‘Quintessential fusion jazz group’ hits May 25-28
By Roscoe Crenshaw
For the St. Louis American
The bright, eclectic sounds of the Yellowjackets return to Jazz at the Bistro May 25-28. The foursome – Bob Mintzer, woodwinds; Russell Ferrante, pianos; Jimmy Haslip, electric bass; and Marcus “Koko” Baylor, drums – has been called “the quintessential fusion jazz group of our time.”
As one inclined toward straight-ahead jazz, I had never given this group more than passing attention. My reason for attending the Bistro’s 2003 season opener was a chance to see our friend, Koko, perform. But the Yellowjackets’ multi-layered show drew me back for the second night. It was then that I appreciated their range of tastes and sheer musical excellence.
Original member Russell Ferrante is equally adept on acoustic and electric pianos and keyboard in creating his romantic soundscapes. I was fortunate to witness his remarkable facility on piano at Koko’s church marriage to vocalist Jean Norris and their reception.
Bob Mintzer is perhaps better known to traditional jazz listeners through his big band exposure, having worked with Eumir Deodato, Tito Puente and the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Big Band and having arranged for drummer Buddy Rich’s band. His command of tenor sax, soprano sax, bass clarinet and ewi is well-documented.
Splitting his time between his own big band and the Yellowjackets, Mintzer says, “One of the things that attracts me to the Yellowjackets is this concept of not having racial barriers come into play in art.”
Hometown favorite Marcus “KoKo” Baylor, the son of a Pentecostal minister, has a special fire that erupts when he moves behind the trap set. The McCluer High School alumnus graduated one night and led a group, featuring local saxophone icon Willie Akins, the next. He has toured with Cassandra Wilson and Kenny Garret. His studies with the likes of Lewis Nash, Chico Hamilton, Michael Carvin and Buster Williams are manifest in his sensitivity, inventiveness and compositional skills.
As a refresher for this article, I picked up the Yellowjackets 2005 CD, Altered State. What I heard was not a burner, no electrifying or explosive surges or far-out rhythms. There was, however, a constant flow of pleasant surprises, often soaring, sometimes arresting – with a tremendous cohesiveness among artists who clearly enjoy each other’s efforts.
The Yellowjackets’ sound may be laid-back, light and bluesy, mellow and softly swinging, but it is also jaunty, funny and edgy. This is not background music.
The Yellowjackets play Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington, at 8:30p.m. and 10:15 p.m. May 25-28. Call 534-1111.