“jackson_jason”
Javon Jackson
Pleasant Valley
Blue Note/Capitol
Let me start out by saying that I do not know much about jazz music. Most of my knowledge is in the “rock” arena. The bottom line, though, should not be what style of music musicians create, or who they sound like. Instead, it should be do they show a passion for the music. Javon Jackson (tenor sax), Dave Stryker (guitar), Larry Goldings (organ), and Billy Drummond (drums), show a passion for the music and their respective instruments. Javon is not afraid to step away from the spotlight when Dave or Larry takes over. He also is probably the best sax player I have ever heard. Ditto to Dave’s awe-inspiring solos. The collection on this CD range from originals (“Pleasant Valley”), to covers, such as Stevie Wonder (“Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing”) and Duke Ellington (“Sun Swept Sunday”). As far as musicianship goes, this is by far the best album I have heard this year. If you have a desire to hear truly great music, then you MUST buy this CD.