Shoeless and the Girl by Theo Jackson, review by Barry O’Sullivan
Jazz Australia
London’s Daily Telegraph described Theo Jackson as “one of the most interesting jazz vocalists and composers to emerge on the British scene in recent years”.The young British jazz vocalist first came to prominence at London’s 606 Jazz Club a few years back, and since then has continued to develop his craft by performing at a number of prestigious venues including Pizza Express in Soho, The Rye Jazz Festival, and the EFG London Jazz Festival.
Shoeless And The Girl is Jackson’s second full-length album and consists of eight original compositions, inspired by characters he has observed and their themes of loneliness; and by two Wayne Shorter compositions – Footprints and Wild Flower – both of which have been reimagined by Jackson and producer Giazonne Reyes.
Jackson’s music is clearly influenced by mainstream pop and soul artists, but this album couldn’t be described as anything other than a jazz recording, full of memorable vocal phrasing and slick instrumental finesse from this pianist/singer/songwriter and his core trio companions Australian double bassist Huntly Gordon and percussionist Marco Quarantotto, plus alto saxophonist Nathaniel Facey blowing up a storm on the standout track Little Do You Know, and a flugelhorn cameo from Quentin Collins on the title track.
This is mostly a trio album of style and substance.There’ll be no disappointment for lovers of vocal jazz desiring melody with engaging lyrics and a voice with resonance and lucidity.
Personnel: Theo Jackson: vocals, piano; Huntly Gordon: double bass; Marco Quarantotto: drums, percussion; Nathaniel Facey: alto saxophone (1); Leo Richardson: tenor saxophone (2, 8); Quentin Collins: flugelhorn (4).