Tenor-saxophonist
Javon Jackson's
Now is a bit surprising, being a modern soul-jazz set rather than hard bop, with
Jackson (who normally hints strongly at
Joe Henderson) sounding close at times to
Grover Washington, Jr. Actually, other than two throwaway R&B vocal tracks, the music is quite rewarding. While some of the structures are simple,
Jackson takes plenty of creative soulful solos and the music always grooves. Happily "Richard's R.A.P." is not a rap piece but a catchy vamp. Organist
Dr. Lonnie Smith and guitarist
David Gilmore get their spots throughout this accessible and well-played music. ~ Scott Yanow