Paul Jackson

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.

U.K. Vibe interview with Xantone Blacq on the Paul Jackson Recording Sessions.

Tim • July 28, 2015News

May 2014 – The Paul Jackson Trio was in London after their March tour of Europe recording the new album from Whirlwind Recordings “Groove or Die” which should be out in Autumn, later this year. Paul’s keyboard player Xantone Blacq sat down for a minute to talk with U.K. Vibe.…

New Paul Jackson Trio CD announced! “Groove or Die” on Whirlwind Recordings!

Tim • July 28, 2015News

May 2014 – With the Spring tour still fresh, the Paul Jackson trio dove into a Studio in London to record a new album featuring compositions that were honed on the road, shaped to what caught the audience’s attention across Europe. Keep an eye on this site for details of…

Translation

Paul Jackson - The Headhunter

Bass Scientist