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Gene Jackson

Jazz musicians all over the world are likely to be aware of drummer Gene Jackson's talent and expressive performances. While Roy Haynes, Philly Joe Jones, Elvin Jones, Billy Higgins, and Tony Williams were some of his drumming influences, Jackson has a style that can change in accordance to what genre of music he plays. His ability to range from African to Latin to Cool rhythms have afforded Jackson the opportunity to be recommended by dozens of eminent musicians since his career took off 15 years ago. Jackson was born October 16, 1961 in West Philadelphia, Pa. Though he grew up as an only child, Jackson began to focus on music with the help of his guardian's grandson, Greg McDonald who played the drums. "(Greg) would have rehearsals with a band of excellent musicians, which helped inspire me early on," Jackson said.

In 1979, Jackson, who had the ambition to become a professional drummer as soon as he picked up the sticks, went to Boston to attend the well-renowned Berklee College of Music. In the five years Gene spent at Berklee, he counted among his peers and classmates: Walter Beasley, Branford Marsalis, Mark Whitfield, Monty Croft, Donald Harrison, Cindy Blackman, Terri Lynn Carrington, Billy Kilson, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Marvin Smitty Smith, Cyrus Chestnut, Danilo Perez, Dave Kakowski, Jovan Jackson, to name a few. Jackson also lived in an apartment with saxophonist Branford Marsalis, with whom he had established a good friendship. When Branford moved to New York City, fellow drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith became Gene's roommate.

Though he has maintained a successful career, Jackson's Berklee ties helped boost his way to becoming a professional when Jeff "Tain" Watts and vocalist Lenora Helm recommended him to guitarist Kevin Eubanks. Jackson recorded and toured with Eubanks while still living in Boston, and then moved to New York 1987 to continue playing with Kevin. "Working with Kevin Eubanks was pivotal in helping my career take off."

By playing with the many musicians, he has acquired the ability to play the skins in multiple styles and genres of music. "I learned early on that adapting to the various musical situations would be essential to my survival," said Jackson. "I found it is musically satisfying for me when I follow where the music takes me as opposed to dictating where the music goes."

His capability to do this is reflected in Jackson's recording and travel career with such artists as: Dianne Reeves, Christian McBride, Hugh Masekela, Cyrus Chestnut, Greg Osby, Terence Blanchard, Andrew Hill, George Coleman, Steve Turre, Chico and Von Freedman, Don Patterson, Elvis Costello, Art Farmer, Mark Ledford, James Williams, Carla Cook, Craig Harris, Dave Kakowski, Conrad Herwig, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Claudio Roditi, Donald Brown, Joe Lovano, Billy Childs, Joe Locke, Craig Handy, Michele Rosewoman, The Scream Headless Torsos , Anthony Cox, Lonnie Plaxico, Steve Slagle , The NDR Big band, to name a few, to the cutting edge post bop swinging of The Herbie Hancock Trio/Quartet , who Jackson says playing with was one of the high points of his career, along with Wayne Shorter and Dave Holland.

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Liner Notes

Ryan Kisor: Power Source

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Taking full advantage of what might be termed his “second wind," Ryan Kisor has grown into one of the most mature trumpeters of his generation. Back in 1990 when he impressed his elders by taking the prize at the Thelonious Monk Institute trumpet competition, things appeared promising and a major record label deal even came through the following year, but it might have been a slight case of a bit too much too soon. It seemed as quickly as his ...

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Conrad Herwig: Obligation

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Jazz fans tend to be fanatical about those artists that most directly speak to their own musical tastes. Over time, a sense of familiarity with the musical personalities of their iconic favorites becomes entrenched, followed by categorization based on style and genre. Those already familiar with Conrad Herwig's musical endeavors over the past 20 years are likely to speak to his great versatility, at home in both jazz and Afro-Cuban musical circles as he is in leading his own varied ...

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Album Review

Gene Jackson Trio Nu Yorx: Power Of Love

Read "Power Of Love" reviewed by Roger Farbey


Born in Philadelphia in 1961, Gene Jackson had already determined by his late teens to become a professional drummer. He attended Berklee College of Music where his classmates numbered Branford Marsalis, Cindy Blackman, Terri Lyne Carrington and Jeff “Tain" Watts to name just a few. He's worked with many major players in jazz including Dave Holland, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and Kevin Eubanks. For his debut album as leader, Jackson has shrewdly selected two truly inspired musicians. Listening ...

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Album Review

New York Standards Quartet: Unstandard

Read "Unstandard" reviewed by Larry Taylor


It's a pleasure when a group of great jazz players take American standards and reshape them with their own unique stamp. This happens on New York Standards Quartet's Unstandard, where the musical gambit--the direction these musicians take the originals--is often surprising. Pianist David Berkman leads the way, handling arrangements and contributing originals, all the while taking impeccable solos. This is a joint effort, and veteran drummer Gene Jackson is invaluable, impressively powering the pace, aided by bassist Yosuke ...

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Album Review

Sam Newsome: This Masquerade

Read "This Masquerade" reviewed by C. Andrew Hovan


It's been ten years now since saxophonist Sam Newsome made his debut recording as a leader for Criss Cross Jazz, Sam I Am. Prior to that he had spent five years on the front line of Terrence Blanchard's quintet. Already established within the hard bop community and known as a tenor saxophone stylist of note, Newsome made a bold move in 1995 by focusing exclusively on the soprano horn. Furthermore, he would develop a unique muse in the guise of ...

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Performance / Tour

Michael Janisch receives prestigious Arts Council Touring Grant for April UK Tour featuring Tim Armacost, Gene Jackson and David Berkman

Michael Janisch receives prestigious Arts Council Touring Grant for April UK Tour featuring Tim Armacost, Gene Jackson and David Berkman

Source: Michael Janisch

Acoustic Bassist and Whirlwind Recordings label boss Michael Janisch has just been awarded a prestigious Touring Grant by the Arts Council England for his major April 2012 UK tour featuring three marquee New York based musicians in saxophonist Tim Armacost (Jeff 'Tain' Watts, Tom Harrell), pianist David Berkman (Joe Lovano, Brian Blade) and drummer Gene Jackson (Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland), collectively known as the New York Standards Quartet. The tour takes place from the 7th-23rd of April and will see ...

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Performance / Tour

Gene Jackson Trio (Tue) Titus Ribas Samba Jazz (Wed) Francisco Mela (Thu) Avery Sharpe (Fri-Sat) Jason Lindner (Sun) This Week at Cachaa

Gene Jackson Trio (Tue) Titus Ribas Samba Jazz (Wed) Francisco Mela (Thu) Avery Sharpe (Fri-Sat) Jason Lindner (Sun) This Week at Cachaa

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

Cachaa 35 West 8th St (bet. 5th & 6th Aves.) NYC * tel 212-388-9099 sets at 9,11 & 1am * $20 Cover, $10 Minimum Now Serving Desserts and Gourmet Coffee Menus from selected restaurants available New York City's Newest Jazz Hang In The Heart of Greenwich Village This Week At Cachaca Mon Sept 24 Alain Mallet with David Finck Portinho Tues Sept ...

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Performance / Tour

Gene Ess Group featuring Donny McCaslin, Harvie S, and Gene Jackson at Tea Lounge July 7th 9PM

Gene Ess Group featuring Donny McCaslin, Harvie S, and Gene Jackson at Tea Lounge July 7th 9PM

Source: All About Jazz

Jazz guitarist Gene Ess and his group will perform at the Tea Lounge in Brooklyn on July 7th, 2005. Sets start at 9PM and 10:30PM.

THUR July 7th / GENE ESS “Sandbox and Sanctum” QUARTET Gene Ess (guitar), Donny McCaslin (sax), Harvie S (bass), Gene Jackson (drums)

Gene's brand new album titled “Sandbox and Sanctum" will be available at the performance for a discounted price of $12.00.

Tea Lounge 837 Union St. (between 6th and 7th ...

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Performance / Tour

Gene Ess Group with Harvie S, John O'Gallagher, and Gene Jackson @ Kavehaz, June 18 2005

Gene Ess Group with Harvie S, John O'Gallagher, and Gene Jackson @ Kavehaz, June 18 2005

Source: All About Jazz

Gene Ess Group featuring Harvie S, John O'Gallagher, Gene Jackson at Kavehaz Jazz Cafe, NYC - June 18, 2005 10PM.

Gene Ess - guitar John O'Gallagher - saxophone Harvie S - bass Gene Jackson - drums

“Electrifying jazz played with solid technique and soul." ~ Mike Varney Guitar Player Magazine

“Even if you knew who Gene Shimosato was, you're still going to be surprised when you hear Gene Ess! Fans of electronic ...

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Performance / Tour

Gene Ess Quartet with Mika Pohjola, Andy Mckee, and Gene Jackson @ Kavehaz

Gene Ess Quartet with Mika Pohjola, Andy Mckee, and Gene Jackson @ Kavehaz

Source: All About Jazz

Gene Ess Quartet with Mika Pohjola, Andy McKee, and Gene Jackson at Kavehaz Jazz Cafe, NYC - September 3 and 4, 2004.

Guitarist Gene Ess and his quartet will be performing at the Kavehaz Jazz Cafe on September 3rd and 4th, 2004. Set begins at 10PM.

Gene Ess - guitar Mika Pohjola - piano Andy McKee - bass Gene Jackson - drums

“Even if you knew who Gene Shimosato was, you're still going to ...

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Performance / Tour

Gene Ess Quartet with Donny McCaslin, Kenny Davis, and Gene Jackson @ Kavehaz

Gene Ess Quartet with Donny McCaslin, Kenny Davis, and Gene Jackson @ Kavehaz

Source: All About Jazz

Gene Ess Quartet with Gene Jackson, Kenny Davis, and Donny McCaslin at Kavehaz Cafe - July 16th & 17th, 2004.

Guitarist Gene Ess and his quartet will be performing at the Kavehaz Cafe on July 16th and 17th, 2004. Set begins at 10PM.

Gene Ess - guitar Donny McCaslin - saxophone Kenny Davis - bass Gene Jackson - drums

Kavehaz Jazz Cafe 37 West 26th Street New York, NY 10010 ...

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Performance / Tour

Essiet Essiet & IBO w/ Rob Scheps, Gene Jackson in NYC This Week

Essiet Essiet & IBO w/ Rob Scheps, Gene Jackson in NYC This Week

Source: All About Jazz


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Performance / Tour

Gene Ess, David Binney, Fima Ephron, Gene Jackson @ The Blue Note

Gene Ess, David Binney, Fima Ephron, Gene Jackson @ The Blue Note

Source: All About Jazz


Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Greg Chako - Tokyo...

Mint 400 Records
2023

buy

Short Stories

Self -released
2023

buy

Power Of Love

Whirlwind Recordings
2018

buy

Unstandard

Challenge Records
2011

buy

Obligation

Criss Cross
2005

buy

This Masquerade

SteepleChase Records
2001

buy

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