Yellowjackets
Over 12 years, the Yellowjackets have achieved a formidable reputation for their live performances and critical and commercial success with their recordings of electric pop jazz. The members of the band are accomplished musicians in their own right and perhaps this accounts for the Yellowjackets’ two Grammys and six nominations. The band includes: Robben Ford, Russell Ford (keyboards), Bob Mintzer (saxophone), Michael Franks (vocals), Ricky Lawson (drums). Their recording career began in 1980 with THE INSIDE STORY, when Ford heard Jimmy Haslip (bass) playing with veterans Airto and Flora Purim and decided to use them on him on his solo project. By the time of 1982's MIRAGE À TROIS,Ford's presence was declining. New saxophonist, Marc Russo featured prominently on SAMURAI SAMBA (1985) and SHADESin 1986 rewarded the band's steady touring with a Grammy and six-figure sales. William Kennedy was the next addition to the line-up and this prompted the band to explore some new territory. POLITICS was another Grammy winner and the band took another radical change of direction. Their next project, THE SPIN was recorded in Oslo, Norway with well-known engineer, Jan Erik Konshaug, and was a more acoustic, resolutely jazz album. LIVE WIRES, the band's 1992 release successfully demonstrated the multi-faceted approach the Yellowjackets like to adopt. Indeed, the simplicity of the band's sound belies the diversity of their influences: ‘We spend hours experimenting, studying and listening to music from all over the world. You can't be afraid to take chances. That's what it takes to continue to grow!’.