Yellowjackets @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Contributed by pber on Tuesday, June 07, 2005
What a fantastic concert. We got there right at 6 and had seats about mid-way back, off to the left side so I could see the piano, and Devin (my son) had a good view of the drummer.
Haslip was hanging out in the club until about 6:40 – just talking with people, bass in hand. Russell Ferrante came out as well and chatted with a few people. Russell’s parents where there – I chatted with them a bit. (Very proud parents) (continued…)
The concert started right at 7 minutes after the hour – it was killer right from the start.
They opened with two tunes from “Mint Jam” – Les is Mo and Mofongo, then right into Suite 15 (altered state)
Through the night they played Sea Folk (time squared), Prayer for Peace (Blue Hat), March Majestic (altered state), Claire’s Song (live wires)
They finished the set with some incredibly high-energy “irish-jig”-like tune where Russell and Bob Mintzer were locked in unison playing these screaming lines.
As an encore they did Revelation from Shades. The audience was pumped.
This is the first time I’ve heard their “new” drummer – Marcus Baylor. He smoked. Ouch. Talk about the ability to swing, he has it.
I’m not sure that was Jimmy Haslip playing – his hair was constantly all over his face, so it was hard to see WHO it was actually!
The sound was excellent at the club – it’s remarkable how quiet they actually play.
Overall, an excellent venue and excellent concert.
pber
