Jazz / Jump Blues, Hard Bop
Willis "Gator" Jackson - Guitar, Sax (Tenor)
Al Caiola Guitar
Alvin Johnson Drums
Bill Jennings Guitar
Chano Pozo Bongos
Emmanuel Simms Drums
George Barrow Sax (Baritone)
Gladys Bruce Vocals
Jack McDuff Organ
Jimmy Evans Piano
Kenny Burrell Guitar
Leonard Heavy Swain String Bass
Lonnie Shaw Sax (Baritone)
Otis Sutton Sax (Baritone), Sax (Alto)
Quincy Jones Trumpet
Richard Davis String Bass
Walter "Phatz" Morris Trombone
Willis "Gator" Jackson
Active Decades: '40s, '50s, '60s, '70s and '80s
Born: Apr 25, 1932 in Miami, FL
Died: Oct 25, 1987 in New York, NY
Genre: Jazz
Styles: Ballads, Hard Bop, Jump Blues, R&B, Soul-Jazz, Swing
An exciting tenor saxophonist whose honking and squeals (although influenced by Illinois Jacquet) were quite distinctive, Willis Jackson was also a strong improviser who sounded perfectly at home with organ groups. He played locally in Florida early on, until joining Cootie Williams (on and off during 1948-1955). His two-sided honking feature "Gator Tail" with "Cootie" (which earned Williams a lifelong nickname) was a hit in 1948, and he started recording as a leader in 1950. Jackson was married to singer Ruth Brown for eight years, and often appeared on her recordings during this era. His extensive series of Prestige recordings (1959-1964) made him a big attraction on the organ circuit. Although generally overlooked by critics, Willis Jackson continued working steadily in the 1970s and '80s. In 1977, he recorded one of the finest albums of his career for Muse, Bar Wars.
---Scott Yanow, All Music Guide |
