Gene Jackson - Power of Love (2018)

Along a career timeline glinting with highlight after highlight, drummer Gene Jackson releases his debut as leader - 'Power of Love'.

Jackson has gained the deserved respect of musical peers and audiences worldwide for his linchpin role in major jazz line-ups from the late 1980s onwards. Initially recording and touring with guitarist Kevin Eubanks, Jackson became the backbone of bands led by Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and Dave Holland, as well as collaborating with a panoply of names including Art Farmer, Christian McBride, Dianne Reeves, Joe Lovano and Hugh Masekela, plus the New York Standards Quartet.

The Philadelphia-born, Tokyo-based rhythm maker returns to the format perhaps most dear to him, with pianist Gabriel Guerrero and double bassist Carlo de Rosa; both of whom he cites as his inspiration, alongside the indelible friendships and experiences forged in both Hancock's and Holland's trios.

Most of the ten, absorbing tracks are individual, original compositions brought in by each member of the trio. "I like to develop ideas that are not governed by tradition or rules", the drummer elaborates, "with the freedom to extend phrases and ideas without limitation. Music is an expression of who you are - and when I write and play, I'm conscious that aspects of my life are in there".

Gene Jackson - drums
Gabriel Guerrero - piano
Carlo De Rosa - double bass