Cast
Russell Ferrante — Pianist
Dane Alderson — Bass guitarist
Bob Mintzer — Saxophonist
William Kennedy — Drummer
Patrick Savey — Movie director
Program notes
Yellowjackets are a veritable institution in the history of jazz and blues. Founded in 1977 by the supreme guitarist Robben Ford (who played with Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell and Miles Davis), they have featured a shifting formation with a total of fourteen musicians having been part of the group, including the drumming maestro Terri Lyne Carrington and Felix Pastorius, the son of Jaco. With twenty-five albums, two Grammy wins and five nominations, Yellowjackets have formed an indelible mark on the jazz fusion landscape, especially with the 1981 hit “Matinee Idol.”
The modern formation of this historic outfit consists of four musicians: Russell Ferrante on keyboard and Bob Mintzer on saxophone, who have both been in the group since 1991 as well as newer members Dane Alderson on bass and William Kennedy on drums. True to the Yellowjackets legacy, they run through their original compositions in this 2019 performance at the New Morning, Paris’ mythical jazz venue in the heart of the Strasbourg St. Denis district.