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Jeff Hackworth

"New York City saxophonist Jeff Hackworth keeps alive the soulful tenor tradition of such historic greats as Gene Ammons, David “Fathead” Newman, Stanley Turrentine and the still active Houston Person. But rather than just duplicate the past, Hackworth invigorates the music with his own personal sound and modern ideas."

Scott Yanow, author of ten books including The Jazz Singers, Trumpet Kings, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76

"New York City abounds with working musicians trying to make their mark in jazz circles. Whether as a fan or music professional, discovering these musicians is a delight, especially when the musician has "arrived " and developed a true voice in the jazz tradition.

Jeff Hackworth is one such musician. He’s achieved a deep understanding of the tenor sax and he plays with assurance and a keen mastery of the drenching emotions of his horn. Houston Person introduced me to Jeff and has been a big influence and mentor in Hackworth’s career. I endorse this enthusiasm, and I am honored to add these words."

Sid Gribetz WKCR-FM NYC

“Jeff Hackworth plays in the spirit of master tenor players such as Gene Ammons, Stanley Turrentine and Houston Person. ...talent such as his is bound to rise to the top”

Bob Porter WBGO

With his big tone and hard-swinging style, New York City based saxophonist, Jeff Hackworth possesses all the right ingredients to produce soulful, intelligent and passionate music. His honed his sound and feel while playing countless gigs in the smoky clubs of his hometown, Buffalo NY.

“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.”

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11
Album Review

Jeff Hackworth: The Heart of the Matter

Read "The Heart of the Matter" reviewed by Edward Blanco


Veteran tenor saxophonist Jeff Hackworth doesn't fool around much on his most recent musical project and gets right to The Heart of The Matter, unveiling his seventh album as leader and follow up to his previous critically-acclaimed Soul To Go! (Big Bridge Music, 2014). Employing a muscular approach to the saxophone, Hackworth's tenor voice is pronounced here leaving little doubt that one is in for a bit of tenor madness from one of the finest reed men around. Containing four ...

8
Album Review

Jeff Hackworth: Soul To Go!

Read "Soul To Go!" reviewed by Edward Blanco


His fifth album as leader and follow up to the critically acclaimed Night Owl (Big Bridge Music, 2011), Jeff Hackworth's Soul To Go! offers a brash new statement packed with bop, blues and soulful renditions of jazz classics. A New York-based saxophonist of note, and like many a great sax men--Sonny Rollins, Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley and Stan Getz among others--who have called the Big Apple their home at some point in their respective careers, has the benefit of drawing ...

292
Album Review

Jeff Hackworth: Night Owl

Read "Night Owl" reviewed by Jerry D'Souza


If there is one trait that time has etched on Jeff Hackworth's career it is his development as a tenor saxophonist. Hackworth has shown a growing maturity on his recordings, with Night Owl being his strongest. He is not afraid to take chances and develops themes with an abiding sense of adventure. His tone can be smooth and coaxing, but it is can also be abrasive as it underscores a tensile groove. Put together they make for music that is ...

251
Album Review

Jeff Hackworth: Night Owl

Read "Night Owl" reviewed by Edward Blanco


New York saxophonist Jeff Hackworth--who performs in the style of jazz greats like Gene Ammons, David “Fathead" Newman and Stanley Turrentine--keeps the tradition alive on Night Owl. Leaving the standard piano trio behind, Hackworth recaptures the saxophone/organ blend made so popular by Lou Donaldson and takes it a step further by adding vibraphone to the mix. With organ master Radam Schwartz and vibraphonist Jay Hoggard replacing the standard piano/guitar combo, the quartet shuffles to a distinctly new groove.A ...

230
Album Review

Jeff Hackworth: Night Owl

Read "Night Owl" reviewed by Greg Simmons


Tenorist Jeff Hackworth taps late 1960s soul jazz on Night Owl. The instrumental mix, with Hammond B3, vibraphone and drums, draws a straight line to the traditions of masters like Lou Donaldson and Big John Patton. The use of organ, in particular, is a distinctive and tacit embrace of the instrument's ability to make anything sound like it's straight out of that era. Hackworth is a first-rate soloist., blowing a forceful, fast and exciting solo on “Sideswipe," a ...

203
Album Review

Jeff Hackworth: Where the Blue Begins

Read "Where the Blue Begins" reviewed by Jerry D'Souza


Tenor saxophonist Jeff Hackworth is back. This time he has chosen to dwell on 10 pop tunes. On his previous CD, How Little We Know (Big Bridge Music, 2007), he brought to the fore his fluent sense of style and development. He shows that once again on Where the Blue Begins, as he gives the songs their integral melodic due and then turns them into pleasant little experiences.

Hackworth has a firm grip on emotion and never lets a song ...

128
Album Review

Jeff Hackworth: How Little We Know

Read "How Little We Know" reviewed by Jerry D'Souza


Saxophonist Jeff Hackworth's third album is a shift in style. His first Just For You had a contemporary jazz setting. His second What A Wonderful World (Da Capo Records) was a sax, organ and drums trio. He now leads a quartet with Norman Simmons (piano), Peter Washington (bass) and Chip White (drums). Peter Hand (guitar) joins them on four tracks on an entertaining mainstream journey.

Houston Person was strongly involved in this record. He put together the band and collaborated ...

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Shout-Out!

Fillmore & Peckham Music
2018

buy

The Heart of the...

Big Bridge Music
2015

buy

Soul To Go!

Big Bridge Music
2014

buy

Night Owl

Big Bridge Music
2011

buy

Where the Blue Begins

Big Bridge Music
2008

buy

How Little We Know

Big Bridge Music
2007

buy

Papa Lou's Love Cruise

From: Shout-Out!
By Jeff Hackworth

Big Bad Boogaloo

From: The Heart of the Matter
By Jeff Hackworth

Soul To Go!

From: Soul To Go!
By Jeff Hackworth

I'm Just a Lucky So and So

From: How Little We Know
By Jeff Hackworth

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