Expression by Javon Jackson
"(Jackson) is a no-nonsense hard bopper who learned the tricks of the trade from Art Blakey, Freddie Hubbard, and other masters. Still, he retains a taste for the vintage seventies R.& B. he grew up on, and his most recent album, “Expression,” contains affectionate performances of Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” and the Roberta Flack-Donny Hathaway classic “Where Is the Love.”
-- The New Yorker
"Throughout the set he runs a streak of intricate lines and swinging turns-of-phrase, no doubt inspired by his audience and driven by a solid band."
-- Sean O'Connell, The New York City Jazz Record
After 25 years as a recording artist, tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson releases his first live album, EXPRESSION. To an instinctive perfectionist like Jackson, live recording presents a different set of challenges from a studio session, but he did learn first-hand from none other than Art Blakey, after all, to prepare, prepare, prepare and then leave it all on the stage. In fact, Jackson opens the record with Wayne Shorter’s “One by One” which famously appeared 50 years ago on one of Blakey’s many live recordings, Ugetsu. The results have a natural energy and relaxed quality that are difficult to capture in the studio. It documents some of Jackson's personal favorites and he credits the live atmosphere for delivering what he feels are his definitive versions.
The quartet, called the Javon Jackson Band, features bassist Corcoran Holt, drummer McClenty Hunter and, for the first time, Orrin Evans. One of the busiest pianists in Philadelphia or in New York, Evans fit in with the group instantly and Jackson valued the fresh approach and playing that he brought to the music. A striking example of their rapport is the groove they strike on George Cable's '70s classic "Think on Me." It's a certifiable hit but there is simply a lot of great music on EXPRESSION.
Tracklist
| 1. | One by One | 6:24 |
| 2. | Don’t You Worry ’bout a Thing | 9:12 |
| 3. | T.J. | 8:45 |
| 4. | When I Fall in Love | 8:30 |
| 5. | Think on Me | 7:43 |
| 6. | Mr. Taylor | 6:15 |
| 7. | Where Is the Love | 5:10 |
| 8. | Lelia | 4:58 |
| 9. | Richard's R.A.P. | 8:03 |
| 10. | 88 Strong | 4:04 |
Credits
Javon Jackson - tenor saxophone
Orrin Evans - piano
Corcoran Holt - bass
McClenty Hunter - drums
Recorded July 26 and 27, 2013
at Smoke Jazz Club, New York City
Recorded & Produced by Paul Stache
Co-Produced by Javon Jackson
Mixed by Roman Klun & Paul Stache
Mastering by Roman Klun
Photography by Jimmy Katz
Design & Product Mangement by Damon Smith
Piano provided by Steinway & Sons
Executive Producers: Frank Christopher & Paul Stache
License
All rights reserved.
Saxophonist Javon Jackson is part of a new generation of musicians that blends tradition with neo-jazz. His bands feature straight-ahead jazz, hard bop, soul, and funk. Jackson came to prominence as a member of the legendary Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers before embarking on a solo career and collaborating with Elvin Jones, Jimmy Cobb, Freddie Hubbard, Cedar Walton, Betty Carter, and Tupak Shakur.