Primary Instrument: Piano
Since leaving the University of Durham with a music degree, Theo regularly plays some of London's most prestigious venues such as The 606 Jazz Club, The Forge Arts Centre and Pizza Express Jazz Club. Along the way the Theo Jackson Band has already seen some notable musicians including Brandon Allen ('arguably the most exciting tenor player in Britain today' Jazzwise), Nathaniel Facey (Parliamentary Award and MOBO Award winner for Best Jazz Act with Empirical), and former BBC Young Guitarist of the Year, Jamie McCredie. Having been picked up by British publishing giant Splash Point, Theo's songs have taken their place amongst leading jazz artists Liane Carroll, Claire Martin and Ian Shaw. His debut album - Jericho - was released in early 2012 and 2013 sees him making his first UK tour, including a sold-out appearance at Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Theo takes inspiration from some great singers such as Andy Bey, Kurt Elling, Jon Hendricks and Mark Murphy. His writing is varied and is influenced by the likes of Thelonious Monk, Stevie Wonder, John Coltrane, Esbjorn Svensson, Billy Strayhorn and Brian Blade. Equally comfortable when deliberating over the delicate lines of an emotional ballad or improvising fluent bop vocal solos, Theo’s style is very much his own.
“One of Britain's finest jazz musicians and singers.” Michael Wilson, JAZZ FM
“Soulful, earthy vocal-led jazz from this impressive young singer with a powerful yet subtle voice, Jackson also has a knack of penning Stevie Wonder-esque originals that avoid the usual crooner clichés ... Jackson's one to watch out for.” TIME OUT
