Introduction
Alan Jackson (born January 5, 1940) is a British modern jazz drummer and a former graphic designer.
Life and career
Alan Jackson was born Alan Richard Jackson in Mottingham, London, on January 5, 1940.
Jackson initially worked as a graphic designer before embarking on a music career at the age of 21. In the early 1960s, he began working with pianist Mike Westbrook. He played drums on The Mike Westbrook Concert Band's album Celebration (1967). He was accompanied by Mike Osborne (alto saxophone), Bernie Living (alto Saxophone), John Surman (baritone/soprano Saxophone, bass clarinet), Harry Miller (bass), Tom Bennelick (French horn), Dave Chambers (tenor saxophone), Malcolm Griffiths (trombone), and George Smith (tuba).
In the late 1960s, he also played in the bands of saxophonist John Surman and pianist Howard Riley, as well as in Neil Ardley's jazz big band New Jazz Orchestra.
In the early 1970s, Jackson continued to work with Westbrook, and also recorded with the jazz/rock group Solid Gold Cadillac, alongside Brian Godding, George Khan, Malcolm Griffiths, Mike Westbrook, and Phil Minton.
Jackson also played with John Warren Bigband, with saxophonist Alan Cohen, and in projects involving John Surman, Mike Osborne, Keith Tippett, and Harry Beckett.
In 1974, he contributed to the soundtrack for the episode "Certain Parties" of the TV series Z Cars (directed by Derek Martinus).
Jackson also led his own group Kincade for a brief time.
In his later career, Jackson worked with Dick Morrissey, Bob Barter, Marion Montgomery, Julian Bahula, and Humphrey Lyttelton. In the 1980s and 1990s, he worked with Dave Green's group Fingers, Pasadena Roof Orchestra, and Michael Garrick band, in which he recorded with Don Weller, Chris Laurence, Don Rendell, and Chris Garrick, among others at varying times.
In 1986, Jackson's drums were heard on the album Straight Eight (Miles Music) alongside tenor saxophonist Tommy Whittle, alto-saxophonist/clarinetist Alan Barnes, pianist Mick Pyne, and bassist Alec Dankworth. It was produced by Bruce Talbot and John Miles.
Jackson also teaches music at the Royal Academy of Music in London.
Discography (partial)
- Keith Tippett You Are Here… I Am There (Polydor 1970)
- Harry Beckett Joy Unlimited – Got It Made (Ogun 1976)
- Michael Garrick Big band Harriott (2004)
Reference
- John Chilton Who's Who of British Jazz 2004; ISBN 978-0-8264-7234-2