Spring Break
Yellowjackets concert provides Valentine's Day jazz
Jennifer Brown / Staff Reporter
Issue date: 2/16/09 Section: News
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"It was excellent," said Cole, a senior performance major. "It was the best jazz concert festival in my four years at Eastern."
The Yellowjackets, who have been together for 30 years, consists of four instrumentalists.
The lead saxophonist, Bob Mintzer, is the leader of the band, has written more than 200 band arrangements and has been a musician for more than 34 years.
In 1986, the Yellowjackets won their first Grammy for best R&B instrumental performance and in 2009, the group was nominated for best contemporary jazz album and best instrumental composition.
"We won another Grammy in 1989 for second contemporary jazz album," said Russell Ferrante, the group's pianist.
Other members of the group include drummer Marcus Baylor and bassist Jimmy Haslip.
Cole, however, was not the only one pleased with the Grammy-winning group's performance.
The audience was filled with all ages and for one student, it made his Valentine's Day special.
"It was the perfect Valentine's Day date," said Neil Wright, a sophomore psychology major. "I would do it again in an instant."
But those who were not on a date had just as much of a good time.
Justin Barrett, a sophomore corporate communication major, came out to see the concert with a group of other Eastern students.
"It was really, really good," he said. "I've been waiting for this since last year when my friend told me about it."
The Yellowjackets liked performing at Eastern just as much as the audience enjoyed having them here.
"We were honored to come here and play," Haslip said. "Dvorak Hall is an amazing facility and we enjoyed being here."
The Yellowjackets have traveled to far-off countries in the past 30 years and will be in Chile and Argentina later this year.
Jennifer Brown can be reached at 581-7942 or at DENnewsdesk@gmail.com.
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