Twenty Five
In 1981, a group of sessions musicians decided to form a band and call themselves the Yellowjackets. In the 21st century, they are still stinging listeners and critics with their tradition-laden, groove-oriented sound.  This combination CD/DVD captures the current group -- founding members, bassist Jimmy Haslip and keyboardist Russ Ferrante, with saxophonist Bob Mintzer and drummer Marcus Baylor – live during their 2005 European tour. With the exception of Spyro Gyra, no other ensemble has so expertly navigated the blurry lines between acoustic, fusion, and smooth jazz as these guys.  The material, culled from the tour, comprises some of their greatest hits, including a spirited retake of the gospel-tinged "Jacketown," the sumptuous ballad "Geraldine," and the edgy, avant-garde leaning "Runferyerlife" and "Free Town." Supplemented by the DVD's concert footage, along with some revealing interviews with past and present band members, the "buzz" on this band shows no signs of diminishing.--Eugene Holley, Jr.