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Javon Jackson: For You
ByJackson's playing is direct but rarely declamatoryhe attacks his lines with a slight obliqueness, the envelope around each note just a bit impressionistic. He's not a Paul Gonsalves disciple, but his articulation leans more in that direction than, say, Sonny Rollins. As a technician he is solid but not overwhelmingJackson doesn't fear the occasional slight fumble as long as the expressivity is there. His band is warm and flexible, though in some stylistic tributes they sometimes imitate their models with uncomfortable fidelity ("Mr. Sanders" is so close to the classic Coltrane quartet rhythm section sound that Elvin Jones and company could sue, though Jackson himself is not in thrall to Tranisms). Pianist Jeremy Manasia is the other featured soloist, and he ranges well beyond McCoy Tyner's model on most of the outing, though it might be difficult to pick him out of a crowd of other mainstream pianists.
What elevates the session above the average run of modern mainstream jazz is atmosphere and emotional commitment. The institutionalization of jazz instruction means that hundreds of musicians can produce competent music in this genre, but only a few are able to present it with the conviction Jackson displays on For You. Jackson isn't just competent in the idiomhe's committed to it and, by the sound of things, fulfilled by it. Pacing helpsthe album's ten performances mostly fall in the five-minute range and the whole package wraps up in just over fifty minutes, well before eyes start to glaze. And Jackson touches on enough different landmarks of the post-bop mainstream that he never gets stuck in just one bag.
No one is going to argue that this album is groundbreaking or state of the art stuff. It's just a solid collection of solidly performed tunes with that extra spark that holds the attention, and it will likely be just as enjoyable to listen to forty years from now as it is today.
Track Listing
I’m Old Fashioned; My Man Hubbard; Backstage Sally; Mr. Sanders; Sun Up; Simple Pleasure; Lelia; Native Son; Holy Land; 88 Strong.
Personnel
Javon Jackson
saxophoneJavon Jackson: tenor saxophone; Jeremy Manasia: piano; David Williams: bass; McClenty Hunter: drums.
Album information
Title: For You | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: Solid Jackson
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About Javon Jackson
Instrument: Saxophone
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