The Yellowjackets celebrate 30 Years together with the release of 'Timeline', featuring special guest guitarist Robben Ford and trumpeter John Diversa.
The Yellowjackets also welcome an important alumnus back in the ranks, the dynamic and flexible drummer Will Kennedy. He fits seamlessly into the band, alongside founding members, keyboardist Russell Ferrante and bassist Jimmy Haslip and the multi-talented saxophonist-composer Bob Mintzer, whose critical role in helping define the group's current sound goes back to 1991.
'Timeline' is the band's 21st official recording and their background gleams with various honours, including 17 Grammy nominations and two Grammy awards. Musically, the terrain is characteristically diverse but also cohesive, melodically accessible and also gently experimental, in keeping with the Jackets' concept for three decades. Beautiful balladry, such as Ferrante's "Indivisible" and Mintzer's "My Soliloquy," intertwine with modern-day variations on traditional swing themes. Throughout their career the band has mastered the art of being both accessible and adventurous, with strong grooves and melodies blended in with surprising twists and this is evident once again.
Personnel: Russell Ferrante (piano, keyboards), Jimmy Haslip (bass), Bob Mintzer (tenor, soprano saxophones, bass clarinet), Will Kennedy (drums, keyboards) Plus guests: Robben Ford (guitar), John Daversa (trumpet)
