Javon Jackson & Nikki Giovanni: Javon & Nikki go to the movies

Javon & Nikki go to the movies is a charming and soulful collaboration that brings together the poetic eloquence of Nikki Giovanni and the masterful tenor saxophone stylings of Javon Jackson. The album is a delightful journey through some of the standards of the Great American Songbook, featuring songs famously associated with classic Hollywood movies. The repertoire also draws from a broader range of sources, including three Jackson originals and one from the pen of Sonny Rollins. Jackson is accompanied by a stellar group of long- time associates, including pianist Jeremy Manasia, bassist David Williams and drummer McClenty Hunter. The group is also joined by Grammy-winning vocalist Nicole Zuraitis, who adds depth with her interpretations on three tracks.

The album opens with a Jackson original, "When the Time is Right," covered by the quartet. Jackson's saxophone takes centre stage, with his rich, warm tone controlling the musical narrative. The rhythm section, particularly McClenty Hunter, provides a supple and dynamic foundation, allowing Jackson's tenor to soar. The Kurt Weill/Ogden Nash classic "Speak Low" was initially written for the 1943 Broadway show One Touch Of Venus and was featured in the 1948 movie version; it is given a bossa-nova flavoured interpretation here. From the opening notes, Manasia owns the number with an approach full of subtly and curiosity. Midway through, supported by Manasia's expressive piano, Giovanni makes her first appearance with a bold reading of her provocative poem "That Day."

The spotlight shines on Zuraitis in her three tracks, beginning with "How About You" from the 1941 Judy Garland/Mickey Rooney movie Babes on Broadway, followed by "I Belong to You" from the little-seen 1955 Kirk Douglas feature The Racers, and finally "The Folks Who Live on the Hill" from the 1937 release High, Wide and Handsome. Throughout these classic songs, Zuraitis' delivery is perfectly matched with the underlying construct of the compositions as she captures the emotional range of the lyrics while bringing a fresh perspective to their interpretation.

Acknowledged as one of the world's most well-known African-American poets, Giovanni's presence is felt throughout the album, not just as a poet but as a curator of the musical journey. Both elements are brought together again in two compositions. Firstly, "Love is a Many Splendored Thing" is from the 1955 movie of the same name, and then Jackson's composition "Have You Heard." The band sets up the former number in an Ahmad Jamal "Poinciana" styled vibe over which Giovanni recites "Still Life with Apron," exalting the erotic nature of food and cooking. As the number plays out, Giovanni's second poem, "I Exist," contemplates her ubiquity in her lover's imagination. In the latter composition, the band lays down a funky beat led by Jackson. Giovanni's "Vegetable Soup" meditates on the fear of aging.

Finally, the album pays tribute to Rollins with a heartfelt rendition of "Valse Hot." Jackson's tenor slides lucidly through the composition with structural perfection, with Manasia responding to the rhythm and melody with exploratory voicing.

Comments