Welcome to the JAZZIZ Podcast. This is our new series of podcast conversations, hosted by JAZZIZ Online Editor Matt Micucci and featuring some of the best artists of today’s jazz and creative music scene. Many of these artists are part of JAZZIZ Vinyl Club, our series of limited-edition color vinyl albums curated by the JAZZIZ Editors, featuring some of the most exciting jazz artists from yesterday and today that we cover in the print version of JAZZIZ, our website and these podcasts.
Saxophonist Javon Jackson first gained international prominence working with legendary drummer Art Blakey as part of the latter’s Jazz Messengers ensemble. In later years, he continued to collaborate with some of the greatest artists in jazz artists and established his own reputation as a trailblazing composer, performer and bandleader, as well as a renowned jazz education.
His latest album is a historic collaboration with poet/activist Nikki Giovanni, who curated a program of hymns, spirituals and gospel songs for The Gospel According to Nikki Giovanni. The album was released today, and is one of the topics of our latest JAZZIZ Podcast conversation with Jackson, along with stories from his own artistic journey, the current state of jazz education and more.
Listen to our JAZZIZ Podcast conversation with Javon Jackson via the player below. His new album, The Gospel According to Nikki Giovanni, a historic collaboration with poet/activist/educator Nikki Giovanni, was released earlier this year on the Solid Jackson label. And if you love jazz and vinyl, be sure to check out our carefully-curated series of vinyl compilations, JAZZIZ Vinyl Club!
Featured photo courtesy of the artist.
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