Javon Jackson

Javon Anthony Jackson (born June 16, 1965) is an American jazz tenor saxophonist, bandleader, and educator. He first became known as a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers from 1987 until Blakey's death in 1990. and went on to release 22 recordings as a bandleader and tour and record on over 150 CDs with jazz greats including Elvin Jones, Freddie Hubbard, Charlie Haden, Betty Carter, Cedar Walton, Ron Carter, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Stanley Turrentine and Ben E. King. In his solo career, his music has been a mix of tradition and neo-jazz, mixing hard bop with soul and funk influences. Recognized for those diverse styles, he was tapped by producers Lea Reis, Bryant "Moe Doe" Johnson to play on Tupac Shakur's Keep Ya Head Up / Madukey Remix in 1993. In 1992, Javon played saxophonist Illinois Jacquet in Spike Lee's Malcolm X. He is featured in the film playing the Lionel Hampton/Benny Goodman standard, "Flying Home". He became chair of the University of Hartford's Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz in 2013. In 2019, Newport Festivals Foundation expanded the reach of its popular Newport Jazz Assembly program with the introduction of the Jackie McLean Jazz Studies Jazz Assembly, under Jackson's direction. Jackson also serves as Artistic Director of Jazz in the Valley, an annual music festival in the historic Hudson Valley, now in its 20th year. In a 2006 Toledo Blade feature, Jackson conveyed his motivation for teaching the younger generation of musicians: “[Jackson] said he enjoys teaching because he is able to connect the young students to some of the legends with whom he has played, including Blakey, Freddie Hubbard, and drummer Elvin Jones. ‘We can share our information to those coming behind us and ensure that things will continue on in a certain fashion,’ Jackson said.

Javon & Nikki Go To The Movies - 2024-08-23T00:00:00.000000Z

With Peter Bradley (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - 2023-06-16T00:00:00.000000Z

The Gospel According to Nikki Giovanni - 2022-02-18T00:00:00.000000Z

The Gospel According to Nikki Giovanni (Commentary) - 2022-02-17T00:00:00.000000Z

Déjà Vu - 2020-10-02T00:00:00.000000Z

Chesky Records' Best of Ron Carter - 2019-06-21T00:00:00.000000Z

For You - 2018-11-09T00:00:00.000000Z

We'll Be Together Again - 2016-01-22T00:00:00.000000Z

Expression - 2015-11-27T00:00:00.000000Z

Celebrating John Coltrane - 2012-05-25T00:00:00.000000Z

Once Upon a Melody - 1970-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z

Sugar Hill: Music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn - 2007-10-23T00:00:00.000000Z

Now - 1970-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z

Have You Heard - 1970-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z

A Look Within - 2003-03-30T00:00:00.000000Z

Easy Does It - 1970-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z

Pleasant Valley - 1999-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z

Good People - 1997-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z

For One Who Knows - 1995-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z

When The Time Is Right - 1994-05-03T00:00:00.000000Z

Gotta Serve Somebody - 2026-03-06T00:00:00.000000Z

Hurricane - 2026-02-13T00:00:00.000000Z

In The Studio - 2023-05-12T00:00:00.000000Z

"D" Town - 2023-04-07T00:00:00.000000Z

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot - 2022-01-14T00:00:00.000000Z