Club Nocturne is a new direction for Yellowjackets, employing the vocal talents of Kurt Elling, Brenda Russell and Jonathan Butler in a jazz setting. It also includes new instrumental tunes like "Spirit of the West" and the lively "Automat." On the Japanese release of this recording, the bonus track "Living Inside Myself" features the vocal talents of the song's composer, Gino Vannelli. This album was also the swan song for Will Kennedy.
Club Nocturne (1998) is the 13th studio album (14th overall) from the jazz group Yellowjackets, and their sixth and final release for the Warner Bros. label. The album was nominated for "Best Contemporary Jazz Album" Grammy Award.
The album, originally conceived as an all vocal jazz album, contains four tracks with vocals (five tracks for Japan release), featuring vocalists Kurt Elling, Brenda Russell, and Jonathan Butler. It is also the final album recorded during drummer Will Kennedy's original tenure.
The track "Spirit of the West" remains a staple in the Yellowjackets' live set.
Russell Ferrante – keyboards Jimmy Haslip – bass Will Kennedy – drums Bob Mintzer – soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone
Munyungo Jackson – percussion (5) James Harrah – guitars (6) Kurt Elling – vocals (3, 10) Jonathan Butler – lead vocals (5), backing vocals (5) Richard Page – backing vocals (5) Brenda Russell – vocals (6) Gino Vannelli – lead vocals (11)
