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Yellowjackets
Jazz Coterie concert series presents the legendary 2X GRAMMY-winning jazz fusion band — Yellowjackets. Featuring Russell Ferrante on keyboards, Bob Mintzer on woodwinds, Will Kennedy on drums, and Dane Alderson on bass.
JUST ANNOUNCED > Another 2025 GRAMMY® Nomination!
Throughout their storied 45-year history, the Yellowjackets have recorded 27 albums, received 17 Grammy® nominations and won TWO! They continue to perform countless sold-out tours, and enjoy worldwide critical acclaim and commercial success.
“The fusion heavies are still full of surprises — their new album is an eclectic, democratic joy.”
Since their 1977 formation as a backing band for blues-jazz-rock guitar great Robben Ford, the Yellowjackets’ journey has been nothing if not rich and complex, including collaborations with Mike Stern, Kurt Elling, the WDR Big Band, and Bobby McFerrin. Nearly half a century into the band’s existence, Russell Ferrante, Bob Mintzer and Will Kennedy are bona fide veterans; their bassist, Dane Alderson, just hit 10 years as a Jacket. And their new album, Fasten Up (on Mack Avenue Records), is the band’s 27th studio achievement.
“These musicians remain forward-looking, constantly innovating in their arrangements, blurring boundaries, morphing between intellectual urbanites and mischievous tricksters springing from a box. And we can only admire the remarkable cohesion of this band, which has stood the test of time.”
The Yellowjackets recorded their first album in 1980. Shortly after that recording, guitarist Robben Ford decided to part ways and go in a different musical direction. As a result, the modern day Yellowjackets was formed — initially a trio with Russell Ferrante, Jimmy Haslip and Ricky Lawson. Since then, and with the addition of Bob Mintzer, the Yellowjackets have gained and maintained prominence as one of jazz’s most influential and beloved groups.
“A seamless amalgamation of masterful technique with a deeply-felt soulfulness, all overlaid by an almost delirious sense of joy.”
Over the years the band has undergone a few lineup changes but has never failed to rise to the inevitable challenges of adjustment. The Yellowjackets of today — Russell Ferrante, William Kennedy, Bob Mintzer, Dane Alderson — have maintained an extraordinarily high quality of musicianship that is the rival of many but a surprise to no one.
“Unpredictable, grounded in groove, and layered with harmonic intrigue.”
“The Yellowjackets sound as vital and tight as they ever have. Welcome to decade number five.”