11/17/2021
Performances and Artists
Excerpts from a 2021 interview.
See Yellowjacket when they come back to The Smith
Center on Saturday, April 20 at 6 PM and 8:30 PM
When Russell Ferrante discusses highlights of the Yellowjackets’ 40-plus years, he doesn’t even mention the jazz group’s 17 Grammy nominations (and two wins).
Instead, Ferrante describes the collaborations that push the group’s endless versatility.
“If someone (in the band) creatively wants to try something or head off in an unexpected direction, we all know the other members will be there to support that and take that journey,” says Ferrante, cofounder and keyboardist of the Yellowjackets.
Before the pandemic struck, the four-man group recorded alongside a German big band, for instance.
The Yellowjackets also recorded and toured alongside Brazilian vocalist Luciana Souza, and performed in Holland with an orchestra that reimagined the group’s jazz fusion with a classical twist.
They also performed with “Don’t Worry Be Happy” folk vocalist Bobby McFerrin.
“We are pretty open minded in liking lots of different kinds of music, and being inspired by different cultures,” Ferrante says.
This all reflects the Yellowjackets’ endless ability to surprise audiences throughout the group’s 30 albums, each blending a variety of genres.
“We’re from the generation when there weren’t quite as strict boundaries between musical genres,” Ferrante says.
He points to his San Francisco roots that exposed him to R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, jazz and gospel at church – all of which finds its way into the band’s tunes.
“We’re curious about all those different styles,” he says. “All of it comes in, and then you filter it, and what comes out are the kind of things that have appealed to you most.”
Decades on Stage Together
The Yellowjackets boast a global following, and for good reason: the group has delivered quality tunes for 43 consecutive years.
The secret behind the band’s longevity remains simple, Ferrante says.
“We prioritize the music and the overall sound, over what any one individual is doing,” he says.
With Ferrante cofounding the group in 1977, drummer William Kennedy has played with the band since 1986. Saxophonist Bob Mintzer joined in 1990, and newest member guitarist Dane Alderson came on six years ago.
With so many years recording and performing together, the bandmates’ friendships run deep.
“We’ve seen all of our children grow up, and our spouses enjoy one another,” Ferrante says, adding that he, Mintzer and Kennedy also teach at the University of Southern California together. “Also, when you travel with a group of people, doing a collective undertaking, you bond.”
This bond particularly helps the musicians support each other in pursuing the group’s signature experimentation, he adds.
“We trust one another, that’s the main thing,” Ferrante says. “We work hard to keep improving as musicians. We put that in service of the music that we’re playing, and we’re all on that same page.”
Classics and All-New Hits
The Yellowjacket’s February shows will feature many fan favorites from the group’s extensive repertoire, Ferrante promises.
The band will also showcase fresh tunes from an upcoming recording for a new album.
“We will pick some songs that are really going to challenge us, and maybe aren’t so comfortable to play, just to keep the edge there,” he says.
Knowing that the Yellowjackets’ fanbase includes many young musicians, Ferrante hopes the group’s performances will offer inspiration.
“I hope (audiences) will be smiling, and that they’ll be tapping their feet,” he says. “I hope they’ll feel the joy of music and that they’ll be able to forget some of their problems.”