Javon Jackson Keeps The Beat On 3rd Palmetto Release "Now"

New York, NY -- September 19, Palmetto Records will release a powerful follow-up to Javon Jackson's Have You Heard, with his third CD on Palmetto called, NOW.

Featuring Greg Hutchinson, drums; Kenny Davis, bass; David Gilmore, guitar; Lisa Fischer, vocals; and Dr. Lonnie Smith, Hammond B-3 organ, NOW is a fun and melodic mix of challenging and engaging music. Javon comments: “I want to make my audience feel the way I feel when I'm playing with this band... we're having a great time!"

Javon contributes three originals including “South Side Eddie," “Richard's R.A.P.," and “In the Sticks." “South Side Eddie" is inspired by the great saxophonist Eddie Harris and his ability to write catchy funky songs. Javon learned a lot of life lessons from jazz bassist Richard Davis and “Richard's R.A.P." is a dedication to him. “In the Sticks" is a loving ode to the country side. NOW also features tunes that were recorded by Donny Hathaway/Roberta Flack, Kenny Garrett, and James Brown, plus more.

The CD will be available for download in its entirety or by track at www.palmetto-records.com.

Javon Jackson tour dates:
Oct 11: Denver, CO
Oct 12: Albuquerque, NM
Oct 13: Santa Fe, NM
Oct 14: Kansas City, MO
Oct 15: Columbia, MO
Oct 17-18: Seattle, WA
Oct 20-21: Portland, OR
Nov 1-5: South America
Nov 11: Anguilla
Nov 27: Cleveland, OH
Nov 30: Toledo, OH

Track Listing:
1. In the Sticks (Jackson) 7:51
2. Chief Blackwater (Garrett) 5:29
3. Love Calls (Owens) 4:52
4. South Side Eddie (Jackson) 8:28
5. Where Is The Love (McDonald, Antisia) 4:09
6. Richard's Rap (Jackson) 5:36
7. Fun Time (Davis) 5:37
8. Give It Up Or Turnit A Loose (Bobbit) 3:46
9. I Remember You (Schertzinger/Mercer) 2:29
Artist information

Javon Jackson was raised in Denver, Colorado and through his parents' music collection was exposed to some of the greatest musicians in jazz. Jackson's early influences included Charlie Parker and Sonny Stitt. After high school, Jackson briefly attended the University of Denver and then transferred to the Berklee College of Music. At Berklee, Jackson met Donald Brown, instructor at Berklee as well as pianist for Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. During Jackson's studies at Berklee, Brown arranged for him to sit in with the legendary drummer at a New York jazz club. Mr. Blakey liked what he heard from Jackson and offered him the tenor saxophone position with the Jazz Messengers. Jackson gladly accepted and began his professional career on the national and international stage. During his tenure as a Jazz Messenger, Jackson recorded and toured along side fellow Jazz Messengers Kenny Garrett, Wallace Roney, Donald Harrison and Benny Green.

Remaining with Blakey until his untimely death, Jackson went on to tour and record with many jazz luminaries including Elvin Jones, Freddie Hubbard, Cedar Walton, Ron Carter and Charlie Haden. In all, Jackson has an impressive discography of over 100 recordings.

As a leader, Javon has recorded for the Criss Cross, Blue Note and Palmetto labels. His debut recording Me and Mr. Jones, on the Criss Cross label, featured the incomparable drummer Elvin Jones and received rave reviews from jazz critics. As a Blue Note recording artist, Jackson's CD When the Time Is Right was produced by the one and only jazz vocalist Betty Carter and featured Dianne Reeves as guest vocalist. While recording for Blue Note, Jackson began to cover material from a wide range of musical styles. Quoting Jackson, “Craig Street, my producer for four Blue Note recordings, helped me greatly with looking at different music genres for material." Jackson has recorded the music of Frank Zappa, Carlos Santana, Carlos Jobim, Stevie Wonder, Muddy Water and others.

Currently at Palmetto Records, Jackson records and performs music that blends jazz, soul and funk. Other recent albums include Easy Does It and Have You Heard. He holds a B.M. from Berklee College and a M.M. from SUNY Purchase where he is Assistant Professor of Jazz Education.