Yellowjackets Keep Manila Warm

Members of the Yellowjackets turned quizzically to each other during their gig at the Westin Philippine Plaza last February 28 when the sound of explosions began escalating by the second. Almost in unison, people in the audience cried, "firecrackers," which apparently were being released to mark some celebration in Manila Bay.

Saxman Bob Mintzer, busy fidgeting with his music cables, sighed in relief as he and the rest of the quartet continued to fill the Sunset Pavilion with the musical buzz that only the world-renowned Yellowjackets can create.

While these photos can never duplicate the rush of listening to the jazz quartet live for the first time, they nonetheless try to capture the kaleidoscopic moods of the band members and their music.

Bob Mintzer on saxophone, Russel Ferrante on keyboards, Jimmy Haslip on bass, and back with group after years, William Kennedy on drums. Together, the Yellowjackets warmed up the crowd with their own brand of musical fireworks.