Jackson, Javon & Nikki Giovanni
Solid Jackson, 2024, CD
Instrument: Saxophone
Issue: 30.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 82
O’s Notes: Celebrated poet Nikki Giovanni and tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson return to the recording studio for Go to the Movies, their latest collaboration in a relationship that was kindled at a 2020 MLK celebration at The University of Hartford. The band includes pianist Jeremy Manasia, bassist David Williams and drummer McClenty Hunter, and they open the set with a rousing take on “When The Time Is Right”. Guest vocalist Nicole Zuraitis shines on three selections notably “How About You”, before we are brought the aptly cinematic Theme For Nikki (Jackson’s tribute to his collaborator), and again Nicole comes to the vocal spotlight on “I Belong To You”. We also enjoyed Nikki’s provocative verses on “Love Is A Many Splendored Thing” and “Speak Low”.
Publicist: Braithwaite & Katz