Javon Jackson

Javon Anthony Jackson (born June 16, 1965) is an American jazz tenor saxophonist, bandleader, and educator.

Jackson was born on June 16, 1965, in Carthage, Missouri, and brought up in Denver.

Growing up, his parents both were fans of jazz, exposing him to the music of Ahmad Jamal, Sonny Stitt, Dexter Gordon, and Charlie Parker.

Javon first wanted to play drums but his father thought those were too loud.

After trying out the trumpet Jackson finally selected the alto saxophone at age 10.

At the age of 16, he changed to tenor saxophone and in his teens, he was taught by pianist Billy Wallace.

The recording included McCann’s 1969 hit, "Compared to What," as well as Stevie Wonder’s "Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing".

University of Denver, Denver, CO 1983 (Attended)

He was briefly enrolled at the University of Denver, before spending part of 1985–86 at the Berklee College of Music, which he abandoned to join drummer Art Blakey's band in which he played alongside pianist Benny Green, trumpeter Philip Harper, trombonist Robin Eubanks, and bassist Peter Washington.

He first became known as a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers from 1987 until Blakey's death in 1990.

and went on to release 22 recordings as a bandleader and tour and record on over 150 CDs with jazz greats including Elvin Jones, Freddie Hubbard, Charlie Haden, Betty Carter, Cedar Walton, Ron Carter, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Stanley Turrentine and Ben E. King.

In his solo career, his music has been a mix of tradition and neo-jazz, mixing hard bop with soul and funk influences.

Jackson was the Jazz Messenger saxophonist until Blakey's death in 1990.

In 1991, Javon Jackson made his recording debut on Criss Cross Jazz with Me and Mr. Jones, featuring James Williams, Christian McBride and master drummer Elvin Jones.

The following year, he joined Jones’ group, appearing on the drummer’s albums Youngblood and Going Home.

In 1992, Javon played saxophonist Illinois Jacquet in Spike Lee's Malcolm X.

He is featured in the film playing the Lionel Hampton/Benny Goodman standard, "Flying Home".

Recognized for those diverse styles, he was tapped by producers Lea Reis, Bryant "Moe Doe" Johnson to play on Tupac Shakur's Keep Ya Head Up / Madukey Remix in 1993.

Jackson made his Blue Note Records debut in 1993 with When The Time Is Right, produced by the renowned vocalist and bandleader Betty Carter.

He recorded five more recordings for the Blue Note Record label through the ‘90s, including a diverse range of music by Caetano Veloso, Frank Zappa, Santana, Muddy Waters, and Al Green.

Jackson also released four recordings for Palmetto Records, where he explored funk, jazz, and soul with organist Dr. Lonnie Smith, guitarists Mark Whitfield and David Gilmore, trombonist Fred Wesley and drummer Lenny White, among others.

He also released three recordings for Chesky Records, including Three’s Company, featuring bandmates bassist Ron Carter and drummer Billy Drummond.

Jackson has served as Assistant Professor of Jazz at Long Island University in New York (1996-1998) and at the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College in Purchase, NY (1999-2007).

Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA Bachelor in Music Degree 1999

State University of New York at Purchase, Purchase, NY Master of Music Degree 2003

In a 2006 Toledo Blade feature, Jackson conveyed his motivation for teaching the younger generation of musicians: “[Jackson] said he enjoys teaching because he is able to connect the young students to some of the legends with whom he has played, including Blakey, Freddie Hubbard, and drummer Elvin Jones.

‘We can share our information to those coming behind us and ensure that things will continue on in a certain fashion,’ Jackson said.

2009, Full-length score for Alfred Hitchcock's silent film, The Lodger, Syracuse International Film Festival.

Conducted Silent Film and Cool Jazz premiere screening, Syracuse International Film Festival, October 15, 2010.

2012 Benny Golson Award, Howard University, Washington, DC, for recognition of legendary excellence in jazz.

Javon introduced his own label, Solid Jackson Records, in 2012, releasing Celebrating John Coltrane first, featuring former Coltrane collaborator and drummer Jimmy Cobb.

Also that year, he released Lucky 13, this album focused on the style of soul-jazz keyboardist Les McCann.

He became chair of the University of Hartford's Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz in 2013.

Professor Jackson has been Director of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the University of Hartford since 2013.

He serves as Chair of Jazz for the National YoungArts Foundation and is also a member of JEN (Jazz Education Network), where he assists as JENerations Jazz Festival's Artist and Clinician Coordinator.

Marking his 20th album as a leader and the third on his label, For You was released in 2018.

The album spent five weeks in the top 10 on the jazz charts, climbing to No. 2.

In 2019, Newport Festivals Foundation expanded the reach of its popular Newport Jazz Assembly program with the introduction of the Jackie McLean Jazz Studies Jazz Assembly, under Jackson's direction.

Jackson also serves as Artistic Director of Jazz in the Valley, an annual music festival in the historic Hudson Valley, now in its 20th year.

According to a 2019 JazzTimes review of For You: "With tradition always in mind but keeping the settings varied, Jackson salutes mentors, inspirations, and family, among others. His love of Sonny Rollins is clear as day on “I’m Old Fashioned,” he mines Wayne Shorter’s shuffling “Backstage Sally” for all its worth, and he puts the album to rest with some gusty statements on the McCoy Tyner-inspired “88 Strong.” His ray-of-sunshine demeanor also proves to be a key component of the production, lighting up Cedar Walton’s “Simple Pleasure” and bassist David Williams’ tropically infused “Native Son.” When not dealing with searing heat or pure light, Jackson can be found wearing his heart on his horn. He lends true grace to “Lelia,” a ballad dedicated to a cousin who was taken too soon by cancer."