Yellowjackets: Casino Lights (Montreux Jazz Festival 1981) 1 of 2

[@joericci4094]

And 42 Years later they're STILL killing it...Just saw them at The John Coltrane Jazz Fest here in NC...GREAT SHOW!!!

[@1986SSMONTECARLO]

I was there

[@sscreemin]

I was the Production Manager on this show for the Jackets. Had a ball over there with the band and everyone on the Warner Brothers record show. I am so blown away that Ricky is gone. I first met him on a Flora and Airto tour in 77. Also did show with him and playing for Phil Collins and Stevie Wonder. Best drummer I ever worked with. When mixing the band I hardly ever had to EQ the kit because it was tuned so good by Ricky. I will miss him. RIP Ricky.

[@geetarnut]

Yes! Ricky was serious about his drumming. Michael Jackson scooped him up way back in the late 80's, early 90's and when I was at a "Fatburger" show,, the lead vocalist(?! don't remember his instrument :^( ) said: "Man,, when Michael took Ricky Lawson with him,, we figured out that Ricky was getting paid, $500 bucks per-drum stroke!!!!!" LOL! We all laughed hard!!!!

[@Jazzygurl222]

sscreemin I knew Ricky as well and got to see some great Yellow Jackets shows. I met Ricky in January 92 at Namm and he visited quite often, saw my kids grow up. He was a very good person,we miss him dearly.😇💕🙏🏼

[@sargentppeper]

I was very fortunate to know and play with Ricky for a few years here in Los Angeles prior to his passing. Whenever I had the opportunity to gig or record with him he'd say "paint them colors".. He had a big heart for anyone who respected him.. One occasion, Ricky came over my home on Christmas eve after we picked up a starter drum kit he recommended for my son at Sam Ash music. All in boxes and in my living room sometime around midnight while my family asleep, he assembled the whole kit while watching a late night movie and when he was done, he said "Merry Christmas my Brother" and headed back home!

[@chrisclermont456]

Ricky Lawson is one of the all time greats. Great musician. Great person. I knew him for years as we were both from Detroit and moved to Los Angeles. I played with him a few times before his passing. It still makes no sense. RIP Ricky Lawson!! ❤

[@geetarnut]

Robben Ford and his stupendous, audacious playing style,, wow,, now we all know what a guitarist is supposed to sound like!!!

[@jerrymcgeorge4117]

Indeed, Robben is the Gold Standard!

[@bpillers]

@@jerrymcgeorge4117 Hi Jerry

[@jerrymcgeorge4117]

@@bpillers Hi Robert!

[@76Soco]

Couldn't agree more. His playing here is as good as it gets.

[@jsf4987]

I was 14 when I saw them play live - this was the moment I realized I didn’t play the same instrument (guitar) and 44 years later I didn’t give up but so appreciated that moment ! The best and more importantly I appreciate the humility of this crew !

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

...at least a thousand times? It just NEVER gets old.

[@funkateer64]

This is my Favorite Yellowjackets!!!! I love the Fusion Robben Ford!!!

[@MrLfingers]

Best sound I've ever heard Robben get. His playing is masterful!

[@iansnyder274]

I agree. No grainy buzzy sounds. Pure, contained on the edge of breakup. That 59' dot neck 335/PAFs ...That and his 'clean' Telecaster tone at times

[@marklowensteinmusic]

Absolutely one of the best jazz fusion bands EVER!!! Phenomenal musicians. I particularly appreciate the left-handed upside down bassist (playing a right-handed bass)!!!

[@yemooda]

Here Jimmy actually is playing on a lefthanded bass, strings upside-down..

[@TheWacky46]

Brings me back to '84. I was 20 y/o and attending Musicians' Institute in the heart of HOLLYWOOD. Music like this was played every day by Dan Gilbert, Scott Henderson and Don Mock, etc. It was a great West Coast vibe.

[@LTJR.]

Yeah to that time and place, and Mock, scary good, crazy lines of fourthness!

[@xavierlangreau5875]

monmouth college fights has for me the best solo guitar ever. these 2videos are Gold.

[@ackeelover6878]

Absolute gold. Had the debut Jackets LP from release and always loved their performances from the Casino Lights album. Fantastic to see the actual footage from the night.

[@VeriteProductions1]

Thanks for sharing this. I was in the audience for this concert and as a young drummer I was blown away by the musicianship and freshness of these guys. I happened to walk by the night before the concert when I was heading back to the hotel from a local gig and they were laying down tracks with Sanborn and others and I hung out outside the door and listened to the jams. It is so cool to see this.

[@fretbossmaster3638]

Damn!!! This video is a find. I'm a huge Ford fan and this style of fusion fits him so much better than the blues. The way he hits the changes together with the phrasing is blowing my mind. Thanks for posting this!!!

[@drumz47]

Stunned and saddened of the death of my rhythm brother Ricky Lawson. RIP always close to my heart. Love you..G

[@christopherebeyrol4553]

reading the joy on Robben's face is really inspiring. What a performance!!!

[@bigtimelakersfan5836]

This brings back some fantastic memories of my seeing them at the Roxy in Los Angeles. What a tight group!!!

[@hanseerhart]

R.I.P . Ricky Lawson ..i will always remember you through the great music you made together .Very sad news I wish you alot of strenght in this difficult time Robben Ford .

[@Geotubest]

What an incredible band. Robben Ford is one of my idols as a guitar player.

[@ntesslafan]

These guys really enjoyed playing together. I really like seeing musicians for whom it is a pleasure to play. Great post yellowjacketsjazz! Thanks

[@got2bharmony]

Thanks for uploading this wonderful video. I've had the casino lights album and the eponymous Yellowjackets album since it was first released. I agree with many well informed comments here that this is the finest playing from Robben who is a remarkable guitarist and who brings out the best in Russell Ferrante who is also a very gifted musician. Jimmy and Ricky are also virtuoso players of their instruments. It is getting increasingly sad to construct musical family trees of recently departed legends. Ricky Lawson played regularly with George Duke. George Duke hired Sheila Escovedo as percussionist who went on to play drums for Prince, George also toured with Louis Johnson. Thankfully there are a few young shining stars shining brightly, whether any will reach the dizzy heights demonstrated here by the Yellowjackets remains to be seen.

[@surfcatzu]

I cannot agree more

[@ackeelover6878]

Well said brother.

[@Bluesdeville95]

Yup these two tunes are some of the best electric guitar playing EVER.

[@mcmike100]

Rest in peace, Ricky. One of the nicest people in the world.

[@romanslegion7771]

I could practice another lifetime and never sound like this. Thank god, Robben got there so early in his career. He made some choices and now is still the best at what he does. Rip it , man. Right on.

[@zplayer1027]

What a find! I've been listening to this tune since '82, how special to see the performance! Thanks for the video of " Monmouth College Fight Song"!

[@dagostinoification]

I LOVE THESE MUSICIANS !

[@MarioGarde1965]

Fantastic band and beautiful video-document of that inspired period of time!!! Great Musicians for Good-Music evergreen!!... W YellowJackets!!! ;-) mm65

[@MMRD50]

go back to this tone robben. this brought out the best in all of them.

[@catboyzee]

Agreed. The crazy thing is that I believe that during this performance he was using a solid state(SOLID STATE!) Yamaha G-100 combo and to my ears its STILL his best tone; even better than the sound he gets from the 5-figure($$,$$$$) boutique Dumble amp that he likes to use these days. Guess tone is still in the hands of the player...

[@iansnyder274]

@@catboyzee Those Yamaha amps are GREAT. I have a 50watt. Quality parts were used. I remember borowing one for a few gigs as well as an Ibanez lee Ritenour 335. I used a Bixonic expandora for overdrive. Sounded great and very simiIar to his tone here. I went through hard times and had to sell some great vintage amps, so i borrowed these from my bandmates. Years later. I was at a party where our band had played. They had a video of that time. I listened, and goddam' the tone was amazing with that combo. We get caught up in the Vintage tube or high end boutique thing, but they are GREAT sleeper amps for sure!

[@geetarnut]

I was lucky back in 1988, when Robben was touring for his "Talk to Your Daughter" album/cd and he and his band, "The Blue Line" came to Long Island to the Stephen Talkhouse Lounge, on the east end of the Island in Amagansett in East Hampton area. It was a small venue, and the band set up across the room against the narrow width of the room, which was maybe 25 feet at best. And I had a seat right in front of Robben and Mark Ford, the harp player (Robbens brother) and the entire show was just as good as this video performance, or better even! And Robben talked with me after the show for a generous amount of time. He even gave me a hand written note with his then, managers name "Scott Ferguson", and Robben told me to be sure to mention that he had spoken with me at the show, and Robben agreed to do a clinic if I contacted Mr. Ferguson. I was blown away by Robbens honesty and concern about my request for a clinic. Great memories!!!

[@LouiePlaysDrums]

This is GREAT!!! Thank you Yellowjackets for sharing this classic piece of your history. I love it!!!

Great performance!!!

[@chrisclermont456]

Robben was so on fire during this period (and always)!! 😅😅😅

[@pete130]

I was there. It's wunderful to have this video here! Thnx

[@JuergenJoherl]

Yes, it's hard to believe & oh so sad....another great cat had left us way too early...I'm thankful for his wonderful musical contributions & may he R.I.P.

[@ntesslafan]

This music has such a strong groove. Love it!

[@musikolle58]

Thanks, i have this on vinyl from 1982, really nice to see Yellowjackets & Robben Ford play Monmouth College Fight Song (8.30) , I love Fords solo on that song.

[@IvorThomas]

I remember when a friend turned me on to that first [honeycomb jacket] Yellowjackets LP... I was totally floored. I couldn't believe there was somebody that could play 'blues' guitar over jazz changes like that and make it sound easy. I still can't. We are indeed lucky that for a brief period of time, the blues and jazz 'police' allowed this to happen.

[@jupiter433]

I was there too. Unforgettable, the more since we lost Funky Claude, the creator and manager of the Montreex Jazz Fesival this week. Too sad...

[@funklover24]

Listening to this I wish, there might be a reunion between Robben and the Yellowjackets. 🥰

[@TheEddiez06]

I will love to see one with Eric Clapton, David Sanborn, Steve Gadd and Marcus Miller as both of them had work with those legends!

[@funklover24]

@@TheEddiez06 There is a video with this line-up including Joe Sample on Yutube.

[@TheEddiez06]

@@funklover24 I Know! Legends live at Montreux. Is just that i’ve never saw my two favorite guitar players having a run together, it would be a tremendous gift.

[@TheEddiez06]

I mean of course Mr Robben Ford and Eric Clapton.

[@funklover24]

@@TheEddiez06 I'm with you. When I read about the concert "legends live in Montreux", I asked myself, why haven't I been there. Of course it would be great to see Eric and Robben jamming together, but may be this dream won't come true ... I heard about some serious health-problems with Eric. ;)

[@sheriffii]

its so great to see a young robben tearing it up.

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

still love it!!

[@timcox9021]

yellowjackets: this rendition was the finest. the originals with Sir Ricky Lawson on drums; he'd later become Ricky Remo - as Michael Jackson's drummer; I also saw him first perform with Roy Ayers and Ubiquity at Slippery Rock State University, Pa. - 1975, y'all !!! yes, the Seventies was Kickin'

[@catboyzee]

The Gibson ES-335 played by Robben Ford looks and sounds gorgeous. I totally agree with the earlier comments that Robben's best playing(and his best guitar tones IMHO) were during his brief tenure with the Yellowjackets. Very distinct and str8 burning...respect.

[@LTJR.]

Dot neck, around '59 if not mistaken. We were so into this back then, my buddy Jim Hewitt went out and plopped 4500.00 at norms in Reseda for his.

[@catboyzee]

@@LTJR. Agreed. I had an opportunity to play a '58 reissue once, the neck on that guitar was ridiculously huge.

[@LTJR.]

@@catboyzee I just talked to him and he reminded me his was a 1960 model. It came with a thinner neck. I remember it being quite comfortable. He always has great gear, even an original D'angelico, and to top that one off his elderly buddy even gave it to him cheap, I think a combination of the older gentleman being cool, His friendship with Jim, and age precluding him from really keeping up on the guitar.

[@AlainRymenants]

Robben Ford... Soul & Elegance ***

[@MrArbex]

These guys are from another world

[@miropribanic5581]

any video of the YJs live deserves an "instant-like" ;-)

[@hahabass]

They burned at their best for me, then. Great musicians everyone, killing it now still, whatever our views on the evolution of Robben's playing, this was when the band played like if 'this is the last tune together'. They played in a similar way when Marc Russo joined the band for me. Still great though. YJs are forever finding their way onto my main playlist. And with killer bassist Dane Alderson in the mix, whatever you feel about Jimmy's sudden disappearance, the band's music always takes on a new form, and expression. And that's the definition of a great band, eh?

[@geetarnut]

Just now found out about the loss of Ricky Lawson, truly shocked and saddened like all of you, very sorry. God rest his soul! :^(

[@lseman100]

This is the Yellowjackets I fell in love with during college. Robben Ford led this incredible band toits greatest heights. I've never heard Russel play more dynamically then in this configuration. The lack of a suitable counterpart robed Russ of the challenge of matching his solos to a similar type of gifted performance later in their recordings. This is just incredible!

[@ntesslafan]

Rest in peace Mr. Lawson. You are missed.

[@JazzKeyboardist1]

thanks,, I have transposed this melody and time thing to many song ,, a great song tune

[@djake1971]

Fantastic! Thanx!

[@clifking]

Just fantastic thanks ever for uploading :) x

[@soultalk1547]

Jesus lord, Robben on the Monmouth tune. Fuck me. Does it get any better? Just awesome.

[@MrSteviedan]

Robben's solo on 'Monmouth College Fight Song' at 9:58 is one of the all-time great guitar solos.

[@drummyonekenobi]

I agree I was there.. I remember every note of this solo!

[@fingers1958]

I couldn't agree more! The ideas, the tone, the build! It shuld be required study for any serious electric guitarist!!

[@deancol4080]

Yep, that guitar solo is on the top of my list; many don't come close. That one is underrated to say the least...

[@MerrittJeff1970]

OMG I have never been here before. Mind blown. I guess its the creation of modern guitar. Kinda like Louis when he changed how we sing..

[@buddyrichsolo]

Amazing. Intense and natural

[@carlosadail]

Histórico. Um dos maiores shows de sempre.

[@adamhellerup]

8:20 Amasing live version of Monmouth College Fight Song! SO close to the studio album version! Check out Robben Fords almost identical solo! WOW!

[@adamhellerup]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pp2WlmN4j7mmjrM For comparisons

[@67VW]

@@adamhellerup someone synchronized the CD to match the video. That's why you hear horns on the other video. The record company dubbed in horns, which in my opinion ruined the live performance!

[@vincenzovelotto5469]

Tanta roba..❤

[@fusi0nista_bum]

man i gotta put robben ford on my top10 list of axemen!

[@andercleydelimapadilha2291]

ESSE VIDEO É LEGENDARIO,

[@johanponin1360]

Some music shines even on worn VHS ;)

[@antonelloaguzzi4098]

The first song is called "Rush Hour", from Yellowjackets' 1981 self-titled first album. The second is "Monmouth College Fight Song, released on the live album "Casino Lights" in 1982. I don't know if a score is available... good luck.

[@rsjazz]

thx

[@Traint_Trungdrundringsron]

Im sure a lot of jazz lovers who grew up in middle class families in America from 1990-2000 are wondering how music can be this good, the answer is more complicated than you would think, it's two fold. Most important is studying jazz at s college and 🚫 having internet back then. Part 2 is having all the coke you need but not so much that it kills you. So just a basic combo of cocaine, living in the 80s, not much to do but do coke and work on your craft. That's why this rocks. Just a little bit hard work, a lot of cocaine, and no internet.

[@soultalk1547]

Complete heroes

[@fusionhar]

I was in the casino this wonderfull night ......the place was rockin!

[@rostandbergerac6413]

At his best!!!

[@nimragguram6844]

I have the Live-Album „Casino Lights“

[@jeanlucchapelon]

THE Great Russel Ferrante 👍

[@deetgeluid]

The birth of the REAL cool.

[@djavadjazzy]

11 years

[@ifgwelf]

That Yamaha BB is sounding faaaaat

[@meanmud1]

Love Robben!

[@kjmtst]

R.I.P. Ricky Lawson.....

[@francischristopher9602]

Frank Gambali had a similar sound, but MY GOODNESS Robin slayed it!!

[@vvblues]

Ford is on fire.

[@jonathanbraithwaite7063]

That drum face at 10:43

[@davidseriff711]

I'll have what he's having.

[@garyhshiproad6549]

I bought the "Casino Lights" album, and later CD only because of the 'Jackets appearance on it. Although I far prefer their music from "Four Corners" on, I always really liked the 2 selections on the "Casino Lights" album-it's filed along with my 'Jackets collection.. Had NO idea that it was actually filmed also. Oddly, neither the original LP or CD actually ever mentioned the year it was recorded and i've wondered if it was 1979, 1980, or 1981 for MANY years now. So it's nice to now know for sure, FINALLY! (Why wouldn't they list the year it was recorded on the original album????). Anyway, R.I.P. to both Mr Lawson AND Claude Nobs.

[@Montialster]

European premiere of the Yellowjackets

[@waynemiller6070]

I'll probably catch all kinds of shit for saying this, but am the only one who thinks this was when Robben Ford was at his best? His playing isn't anything like this anymore. Quite frankly I've lost interest in his more recent efforts. I appreciated it more when he got out of the safe zone and was playing aggressively through these unusual changes.

[@TheRlwright721]

+wayne miller I still love his playing today, but I do think his playing was even more amazing back then though.

[@occasionalchurl]

+wayne miller I agree this is probably his peak, but I think it is more about the style of music he chooses to play these days. He can still play like this I he chooses. I suggest checking out the stuff he did with Miles Davis at Montreux in 1985 or '86. Particularly track titled "Burn" and "Carnival".

[@Robjazzter]

+wayne miller Yeah, I kind of agree, Wayne. I respect that he pursued the direction that was in his heart, and I listen to and enjoy everything he's done to date, but for me this was his finest playing.

[@cmrdeaconblues]

You are not alone brother. While I still love Robben and he is probably a better guitarist today knowledge wise and may know the instrument better, this was the playing that truly set him apart. I don't think he liked playing this stuff as much, his heart is the blues, but his true uniqueness was when he played like this. Just my opinion...

[@got2bharmony]

I understand what you're saying and agree.

[@rayfordhickman3087]

I was there 1981 US Army on pass from Hanburg Germany.

[@joebeeber8693]

FOR THE THUMBS DOWN YOU NOW PUT YOUR THUMB BACK IN YOUR MOUTH NOW AN GO BACK TO SLEEP !!!

[@jeanlucchapelon]

11’50 good chorus of Russell Ferrante !!

[@charlesmorais375]

How did ford play the notes from the album , I played this song so many times in the car growing up

[@HedgeFundOfOne]

Robben Ford's mannerisms while playing here remind me of Terry Kath of Chicago.

[@romanslegion7771]

Btw, is there a transcription of Robben’s guitar work from Casino Lights?. What the hell, might as well go for it.

[@eduardoritos]

Some phrasings are 100% equal to some of Scott Hendersson on Valentine song (Stars album).

[@doeni2]

I remember the orignal LP with a brass section on it. Overdub?

[@JazzKeyboardist1]

I love this melody,,, transpose it to all 12 keys if you dare general Zod

[@surfcatzu]

Where is part 2?

[@superslonic]

Does anyone know, why did Robben Ford leave the Yellowjackets being the founding member of it?

[@jayem1826]

All I know is on the Mirage e trois LP Mark Russo plays sax and Roben and Mike Miller do the guitar tracks.

[@johnunderwood3132]

Left handed Jimmy Haslip!! I’m left handed so I am bias

[@joeyrllrrlr9797]

Jimmy is a genius awake or asleep ha ha j/k . My Hero .

[@MrBgrwkj]

로벤포드!!!! 잘생겼다 꽃미남~~

[@zcloveguitar]

What's the name of the first song ? And where to get the score for that. I have problem transcribing the chords

[@josemiguelbloise2116]

The name of the song is "Rush Hour"

[@pcperez72]

This was a time when Robben Ford still could play.

[@TheEddiez06]

Still at his advanced age he play a million times better than all of us.

[@PIPA1302]

what the fuck are you talking about?? are you insane?? jesus christ....jesus christ... this internet shit is amazing.....everybody grows balls although nobody cares, and shit for brains that we have to suffer... what does Robben know anyway??

[@MusicMatic707]

Not a bassist, but Haslip is playing a lefty with inverted strings? RIP Ricky, I first heard you on Roy Ayers Presents... Ubiquity. Transition well.

[@AMCorner]

+MusicMatic707 Yes, inverted. When growing up, Jimmy's family did not have money to buy him a lefty bass, so he learned by playing a right-handed instrument "upside down," so to speak.

[@imakeyoufeelthisway]

WOW! Early Yelllowjackets has no SAX. I don't know.

[@megafunk88]

Mustaches and plaid? Yellow ass pants? Must be fusion dudes from '81, of course. Nobody knew where fashion was going yet, but man they had no fear about writing whatever music they felt either, and for that all our fusion gods from that era get a pass. Rhodes! Oberheims!! Major7flat11's!! Concert toms! Sunny Al jarreau progressions and happy shuffles mixed with scary altered chords and wacky unison lines! Drinks on the piano! 1981 ruled! I'm so glad I caught some of it as a kid!

[@JazzKeyboardist1]

thanks, my ex wife says I have to come here.. no one gets my jokes

[@paolorius]

Che baffi ha jimmy haslip........................

[@NicolaBoschetti]

ah ah sì sono inguardabili, ma ragazzi che TIRO!!

[@balisaani]

Where is part 2? kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKaqiaZ9n7KcpdE