Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Ron Jackson: Flubby Dubby

178

Ron Jackson: Flubby Dubby

By

Sign in to view read count
Ron Jackson: Flubby Dubby
New York-based urban guitarist Ron Jackson blends his soulful jazz sound with elements of R&B, funk and even a touch of the Caribbean mood on Flubby Dubby, his sixth album as leader. Leading his classic organ trio, also featuring organist Kyle Koeler and drummer Otis Brown III, the album was recorded live at Cecil's Jazz Club in West Orange, New Jersey, with alto saxophonist Bruce Williams and tenor luminary Don Braden augmenting the band on "The Long And Winding Road" and "Love Ballad."

Guitarist Melvin Sparks, part of the burgeoning soul-jazz scene of the late '60s and early '70s, was a friend and mentor to Jackson, producing this date before passing away in March, 2011. The opening "One for Melvin," a swinging bluesy shuffle, serves as a moving dedication to a major influence in the guitarist's development. The swing continues on the grooving "The Look of You," with the trio taking turns soloing on the set's liveliest track. The Lennon/McCartney pop classic "The Long And Winding Road," travels in a different direction, pushed along by a new arrangement featuring Braden and Williams, who jazz up the music by laying down a saxophone background not normally associated with this piece.

The funk comes to life on the title track, recalling instrumental dance songs of James Brown's band with funk saxophonist Maceo Parker. Jackson provides another new arrangement to the R&B classic "Love Ballad," featuring delicious solos from the two guest saxophonists, to roaring applause from the audience. The guitarist himself is no slouch, peeling off one dynamic riff after another, leaving no doubt who's in charge.

Serving as the set's gentle piece, "Stars Fell On Alabama" enters calmly and stays there, riding soft chords from the guitarist with warm organ phrasings shoring up the ballad. "A Calypso Party" suggests the music from a party on a cruise ship to the Islands, while the finale, "Get In The Country," ends the date on a funkier note.

Though a live setting and a one-take-only deal, there are no flubs on Flubby Dubby. Arguably not a standard straight jazz album, Jackson's trio and guests deliver different flavors, delving into an atypical organ trio sound where jazz remains at the root of the music. A veteran journeyman, with this album Jackson affirms his reputation among fellow musicians as a top-tier guitarist in modern jazz.

Track Listing

One For Melvin; The Look of You; The Long And Winding Road; Flubby Dubby; Love Ballad; Stars Fell On Alabama; Technophile; A Calypso Party; Get In The Country.

Personnel

Ron Jackson
guitar

Ron Jackson: guitar; Kyle Koeler: Hammaond B-3 organ; Otis Brown III: drums; Don Braden: tenor saxophone (3, 5); Bruce Williams: alto saxophone (3, 5).

Album information

Title: Flubby Dubby | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Self Produced

Comments

Tags

Concerts

Mar 28 Thu
Stream

For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.