Tenor saxophonist and division director of The Hartt School’s Jackie McLean’s Institute of Jazz Javon Jackson performed with his quintet “Jazz by Five” at the University of Massachusetts last Thursday.
The group features Randy Brecker on trumpet, George Cables on piano, Eddie Gomez on double bass and Jimmy Cobb on drums.
Celebrated saxophonist @javonjackson leads a jazz quintet at 7:30 tomorrow at @UMassAmherst! Details here: https://t.co/DSahjgk3iy
— Chesky Records (@CheskyLabel) February 17, 2016
Jackson is a well-regarded saxophonist and band leader. After graduating from the Berklee College of Music, he toured with world-renowned drummer Art Blakely along with his band, “Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.”
He made his recording debut in 1992 with “Me and Mr. Jones” which featured Christian McBride, master drummer Elvin Jones and James Williams.
Along with all of Jackson’s accomplishments, he recorded six projects for Blue Note Records which featured Dianne Reeves, Cassandra Wilson, Jacky Terrason, Betty Carter and some others. Jackson explored funk-based jazz when he was recording for Palmetto Records which incorporates the sound of Fred Wesley, Lenny White and many others. Since then, he has 14 more recordings, appeared on over 100 CDs, and has toured the country performing, and teaching workshops.
Some examples of jazz legends that he toured and recorded with are Elvin Jones, Charlie Haden, Cedar Walton, Donald Byrd, Richard Davis and Ben E. King.
In 2012, Jackson was recognized by the Benny Golson Award from Howard University for excellence in jazz. During that year, he also released two self-recordings, “Lucky 13” and “Celebrating John Cotrane.”
Before coming to work at the University of Hartford, Jackson taught at Long Island University and the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College. He took over as the director of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz after its founder, Jackie McLean, retired in 2013.
His current group, “The Javon Jackson Band” features many styles of jazz, funk, R&B and rock.
Right now, he’s the Division Director in the Hartt School and he serves as a Jazz Panelist for the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts and a member of Jazz Education Network.
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