albums chart....
- features Robben FordRobben FordRobben Ford is an American blues, jazz and rock guitarist.-Biography:Ford was born in Woodlake, California, United States, but raised in Ukiah, California, and began playing the saxophone at age 10, picking up the guitar at age 13...
on "Magnolia" - released March 15, 2011
Current
- Russell FerranteRussell FerranteRussell Keith Ferrante is a jazz pianist from San Jose, California who is a founding member of the group Yellowjackets. During his early career, Ferrante performed with American blues singer Jimmy Witherspoon and guitarist Robben Ford. He also toured with Joni Mitchell. The group Yellowjackets...
- keyboardsKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
, synthesizerSynthesizerA synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones...
s - Jimmy HaslipJimmy HaslipJimmy Haslip is an American electric bass player and record producer best known as a founding and current member of the pioneering fusion group Yellowjackets...
- bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick.... - Bob MintzerBob MintzerBob Mintzer is a jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger, and big band leader based in Los Angeles, California. Mintzer is a member of the jazz rock band the Yellowjackets.-With The Yellowjackets:*Greenhouse, 1991;*Live Wires, 1992;...
- saxophoneSaxophoneThe saxophone is a conical-bore transposing musical instrument that is a member of the woodwind family. Saxophones are usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece similar to that of the clarinet. The saxophone was invented by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in 1846...
s, bass clarinetBass clarinetThe bass clarinet is a musical instrument of the clarinet family. Like the more common soprano B clarinet, it is usually pitched in B , but it plays notes an octave below the soprano B clarinet...
, EWIEWIEWI is the name of AKAI's wind controller, an electronic musical instrument invented by Nyle Steiner. The early models consisted of two parts: a wind controller and a synthesizer. The current model, EWI4000S, combines the two parts into one, placing the synthesizer in the lower section of the...
(1991–present) - Will Kennedy - drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
, percussions (2010–present; 1987–1999)
Former
- Robben FordRobben FordRobben Ford is an American blues, jazz and rock guitarist.-Biography:Ford was born in Woodlake, California, United States, but raised in Ukiah, California, and began playing the saxophone at age 10, picking up the guitar at age 13...
- guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
(1977–1978) - Ricky LawsonRicky Lawson- Overview :Ricky Lawson started playing drums at the age of 16. He would borrow is Uncle's drum set, and would carry it to his house all the way across town via the Detroit Buses that ran in the town. In high school Lawson played in his high school jazz band, which consisted of only 5 members...
- drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
(1977–1986) - Marc Russo - saxophoneSaxophoneThe saxophone is a conical-bore transposing musical instrument that is a member of the woodwind family. Saxophones are usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece similar to that of the clarinet. The saxophone was invented by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in 1846...
s (1985–1989) - Peter ErskinePeter ErskinePeter Erskine is an American jazz drummer and composer. He has enjoyed a long and successful career as a session drummer, recording and touring with many famous jazz and rock artists, including Steely Dan and Weather Report...
- drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
(1999) - Terri Lyne CarringtonTerri Lyne CarringtonTerri Lyne Carrington is a jazz drummer, composer, record producer and entrepreneur. She has played with jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, Clark Terry, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Joe Sample, Al Jarreau, Yellowjackets, and many more...
- drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
(2000) - Marcus Baylor - drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
(2000–2010)