The American jazz-fusion band YellowJackets has been around for 43 years. In that time they have recorded 25 albums, been nominated 17 times for a Grammy Award, won 2, and performed worldwide.

The group was formed in the late 1970s as a backup to guitarist Robben Ford, and released their debut in 1980. Shortly after, however, Ford decided to go his own way. Thus the group was born, a trio with Russell Ferrante (keyboards), Jimmy Haslip (bass) and Ricky Lawson (drums). Later Bob Mintzer on saxophone was added, while the band went through some line-up changes. Currently the group consists of Ferrante, Mintzer, Will Kennedy (drums) and Dane Alderson (bass).

Their latest CD, which will be released next week on Mack Avenue Records, is the 27th in the list. It was recorded in 3 days during the Corona pandemic after a short European tour. “We rehearsed the tunes on the album maybe three times,” Alderson said. “I believe we’re only now on this tour performing these songs live, so what you’re hearing are about as fresh as they can be. Everything really came to life in the studio in those three days.”

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