Jeff Hackwoth

“There was a lot of work in Buffalo, and I mean work in the blue collar sense.” Jeff says, “I played in many blues and R&B bands and on the jazz side there was an underground, yet thriving organ trio scene that I gravitated to. It was in those clubs where I met some great older musicians who had been out on the road and had come back home. They taught me how to play.”

In addition to paying these dues he also spent time on the road doing big-band swing with the Tommy Dorsey Band (Buddy Morrow edition) and blues with Matt “Guitar” Murphy’s band. He has performed with artists as diverse as Buddy Rich, Mel Torme', the Temptations, Blood Sweat & Tears.

“Working for leaders like Buddy Morrow and Matt “Guitar” Murphy was an incredible education.” Jeff explains, “They expected nothing less than your best, no matter how far you had traveled that day to get to the gig.”

After many miles on the road Jeff settled in the New York City area and found himself in demand for various types of commercial work. He had previously recorded an organ trio album in Buffalo and when he was ready to record another one he sought the guidance of the venerable saxophonist and producer Houston Person.

“How Little We Know” was produced by the aforementioned Houston Person and recorded at the legendary Rudy Van Gelder’s studio with Rudy himself presiding.

“Making this most recent album with Houston has been an amazing experience” says Jeff “he has so much knowledge and is so incredibly generous with it. I’ve always been an “old-school” musician and Houston has encouraged me to stay true to that.”

“Music should have that perfect balance between intellect and soulfulness” says Jeff “that’s why I have always loved the sound of people like Houston Person, Stanley Turrentine, David "Fathead" Newman and Gene Ammons. It’s a style of playing that connects with an audience at many levels.”

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