Jazz / Funk Bass Master
Paul Jackson, Funk / Jazz bassist and “Musician’s Musician” passed away March 18, 2021 in Japan. His unique and innovative style, combining deep grooves and responsive improvisation with his band mates created bass lines that moved bodies and minds throughout the world. As the bassist with Herbie Hancock in his band “Head Hunters” Paul shaped a sound that launched a new direction in contemporary music. With uncountable projects with Hancock, Santana, and so many others, his genius and spirit is missed but still lives in his music.
Paul's Ceremony in Japan Akiko Suzuki, Paul's wife posted her thoughts and shared some of the speech she read at Paul's ceremony in Japan. She also described his last tour, last performances, and his health issues. You can find it HERE. in our News Section.
His obituary in the New York Times can be found HERE.
Songwriter of Chameleon
As one of the most widely recognized jazz standards, Chameleon has become standard repertoire in most small jazz ensembles. and has been covered by many notable artists. Written with Herbie Hancock, Bennie Maupin, and Harvey Mason while they played in the Headhunters, Paul's iconic bass line is instantly recognizable, using the Afro-Cuban clave mixed with deep Funk anticipation. In 2003, the album was ranked number 498 in the book version of Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time
Groove or Die
The new album by the Paul Jackson Trio was released in Autumn of 2014. After tours in Europe, Japan, and South America as The Paul Jackson Trio, Paul and his bandmates Xantone Blacq and French percussionist Tony Match went into a studio in London to record the tunes they had been playing live for audiences across the world.
Black Octopus
Paul's first Solo LP "Black Octopus" is still available. These are the last Limited Edition Japanese reprints sold directly by Paul. Black Octopus was originally recorded in the late 70's in Japan. it received excellent reviews and has stood the test of time as a funk classic. This CD features additional tracks not recorded on the original LP. These additional tracks integrate well with the original tracks to give the listener a complete taste of the type of magic that Paul is known for creating.
Quotes from reviews of Groove or Die
First we have an awesome quote from Jazz Podium: “We had William Shakespeare’s dictum “To be or not to be” (from “Hamlet“); from then the bebop master Dizzy Gillespie gave us “To Be or Not to Bop.” And now from the Paul Jackson Trio it is “Groove or Die.” Jazz…
Number one groove in No Treble top ten!!!
No Treble – the online magazine for bass players featured Paul’s new CD and people are commenting about it. Thanks No Treble!. Read about it here.