I can't believe I like the new yellowjackets record...

[jazzypaul]

I'm very disturbed to report that I actually like the new Yellowjackets disc, Mint Jam. It shows them actually grooving, without ruining everything with synth. It even has exciting moments that I usually didn't associate with them. It's pretty damn good. Anyone, especially DWBass (who I know has expressed appreciation for Jimmy Haslip, my comrade in lefty-ness), wanna hip me out to anything else I might like by them?

[lilolee]

I've never really managed to get into the YellowJackets. A case of the sum of the parts being less than the whole, since they are all excellent musicians in their own rights.

Having said that I've heard various tracks from Mint Jam and it is now on my to get list. I somehow feel that the live setting is better. Less chance of over dub here, more layering there. Just how many records are ruined by over production?

Lee

[DWBass]

I love the Yellowjackets! Espescially the Will Kennedy version. They are an aquired taste but when you do get it, you get it! As far as recommedations, I would say Live Wires is always a good bet. Blue Hats is also a great cd and Will Kennedy's last with the band. I also like Dreamland. That first track on that cd is killer!! Run For Your Life & Like A River are very good cd's too. I also suggest buying Bobby McPheren's cd, Bang Zoom as they back him on this cd and there is some serious playing on it!

[jazzypaul]

Thanks for the tips. I hated Blue Hats though. It was like it was good music that had synth sprinkled on it to make it suck. Will Kennedy is a killer drummer. I'd love to hear him wail on some be-bop just to see what he could do going down that path. Is Live Wires another live album by the way? If it's anything like Mint Jam, I'd be interested.

[lilolee]

Nice site http://www.yellowjackets.com/ and Live Wires is a live set. May check it out myself.

Cheers

[lazy bird]

I have never heard of yellowjackets. Have they ever toured across Europe? I have a feeling that in Europe other jazz artists are famous then in the US.

[lilolee]

I'm with you on this one. Here in the UK we get some of the big names, but few of the less well known ones. We are still waiting for Tribal Tech to hit these shores, they've cancelled on us a couple of times now :(

[lazy bird]

Originally posted by lilolee
I'm with you on this one. Here in the UK we get some of the big names, but few of the less well known ones. We are still waiting for Tribal Tech to hit these shores, they've cancelled on us a couple of times now :(

It sucks when a band cancells a tour. The Wayne Shorter quartet cancelled a gig in Belgium in march.:( :( :(

[DWBass]

Originally posted by jazzypaul
Is Live Wires another live album by the way? If it's anything like Mint Jam, I'd be interested. Yes, Livewires is a live cd and a good one too. Well recorded. The thing with The Yellowjackets is they do make use of synths but probably what you are hearing is Bob Mintzer using what is called an EWI. A sax like instrument connected to a synth. He is one of the best at using it. And it contributes to their overall sound. It's all over Livewires. Again, like I said, they are an aquired taste. You won't dig them immediately but when you listen objectively and to the separate instruments and how they come together, it's just amazing. Jimmy Haslip (bass) is a genius. He has to be to play a righthanded bass lefthanded, upside down! And Will Kennedy is one of the best at creating a syncopated groove utilizing counterpoint in his playing. Truly amazing. Blue Hats is one of their more laidback works but the songwriting is still top notch.