The Rippingtons & The Yellowjackets

After 25 years and 18 studio albums, the Grammy-nominated Rippingtons have enjoyed success from their first release, Moonlighting, voted the #1 Most Influential Contemporary Jazz Album of all time by Jazziz Magazine. Their release 20th Anniversary reached #1 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Chart, and featured a photo of the Basie marquee in the liner notes! The current lineup features Russ Freeman (guitar), Dave Karasony (drums), Bill Heller (keyboards), Rico Belled (bass), and Jeff Kashiwa (sax).

The Yellowjackets are celebrating 30 years as one of the premiere jazz groups on radio, and The Weather Channel, where their song “Matinee Idol” is still a favorite. Their 2011 release, Timeline, received two Grammy nominations, bringing their all-time total to twelve. The current lineup features Russell Ferrante (keyboards), Bob Mintzer (reeds), Will Kennedy (drums) and Felix Pastorious (bass), subbing for Jimmy Haslip, who’s on sabbatical.