Jazz Articles about Ron Jackson

Greg Lewis / Organ Monk: Uwo in the Black

by Hrayr Attarian
August 12, 2012

It takes abundant courage and uncommon musical vision to radically reinterpret the works of such an idiosyncratic genius as pianist Thelonious Monk. Fortunately, organist Greg Lewis possesses both as is evident on the second volume of his Organ Monk trilogy, Uwo In The Black. As he did on Organ Monk (Self Produced, 2010), Lewis adds a few of his own tunes to the Monk repertoire, seamlessly blending into the overall thematic structure. The organist's “In the Black--My ...

Greg Lewis / Organ Monk: Uwo in the Black

by Larry Taylor
July 24, 2012

Uwo in the Black is organist Greg Lewis' second recording based on Thelonious Monk's music--in fact, it is the second in a projected trilogy. Lewis' debut in 2010, Organ Monk, gained high respect from critics. Whereas, the first effort was a trio affair, Lewis expands the group here by adding Reginald R. Woods on tenor saxophone. Woods' hard-edged tone and highly-charged style bring the flavor of Monk's regular tenor man Charlie Rouse to the studio. The sax also adds considerably ...

Ron Jackson: Flubby Dubby

by Edward Blanco
October 22, 2011

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" ...

Take Five With Ron Jackson

by AAJ Staff
May 17, 2009

Meet Ron Jackson:Ron Jackson is a New York based guitarist, composer, arranger, producer, recording artist, and instructor.Ron's style of guitar playing and compositions is a blend of jazz, and other American styles such as soul, rhythm and blues, pop that is influenced by his roots in the Philippines. Ron has five CDs as a leader and has recorded and performed with Taj Majal, Mingus Guitar Orchestra, Benny Golson, Randy Weston, Ron Carter, Oliver Lake, Jaki Byard, ...

Ron Jackson: The Dream I Had

by Geannine Reid
January 21, 2005

From Heritage Guitar Award to Broadway pit player, Ron Jackson is always an appreciated guitarist and sideman, but he's been consistently under-recognized for his own compositions and continued commitment to the endeavors and education of jazz.

Jackson has performed and recorded in over thirty countries as a bandleader and ensemble performer. He currently has five CDs as a leader or co-leader: A Guitar Thing and Thinking of You (Muse Records); Concrete Jungle , an album co-led by bassist Nicki Parrot ...

Ron Jackson: The Dream I Had

by Franz A. Matzner
July 25, 2003

As Broadway pit-player, bandleader, international performer, studio musician, and song composer, guitarist Ron Jackson has proven himself comfortable in a wide variety of contexts. Jackson takes full advantage of this diverse musical experience on his third release, The Dream I Had, a well-balanced, well-executed album of original compositions and covers. His trio with bassist Joris Teepe and drummer Joris Dudli maintains a cohesive, swinging feel throughout. Teepe’s bass lines and staunch rhythmic support stand out on many ...

Ron Jackson & Nicki Parrott: Concrete Jungle

by Dave Nathan
August 1, 2001

Taking on a play list of mostly their individual originals, guitarist Ron Jackson and bassist Nicki Parrott joined other seasoned jazz professionals to put together an album designed for long lasting listening. A bass and guitar duo might be dubbed the “Odd Couple". But the combination works because these two obviously want it to. Jackson's guitar is pitched high and he avoids for the most part smeary chordal attacks allowing Parrott's low pitched instrument to be heard. The Australian based ...