To have worked thirty years in the business is exceptional for any band, especially in jazz. But since 1981, pianist/keyboardist Russell Ferrante and bassist Jimmy Haslip have maintained the award-winning Yellowjackets—from that year's eponymous Warner Bros. debut, with its infectious blend of fusion and funk, featuring guitarist Robben Ford, and the incorporation of jazz and strings in Greenhouse (GRP, 1991), with multi-reed master Bob Mintzer, to the twentieth anniversary double-CD Mint Jam (Yellowjackets Ent., 2001)—and the group's beat, in its varied forms and a few personnel changes, continues to live on and on. Timeline is the Yellowjacket's 21st release, and begins with the seriously hip "Why Is It," marked by the swarming harmonies of Mintzer's bass clarinet and Ferrante's keyboards, held together by the glutinous rhythm section of Haslip and the pulsating traps of drummer Will Kennedy, who joined the band in 1986, but left after 15 years, only to reunite with the group again in 2010. The signature sound is still intact—one that helped to define the better qualities of contemporary jazz—music that is artistic, played to the hilt, and yet remains accessible to wider audiences. Whether pumping up the groove in Mintzer's "Tenacity," laying down a chamber music vibe in Ferrante's "Indivisible," or paying respect to the great Elvin Jones with guest trumpeter John Daversa in "Like Elvin." The set showcases the band's depth and insightful nature. A bluesman at heart, Ford makes a guest appearance in "Magnolia," bringing back pleasant memories with some dirty wah-wah effects. But Timeline's pacing suffers a bit from the placing of too many ballads and not enough "oomph," as adventurous composition takes a back seat to a more mellowed flow, in contrast to past releases. There may be room for a little nostalgia, but after thirty years, the 'Jackets have accomplished the damn-near impossible, by staying together and continuing to deliver good music.
The Yellowjackets celebrate 30 Years together with the release of ‘Timeline’, featuring special guest guitarist Robben Ford and trumpeter John Diversa The Yellowjackets also welcome an important alumnus back in the ranks, the dynamic and flexible drummer Will Kennedy. He fits seamlessly into the band, alongside founding members, keyboardist Russell Ferrante and bassist Jimmy Haslip and the multi-talented saxophonist-composer Bob Mintzer, whose critical role in helping define the group's current sound goes back to 1991 ‘Timeline’ is the band's 21st official recording and their background gleams with various honours, including 17 Grammy nominations and two Grammy awards. Musically, the terrain on ‘Timeline’ is characteristically diverse but also cohesive, melodically accessible and also gently experimental, in keeping with the Jackets' concept for three decades Beautiful balladry, such as Ferrante's "Indivisible" and Mintzer's "My Soliloquy," intertwine with modern-day variations on traditional swing themes. Throughout their career the band has mastered the art of being both accessible and adventurous, with strong grooves and melodies blended in with surprising twists and this is evident once again.
Features: Russell Ferrante (piano, keyboards Jimmy Haslip (bass Bob Mintzer (tenor,soprano saxophones, bass clarinet Will Kennedy (drums, keyboards) Plus guests: RobbenFord (guitar John Daversa (trumpet)
Tracklisting: Why is It Tenacity Rosemary Timeline, Magnolia A Single Step Indivisible Like Elvin My Soliloquy Numerology I Do