ProJazz.net

Live Wires is the first live album of the American jazz group Yellowjackets, released in 1992. The album was recorded live at Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, California. The album reached a peak position of number two on Billboard’s Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.

buy on amazon

Reception

AllMusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 4 stars and stated:”This live set by the Yellowjackets (taped at the Roxy in Hollywood) has plenty of solo space for Bob Mintzer (on tenor, soprano, bass clarinet and EWI) and keyboardist Russell Ferrante (who takes a particularly colorful spot on “Homecoming”) along with fine backup work by bassist Jimmy Haslip, drummer William Kennedy and percussionist Paulinho Da Costa. Although the back cover of the CD says “Featuring: Michael Franks, Take 6, Brenda Russell & Marilyn Scott,” fortunately Franks, Russell and Scott are only heard on one harmless selection (“The Dream” ) while Take 6 just pops by for the closer “The Revelation.” The strength of the improvisations and of Ferrante’s Joe Zawinul-like originals make this one of the Yellowjackets’ stronger efforts.”

Track listing
1. “Homecoming” Russell Ferrante 5:35
2. “Bright Lights” Bob Mintzer 6:53
3. “The Dream” Michael Franks, Ferrante, Jimmy Haslip, Marc Russo 5:08
4. “Freedomland” Ferrante 6:26
5. “Downtown” Ferrante 4:51
6. “Claire’s Song” Ferrante 7:41
7. “Geraldine” Ferrante 7:21
8. “The Spin” Ferrante, Haslip, Russo, William Kennedy 9:47
9. “Wildlife” Ferrante, Haslip, Acuña 9:26
10. “Revelation” Loraine Perry, Ferrante 6:24

Personnel
Yellowjackets:

Russell Ferrante – keyboards
Jimmy Haslip – bass
Will Kennedy – drums
Bob Mintzer – saxophones, bass clarinet, EWI

Guest Musicians:

Steve Croes – Synclavier
Paulinho da Costa – percussion
Vince Mendoza – string arrangements  (7)

Guest Vocalists:

Michael Franks – lead vocals (3)
Brenda Russell – backing vocals (3)
Marilyn Scott – backing vocals (3)
Take 6 – vocals (10)

__________________

Released: March 17, 1992
Recorded: November 15 & 16, 1991
Venues Roxy Theatre (West Hollywood) (Los Angeles, CA)
Label: GRP
Producer: Yellowjackets