The Yellowjackets have been together for decades, and while some of their line-up has changed multiple times over, their sound has stayed remarkably consistent. Formed in 1977 and originally known as the Robben Ford Group, the Los Angeles jazz group has released 26 albums since 1981, and has won numerous Grammy awards.
The original lineup consisted of Robben Ford, Russell Ferrante, Jimmy Haslip and Ricky Lawson, who were all session musicians in L.A. Their sound initially combined blues, jazz fusion and prog rock, eventually moving away from the rock and settling into a jazz-funk groove with occasional dabbling in soft R&B.
The current lineup has Russell Ferrante on keyboards, Bob Mintzer on sax, Dane Alderson on bass and William Kennedy on drums. Their newest record, 2016's "Cohearence," sees them moving further afield from funk and settling into straightforward jazz. It's a carefully crafted album, with meticulous compositions and flawless cohesion. Regardless of the line-up, The Yellowjackets are at the top of their game with no end in sight.
The Yellowjackets
Friday, Feb. 17. 6:30pm & Saturday, February 18. 6pm
Riverhouse on the Deschutes, 3075 U.S. 97. Bend.
$60
Buy tickets here
Next up in the Riverhouse Jazz Series:
King Louie's Portland Blues Revue
Featuring Louis Pain, Lisa Mann, Andy Stokes & Larhona Steele
With Bend-based trio Jazz Bros. opening the show
Fri. Mar. 17 & Sat. Mar 18. 6:30 pm
Riverhouse on the Deschutes, 3075 U.S. 97, Bend.
$48
Want more jazz in your life? Here's another option!
Sara Gazarek with New West Guitar Group
Hailed as the "next important jazz singer" by the LA Times, some of Sara Gazarek's shows as part of the Jazz at the Oxford series have already sold out.
Fri., Mar. 17 & Sat. Mar 18. 8pm
The Oxford Hotel, 10 NW Minnesota Ave, Bend
$42+