The wait was well worth it. After an intense concert season in Europe last spring and summer, which included several dates in Italy with appearances at festivals such as Umbria Jazz and Dromos Festival, the Yellowjackets returned from the US for a new fall tour. The only Italian date, not to be missed, was held on November 7 at the Manerbio Jazz Festival 2025. The festival thus confirms its status as a major event for jazz and fusion fans in Italy.
Founded in 1996 on the initiative of the Civica Associazione Musicale “S. Cecilia” di Manerbio, in provincia di Brescia, the festival ran until 2008.
In 2021, the festival was relaunched by a group of enthusiasts led by Gabriele Guerreschi with the aim of raising the artistic quality of the event by bringing illustrious names from both Italian and international jazz to the stage of the Teatro Politeama in Manerbio. The 2025 edition, which marked its 18th edition, hit the mark.
The edition, which is still underway, presented a high-level program spread over three dates:
• October 31: The melodic elegance of American pianist Emmet Cohen Trio.
• November 7: The unmistakable energy of the Yellowjackets.
• November 14: The innovative project “Frammenti” by Giovanni Falzone and the Reddolphins Big Band.
But let’s focus in particular on the second evening, featuring the Yellowjackets.
To talk about the Yellowjackets is to retrace a fundamental piece of the history of modern fusion. The band formed in the United States in 1977, initially as a rhythm and accompaniment section for blues and jazz guitarist Robben Ford.
Their official debut as the Yellowjackets in 1981 was not just a name change, but the affirmation of a well-defined sound identity.
Their style, a vibrant jazz-funk, stood as an evolution from giants such as Weather Report. Their approach was ahead of its time, anticipating the organic fusion of jazz, R&B, and funk elements, a sound characterized by sophisticated harmonies and an absolutely irresistible groove.
In over forty years of activity, the Yellowjackets have produced 25 studio albums, 3 live albums, and 3 compilations.
Their international prestige is confirmed by 17 Grammy Award nominations. The news of the most recent, for the album “Fasten Up” as “Best Instrumental Jazz Album,” came on the very day of their performance in Manerbio, further sealing their relevance.
They have won two Grammys: the first in 1987 for ‘Best R&B Instrumental Performance’ for the song ‘And You Know That’ and the second in 1989 for ‘Best Jazz Fusion Performance’.
The line-up has undergone several changes over the course of its long career, but despite this, the core of the band has remained constant. Today, the Yellowjackets boast a line-up of the highest calibre, combining historical experience with new blood:
• Russell Ferrante (keyboard and piano): one of the founding members and the band’s sound architect, whose writing and harmonies are the backbone and recognisable element of Yellowjackets’ music.
• William Kennedy (drums): Joining the group in 1986, he is the rhythmic engine, known for his versatility and powerful drumming that ranges effortlessly from funk to the most complex jazz.
• Bob Mintzer (saxophone and EWI): A pillar of the band since 1990, he is a world-renowned saxophonist and arranger. His presence has elevated the compositional and soloistic depth of the group.
• Dane Alderson (Bass): The newest member, joining in 2015. The Australian bassist brings a modern perspective and a deep groove, essential to the band’s jazz-funk attitude.
The concert was a journey through their rich history. There were songs from their latest work, including the title track “Fasten Up” and “The Lion,” but the audience also enjoyed historical pieces and significant tributes. In particular, they performed “Like Elvin,” a tribute to Elvin Jones, the legendary drummer of the John Coltrane Quartet. The audience’s response was enthusiastic, culminating in two encores.
The Yellowjackets’ performance at the Manerbio Jazz Festival 2025 was not just a concert, but a powerful and vibrant celebration of the history and future of jazz fusion.
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