All photos by Bill O’Brien
The heat and humidity on Thursday night were downright oppressive, but the weather wasn’t as hot as the music from Javon Jackson’s sax.
Javon and the guys get ready to be introduced.
He welcomes the audience and tells them he hopes they enjoy the music.
Performing before an appreciative audience of approximately 600, the gifted Jackson and his talented quartet drew applause after each song while members of the group received ovations after each of their own solos. The group played several songs from their most recent album, “For You,” released this year, including, “My Man Hubbard,” “Mr. Sanders,” and “Sun Up,” all written by Javon.
A highly respected jazz educator, Jackson received Howard University’s prestigious Benny Golson Award in 2012. A student of pianist Billy Wallace, he studied at the University of Denver and the Berklee College of Music in Boston. After receiving his master’s degree from SUNY Purchase, he performed with drummer Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers until Blakey’s death in 1990. He is currently the director of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the University of Hartford.
In addition to “For You,” other albums released by Javon include “Once upon a Melody” (2006), “Now” (2006), “Lucky 13” (2012), “Celebrating John Coltrane” (2012), “Expression” (2014), and “Three’s Company – We’ll be Together Again” (2015).
The other members of Thursday’s group included
Jeremy Manasia, piano, and David Williams, bass…
and McClenty Hunter, drums.
Javon and the guys play another of Javon’s songs, “Sun Up.”
The audience shows their approval of the music.
Dhiago Cambisaca, 8 months old, shows not everyone is interested in the music.
“I was the liaison with Javon over the past several weeks,” said Victor Amatori, a member of the jazz committee. “When either Javon or I had any questions, like going over the details, like what time to get here, where to park, who else will be in the group, what songs will be in their sets, those kinds of things. I’ve enjoyed that role dealing with all the different groups.”
The pin on this fan’s hat indicates what kind of music she likes.
Folks arrive any way they can to hear the good jazz.
The crowd loves the group’s music.
“I enjoy coming down here when I’m feeling up to it,” said Frank Barron who was seated with his wife, Becky. Frank likes light rain showers, rainbows, and jazz.
Bringing up the rear are soon-to-be-retired Branford Police Captain Geoff Morgan and his partner Amy Hewitt enjoy the music.
The group pauses after their encore.
Andy Snitzer, the 2018 Grammy Award winning saxophonist, will be featured tomorrow night. In addition, mark your calendar. The first concert of the season, Run N’ Fly, which was rained out, will be made up on Sunday, Aug. 26. Elan Trotman & Tropicality will close out the year on Thursday, Aug. 30.
Javon talks to some friends after the concert.