Jackson Plays Dylan
Solid Jackson/Palmetto, 2026
9/10
The saxophonist Javon Jackson interprets 3 decades of tunes by Bob Dylan, where some esteemed guests are along for the really creative listen.
“One For Bob Dylan” opens with Jackson’s rich sax and Ryan Sands’ frisky drums making for a melodic and smooth climate, and “Blowin’ In The Wind” follows the bright sax amid Jeremy Manasia’s flowing keys in the quick delivery.
“Lay, Lady, Lay” lies in the middle and trims the pace back with elegance and warmth, while “The Times They Are A-Changin’” focuses on piano for the textured jazz mood that’s adventurous and precise.
Getting closer to the end, Nicole Zuraitis lends her powerful and expressive pipes to the soulful “Forever Young”, and “Make Me Feel Your Love” exits with Jackson’s intimate wind and the dreamy keys that suit the gentle rhythm section.
Most of us have heard these songs before, but not quite like this, as Jackson and company put a jazz spin on classics from Dylan’s catalog that are worth revisiting over and over.
Travels well with: Brandon Seabrook- Hellbent Daydream; Patricia Brennan- Of The Near And Far