Tenor saxophonist Javon
Jackson seems right at home on this nice set of soul-jazz tunes. He’s certainly
helped by the presence of trombonist Fred Wesley, who’s still a great funk and
blues stylist, as well as Dr. Lonnie Smith, a top-flight organist who’s never
gotten the credit he deserves as a Hammond B3 stalwart. Guitarist Mark
Whitfield and drummer Lenny White keep the groove steady and burning as well,
and vocalist Eve Cornelious brings some sizzle and sultriness to “House Party.”
This works both as a good party record and solid jazz set with one exception.
The group’s cover of “Wake Up Everybody,” while exuberantly delivered, simply
lacks the power and weight of the original. Their rendition sounds more like a
rousing dance exhortation than the sweltering, commanding mandate that Teddy
Pendergrass delivered in his definitive original performance that was also his
swan song to Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes.
Otherwise, this disc brings
back fond memories of late-night house celebrations and Sunday-afternoon radio
shows on vintage black radio stations. Jackson’s “Kiss,” Smith’s “If (You See
Kay)” and Wesley’s title track get excellent drumming on the bottom from White,
blues-tinged, scorching solos by Jackson and Wesley and striding, full organ
lines by Smith. Whitfield’s splayed; frenetic solos also add a tight edge. He
can be either a frenetic or a sophisticated soloist, while also smoothly
contributing during the unison sections. Jackson’s writing also merits praise,
particularly the final numbers “Easy Does It” and “J-Soul.” These have a
relaxed, catchy groove and good blend of instrumental fire and rhythmic
assertiveness.
Throughout Easy Does It
Jackson plays with more verve and swing on supposedly less jazz-oriented pieces
than he has in the past doing mainstream material, which indicates to me that
he’s really enjoying himself. Personally, I’d much rather hear him doing good
blues and funk than tentative, detached hard bop. ~ by Ron Wynn, Jazz Times.
Palmetto Records, PM 2093, 2003
Recorded 30th September
& 1st October, 2002 at:
Maggie's Farm, Buck's County,
Pennsylvania
White House Sound Lab,
Leicester, England
Musicians:
Javon Jackson - Tenor
Saxophone
Fred Wesley - Trombone,
Vocals
Dr. Lonnie Smith - Organ
Mark Whitfield - Guitar
Eve Cornelious - Vocals
Tracks:
1. If You See Kay {Lonnie
Liston Smith} (4:13)
2. Right On {Marvin Gaye}
(7:35)
3. House Party {Fred Wesley}
(4:17)
4. Papa Lou {Javon Jackson}
(3:13)
5. Kiss {Javon Jackson}
(7:25)
6. Diane {Javon Jackson}
(5:47)
7. Wake Up Everybody {Gene
McFadden, John Whitehead} (4:49)
8. Easy Does It {Javon
Jackson} (4:34)
9. J Soul {Javon Jackson}
(6:20)
Credits:
Producer, Engineer - Javon
Jackson
Producer - Lenny White
Producer, Engineer, Mixing -
Matt Balitsaris
Mastering - A.T. Michael
MacDonald
Design - Jason Grotrian
Photography - Jimmy Katz
"Saxophonist Javon Jackson plays funk with
a slow hand...[he] doesn't beat matters to a froth but allows them to come to
fruition in their own time. This approach to groove calls for the clear
arrangements that focus the senses nicely on Jackson's titillating tenor and
Dr. Lonnie Smith's snaky organ...A good funkin' time is had by all." ~
Karl Stark, Philadelphia Inquirer.
