D.D. Jackson - Serenity Song [6/20] *

Artist:

Jackson, D.D.

UPC:

068944022229

See Also:

Cherry, Don (Trumpet) Crispell, Marilyn Garbarek, Jan Shepp, Archie Bluiett/Jackson/El`Zabar - The Calling

Description:

Personnel: D.D. Jackson (piano, organ); Christian Howes (violin, bass violin, electric violin); Sam Newsome (soprano saxophone); Dana Leong (trombone); Ugonna Okegwo (acoustic bass); Dafnis Prieto (drums, percussion).
Audio Mixer: Jim Anderson .
Recording information: Avatar Studios, New York, NY (12/07/2005-01/07/2006).
Photographer: Enid Farber.
Unknown Contributor Role: Dana Leong.
Arranger: D.D. Jackson.
Some folks in the straight-ahead jazz world are of the opinion that a jazz album isn`t legitimate unless it contains an abundance of well-known standards. But such thinking is silly, especially in light of the fact that many talented improvisers are also talented composers; D.D. Jackson is a prime example. There isn`t a warhorse to be found on Serenity Song. The acoustic pianist wrote all of the material himself, which is not to say that he isn`t capable of playing standards; Jackson has done it in the past and done it pleasingly well. But if one is as gifted and prolific a composer as Jackson, there is no reason not to provide as much original material as possible -- and his compositional talents are very much in evidence on memorable items that include the optimistic "Chi-Pin`s Song," the pensive "Nocturne," the good-natured title track, and "Taiwan Moments" (a delicate waltz with a Bill Evans-minded appeal). Serenity Song has it share of quiet, reflective moments, but the generally lyrical Jackson`s passionate side asserts itself in a big way on the exuberant "Etude," which hints at fellow pianist Michel Camilo. At times, Serenity Song is a trio album, uniting Jackson`s piano with Ugonna Okegwo`s upright bass and Dafnis Prieto`s drums. Other times, Jackson`s trio becomes a quartet, quintet, or sextet thanks to the addition of players who include Sam Newsome on soprano sax, Christian Howes on violin, and Dana Leong on trombone and cello. Except for the core Jackson/Okegwo/Prieto trio, the personnel can vary from one track to the next. But regardless of who`s joining him on a particular song, Serenity Song is an excellent demonstration of Jackson`s talents as both a soloist and a composer. ~ Alex Henderson

Track Listing:

DISC 1

1. Chi-Pin`s Song
2. Etude
3. Taiwan Moments
4. Serenity Song
5. Nocturne
6. Three Shades of Mingus
7. Love Theme from Qu?b?cit?
8. Lushly
9. Con, The
10. Sam He Is
11. Recovery, The

Album Information

Release Date:

06/20/2006

Type:

Performer

Genre:

Jazz General

Label:

Justin Time

Producer:

D.D. Jackson

Catalog Number:

JUST 222

Original Release Year:

2006

# of Discs:

1

Studio/Live:

Studio

Mono/Stereo:

Stereo

Runtime:

64 : 4

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