Jazz Articles about Bob Mintzer

Up From The Skies; Old School: New Lessons

by Russ Musto
May 23, 2006

The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra Up From The Skies: Music of Jim McNeely PlanetArts 2006

The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra (VJO) is a national treasure. The venerable institution, which began its existence under the co-leadership of Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, celebrates its 40th anniversary of Monday nights at the Village Vanguard this year. The organization continues to develop, expanding its voluminous repertoire with this release of new music by its composer in residence, pianist Jim ...

Bob Mintzer Big Band: Old School: New Lessons

by Edward Blanco
March 15, 2006

Arranger and saxophonist Bob Mintzer has been nominated for thirteen Grammy awards, not only for his solo work and big band recordings, but also for his efforts with the Yellowjackets quartet, and Old School, New Lessons clearly shows why. The music is original, exciting, energetic and captivating. After a 23-year, twelve-album association with Digital Music Products, Mintzer returns to the MCG Jazz label with this release.

Old School, New Lessons compiles a series of sessions recorded live at ...

Bob Mintzer Big Band: Old School: New Lessons

by John Kelman
February 24, 2006

He may be best known these days as one quarter of the contemporary jazz group Yellowjackets' best lineup in 25 years, but woodwind multi-instrumentalist Bob Mintzer first cut his teeth in the big bands of Buddy Rich and Mel Lewis, along with the late bassist Jaco Pastorius' groundbreaking Word of Mouth Big Band. And so, while he's made a significant part of his reputation through work in smaller ensembles, he's always had an affinity for the sonic possibilities and sheer ...

Bob Mintzer Big Band: Old School: New Lessons

by Jim Santella
February 21, 2006

Tackling tradition and applying innovation has long been a hallmark of Bob Mintzer's career. He's paid his dues, both in old school circles and in the realm of contemporary jazz. As evidenced through his big band's 2004 and '05 appearances in Pittsburgh, new lessons continue to bring joy to both creator and audience.

With Kurt Elling sitting in with the big band for two numbers and the Yellowjackets sitting in for two others, Mintzer's “new lessons take shape ...

Yellowjackets: Altered State

by Jim Santella
May 17, 2005

Fusing South African rhythms with soothing R&B melodies, the Yellowjackets continue to put up a refreshing performance that's made to suit easy listening audiences. Their mellow harmony and relaxed rhythmic pulses belie a loyalty to leisure suits, platform shoes with awkward heels, and hangin' out at the disco. The band began in the late 1970s, when those things were in vogue. The core element in their performance has never left them.

Bob Mintzer employs the tenor saxophone for ...

Yellowjackets: Altered State

by Woodrow Wilkins
March 17, 2005

There's something distinctive about Yellowjackets' sound. It's contemporary in that the music is fresh and employs some modern conveniences--such as the electric bass and the EWI. Still, the way it's put together is old school--like the free-flowing style and the manipulation of time. And if that's not enough, there's a color or flavor to Bob Mintzer's sax and Russell Ferrante's piano that lets you know it's a 'Jackets tune. This distinctive approach is evident from the start of ...

Yellowjackets: Altered State

by John Kelman
March 16, 2005

Sometimes the best move a band can make is to go indie. Consider Yellowjackets, who have been imbued with unquestionable instrumental credibility since emerging in the early '80s. Over their 25-year career Yellowjackets have veered from torch carriers of the latter-day, more structured incarnations of Weather Report to a group in dangerous proximity to smooth jazz territory. In the process of racking up nearly twenty recordings, the group's technical prowess has never been in question, but some of its choices ...