Album review: Yellowjackets - Fasten Up (Mack Avenue- Mac1217)

Bob Mintzer (tenor sax, EWI); Russell Ferrante (piano); Dane Alderson (bass); Will Kennedy (drums) + Raul Midón (vocals on The Lion)

Grammy Award winning Yellowjackets have just released their 27th studio album, Fasten Up. Formed in 1981 with long-time members Russell Ferrante and Will Kennedy still aboard they’re joined by saxophonist, Bob Mintzer (since 1990) and Australian bassist, Dane Alderson, who is now celebrating a decade with the group.

Fasten Up bursts with unbridled momentum spurred on with a vibrant blend of styles borrowing from old and new in equal measure. The disc hotfoots it out of the blocks with a 1960s'  classic Comin' Home Baby (penned by bassist, George Tucker) and covered by the likes of Herbie Mann, Mel Tormé and Quincy Jones among many others. Mintzer’s arrangement gives it a refreshingly updated treatment. His doubling of the melody on tenor and EWI along with his added re-harmonisations catapult this 60 year perennial chestnut well into the millennium.

Alderson’s title tune bustles with its 1970s innovative and infectious grooves of Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters. A “thrustworthy” contribution indeed! Described by the composer as “a fun party tune which is fun to jam on amongst unexpected drum grooves”. Indeed so and not least for Alderson’s dusting off the cobwebs of the classic Fender Precision bass  giving it more authenticity to the proceedings.

Ferrante’s unique and powerful contributions include The Unexpected Question- a reflective opus that brings about contrast to this collection. Mintzer’s poignantly stated melody bears a somewhat foreboding and uncertaint quality, resulting in a welcome sonic atmosphere. Exhibiting the breadth and variety that Yellowjackets bring to the party.

Fasten Up clearly offers up a communal joy wedded with the thrill of discovery bristling forth with elan. This legendary ensemble shows no signs of slowing down and this album is testimonial to this. Long may they continue. Frank Griffith*

BANDCAMP

Comin' Home Baby; Fasten Up; Will Power; November 8; The Truth of You; The Lion; Swingmeister General; An Interesting Dream; Broken; The Unexpected Question: Xemens

*Frank Griffith is a Liverpool based saxophonist and arranger. His trio will be appearing at the annual Nantwich Jazz and Blues Festival on April 21 at 6:00PM.