Yellowjackets' new double CD Mint Jam is a special release and includes live recordings of two performances last year at the Mint, Los Angeles. It features eight new Yellowjackets compositions and adapted arrangements from classics like Run Fer Your Life, Evening News, Tortoise and the Hare and Statue of Liberty. Since its inception in 1981, Yellowjackets has probably, more than any other group,
… been responsible for getting the youngsters excited about jazz. This is due to the breathtakingly beautiful songs, the good mutual cooperation of the group members (Jimmy Haslip on bass, Russell Ferrante on piano and synthesizers, Bob Mintzer on saxophone and Marcus Baylor on drums) and the individual mastery of the instruments. It will therefore come as no surprise that this 'live' double CD is again from an excellent, yes even addictive level. (RM)more
