Javon Jackson

Javon Jackson – saxophonist 

Javon Jackson came into international prominence as a member of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. As a member of Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Javon toured and made many recordings with the legendary drummer. In addition to Blakey, Jackson has toured and recorded with Elvin Jones, Freddie Hubbard, Betty Carter, Cedar Walton, Ron Carter, Donald Byrd, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Richard Davis, Bobby Hutcherson, Curtis Fuller and Stanley Turrentine, and Ben E. King. As a recording artist, Jackson has appeared on over 135 recordings. Additionally, he has developed a formidable career as a leader, recording and touring throughout the world. 

Javon’s current musical group, The Javon Jackson Band, incorporates many styles including jazz, funk, R&B and rock. 

His latest recording, Lucky 13, finds Javon returning to acoustic jazz after a series of popular jazz-funk recordings.  Javon covers music by Stevie Wonder as well as newly composed original material for this recording.  Javon is joined by a special guest, living legend Les McCann, for three selections.

As an addition to the current tour schedule, the Javon Jackson Band will be joined by special guest Les McCann, the iconic soul jazz pianist, vocalist and composer. Known as one of the godfathers of soul jazz, Les is recognized as a founding force for the genre known as funky jazz established in the mid 1960’s. This collaboration of the young along side the legend is not to be missed. Also look for Javon as a special guest with legends Cedar Walton and Jimmy Cobb .

Recently commissioned by the Syracuse International Film Festival, Javon composed a full length score for the Alfred Hitchcock film, The Lodger. An early outing by the master of suspense, The Lodger is a silent film based on the story of the hunt for Jack the Ripper. Javon debuted his original score at the festival, performing it live at the film's screening on October 15, 2010.