Wondering how posters here feel about this popular group? How do you rate their releases and their "live" concerts?

The Yellowjackets seem to have two basic fan bases. One prefers the pre-1990s band/releases, altoist Mark Russo's era; the second prefers the band's direction since the great saxophonist Bob Mintzer joined the group. There will probably be a third fan base that relates to the band with drummer Will Kennedy vs. the new Yellowjackets with famous Peter Erskine replacing Kennedy on the skins.

I have been a Yellowjackets fan for only a few years, but everything I've heard of theirs is outstanding. "Local Hero" is a classic tune, one of my favorites.

Had the pleasure of meeting Bob Mintzer and Jimmy Haslip when they were doing club tours.

I have the latest CD "Club Nocturne", and it's great.

Compared to most of their other work, CD "Club Nocturne" is not one of their better efforts like:
The Spin; Like a River; Dreamland; ect.

I understand YJ was nominated for a grammy in the same category as Pat Metheny?? If so, I think YJ was much more deserving of the award from the musical aspect, even though they don't have as large a fan base as Metheny.

I am a recent fan of YJ, listening to their Priceless Jazz collection and Blue Hats CD's, both of which are great. Their ability to pull off the traditional jazz sound as well as the more contemporary 'electric' jazz is really impressive.

Hi Rick . . .

I think the YJ fan base is pretty solid regardless of whether it's smaller than that of the PMG. Recently saw them in concert and they were incredible! The highlight for me that evening was Bob Mintzer's EWI work on the song "Freda" from their "Greenhouse" release. The arrangement brought the house down. They also played several of the instrumental numbers from their Grammy-nominated album "Club Nocturne" that were very nice. I like this release but feel that "Blue Hats" was a much stronger offering. For this reason I believe that PMG's "Imaginary Day" deserved the award over "Club Nocturne."

A downer about the group for me has been the recent addition of famous drummer Peter Erskine as a replacement for the great Will Kennedy. I simply loved the groove Kennedy brought to this band. Erskine is brilliant as well, but I will miss Kennedy.

It will be interesting to hear what bassist Jimmy Haslip is calling the "new" Yellowjackets on their 1999 concert tour.

[This message has been edited by Phil (edited 03-05-99).]