This week, I had the privilege of interview one of the icons in the contemporary jazz world: Saxophonist/arranger Bob Mintzer. He, along with The YellowJackets are coming to town on Jan 21 at Dakota for one night of highly creative jazz. Every time they circle back to the Twin Cities to perform, they have the same musical energy, as they have in the past 47 years.
The YellowJackets started out as a backup band for Guitarist Robben Ford, but in 1980, they recorded their first album under the name the YellowJackets. Robben then decided to go a different musical path and Bob joined in 1992. Since that time the instrumentation has basically remained the same: Russell Ferrante (Piano), Bob Mintzer (Sax), Will Kennedy (Drums) who took Ricky Lawson’s place as drummer, and Dane Alderson (bass), the newest member, taking the position of Jimmy Haslip. Together they have continually gained and maintained prominence in the contemporary jazz world.
Bob talks about the magic sauce as to why the YellowJackets are still the vibrant ensemble they still are after 47 years. Bob also spoke to me about all of the hats he has worn in this wonderful business of music and how writing and arranging for groups like the WDR Big Band out of Cologne Germany has been a wonderful responsibility as well.
The YellowJackets have recorded 26 albums, and the newest record is called Fasten UP. I love the grooves on all the songs but one of my favorites is a song that I heard from David Sanborn called “Comin Home Baby”. Originally written by Ben Tucker in 1961 and sung by Mel Tormé, this unique rendition by the YellowJackets was a good one to lead with.
-Patty Peterson
Check out the interview here:
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