Guest Artist Javon Jackson

Willamette University is delighted to announce that our guest artist and clinician for Willamette Jazz Festival 2008 will be Javon Jackson.

A fine tenor saxophonist influenced by Joe Henderson, Javon Jackson helps to keep the legacy of Art Blakey and hard bop alive. He grew up in Cleveland and Denver, and studied at Berklee (1984-1986). Jackson was with the last version of the Jazz Messengers (1987-1990) and, after Blakey's death, he worked with the Harper Brothers, Benny Green, Freddie Hubbard, and Elvin Jones. Javon Jackson has recorded as a leader for Criss Cross and Blue Note, on releases like 1999's Pleasant Valley.

He is currently a recording artist for Palmetto Records and just released his new recording, NOW. Featuring Greg Hutchinson, drums; Kenny Davis, bass; David Gilmore, guitar; Lisa Fischer, vocals; and Dr. Lonnie Smith, Hammond B-3 organ, NOW is a fun and melodic mix of challenging and engaging music.

“Jackson, an imaginative straight ahead player has taken a funk-oriented route with stand out results.”
—Denver Post