One of the most underappreciated bassists around has to be Jimmy Haslip. He was one of the founding members of The Yellowjackets, and he’s also associated himself with fusionist Jeff Lorber. In the LA scene, he does a lot of producing and sitting in on local gigs, and these two recent releases with keyboardist and orchestrator Joe Vannelli and a collection of mainstream guests show that he’s got lots to say and play.
Red Heat have the two with fellow Jacketer Russ Ferrante as well as singer Gino Vannelli, Vince Mendoza, Otmaro Ruiz, Chuck Findley and Luis Conte. Haslip sizzles on this salsa-dominated session, with rich bass lnes on “Empath” and seductive percussion on the crusiing “Casa De Oro”. A Caribbean avalanche takes place on the hip “Red Coral” with tender and spacious atmospheres on “Empath” and punchy horns on the synthy “Palo Alto”. Upbeat with a beat.
Red Heat also includes a Yellowjacketer in Bob Mintzer, along with guests Stee Tavaglione, Judd Miller, Jimmy Branly, Roger Burn and even The Perry Sisters. Branly’s timbales are flying along with Burns’ vibes on the simmering “The Heat” and splashy synthy “Fuego” while exciting vocals and chorus cheer on during the Afro-Cuban “Vaya”. Haslip’s bass lines are melodic and gorgeous on the slow and lovely “Laguna’ and he slithers on “Novelas” while wah wahing tones gallop on “The Red Sun” and Brazilian sunsets take place on “El Morrow”. Percolating passios.