Saturday, April 25, 2009

South Florida JAZZ welcomes the Yellowjackets

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs



May 9, 2009 - 8:00 p.m. - South Florida JAZZ welcomes one of the most acclaimed and longest-lived jazz bands of all time, Yellowjackets, now in their 28th year and fresh off yet another Grammy nomination, this year for Lifecycle.


FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – South Florida’s premier modern jazz organization is excited to feature one of the most important bands in the current modern and contemporary jazz genre as the Yellowjackets make a rare South Florida visit. This concert takes place at the 500-seat Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on the Nova Southeastern University campus, 3100 Ray Ferrero, Jr Blvd in Davie 33314. Tickets are $35 ($25 for South Florida JAZZ members and $10 for students at any level with I.D.) and may be purchased from the AutoNation Box Office by calling 954.462.0222 in Broward County; also toll-free at 877-311-SHOW, as well as online at: southfloridajazz.org, the presenting organization’s official Website.


YELLOWJACKETS


Yellowjackets are one of the jazz super-bands of this generation. Formed in 1977 as an outgrowth of the Robben Ford Group, the band played initially played contemporary jazz-rock fusion and R&B, but definitely put some sting into the music. Their success has been critical (multiple Grammy nominations and awards) and commercial, with 24 recordings since 1981. The band evolved according to the personnel, but always has been anchored by keyboardist Russell Ferrante and bassist Jimmy Haslip.


Russell Ferrante grew up with the music of the church, but early was turned on to Miles Davis and John Coltrane in addition to the compositions of Ravel, Debussy and Stravinsky. The same is true for Jimmy Haslip who mainly credits Jimi Hendrix’s inspiration and Jaco Pastorius’s tutelage for his career in music.


The addition of tenor saxophonist Bob Mintzer in 1991 marked a major point in the evolution of the band. A master player and big band arranger, Bob has given the band its signature sound and feel. Marcus Baylor, who began his professional career with Cassandra Wilson, and honed it with Kenny Garrett, took over the drum chair in 2000. Obviously, longevity is a band trademark.


Over the years, based upon the personnel, Yellowjackets has changed its direction towards becoming the muscular, straightahead, legitimate jazz ensemble it is today; also after three decades, one of the most popular and certainly long-lived bands in jazz. This will mark the third appearance by Yellowjackets, having played for South Florida JAZZ audiences at two Hollywood Jazz Festivals.


Funding for this organization is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council.



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Jazz Blues Florida


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