In 25
years as a recording artist, tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson had never made a
live record as a leader...until now. With his new Smoke Sessions title
Expression, the wait is finally over. 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. This record documents some of Jackson's personal
favorites and he credits the live atmosphere for delivering what he feels are
his definitive versions.
He
includes modern classics like Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'bout a
Thing," Donnie Hathaway and Roberta Flack's hit "Where is the
Love," and the timeless "When I Fall in Love," that are
trademark Javon-accessible but enlightening.
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. With a record this good, it's a safe
bet that Jackson won't wait another 25 years to make the sequel.
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