Javon Jackson Band with Les McCann

Saxophonist Javon Jackson came into international prominence as a member of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, performing and recording alongside Terence Blanchard, Kenny Garrett, Wallace Roney and Benny Green. Jackson remained with the Messengers for over three years until Blakey’s death in 1990 and says, “I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. Blakey taught me to be a man; he taught me how to be a leader.” Jackson has since toured and recorded with Elvin Jones, Freddie Hubbard, Betty Carter, Cedar Walton, Ron Carter, Donald Byrd, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Richard Davis, Bobby Hutcherson, Curtis Fuller and Stanley Turrentine and has appeared on over 125 recordings. Jackson has recorded several of his own CDs as a leader including his most recent September 2008 release, Once Upon A Melody, featuring tunes by Wayne Shorter Sonny Rollins, McCoy Tyner and more. Branford Marsalis says of Jackson, “Javon adds a modern twist to the music we grew up with. Everybody get ready for a funky good time.” As an addition to their current tour schedule, the Javon Jackson Band will be joined by special guest Les McCann, the iconic soul jazz pianist, vocalist, and composer, best known for his work in the late 1960s and early 1970s with partner/saxman Eddie Harris. Their album, Swiss Movement was a top selling jazz record, and McCann’s single “Compared to What” went platinum. McCann is recognized as a founding force for the genre known as ‘funky jazz’ having helped to pioneer the use of electric piano, clavinet, and synthesizer. His CD, Layers (1973), a revolutionary, improvisational experiment that included 15 musicians and one 27-minute song, was one of the earliest electronic jazz albums. The collaboration between Javon Jackson and Les McCann is, as jazz bassist Marcus Miller puts it, “the way to get your ‘old school’ funk groove on!” The Javon Jackson Band features Javon Jackson, tenor saxophone; Les McCann, keyboards and vocals; David Gilmore, guitar; Kenny Davis, bass; and Rudy Royston, drums.

$25/$20 Members & Students. Available in advance, by phone or in person, at the Outpost Performance Space (268-0044)