Jazz, Hip-Hop/Jazz

6 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Swing/Big Band, JAZZ: Smooth Jazz



Details:
Fred Jackson, born in Fort Worth, Texas, received his first saxophone in the 7th grade. Under band director Brian Standridge, Fredâs musical interest was cultivated. Recognizing his talent, Mr. Standrige gave him the infamous Charlie Parker Omni Book along with a cassette tape that included musical greats: Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon and Branford Marsalis. The introduction would prove to be the foundation that he needed to pursue his career.

In high school Fred was the minister of music at a local church where he played piano. He also won the NAACP ACT-SO local and regional competitions. Before graduating Fred received two scholarships to attend school at Southern University in Baton Rouge and Weatherford College in Texas. Upon graduation he went to Weatherford to major in Jazz History.

While studying at Weatherford, Fred continued his musical education under the direction of Tom Burchill. This school of music emphasizes the importance of swing! Playing with the Weatherford Jazz Ensemble he had the opportunity to perform with Dewey Redman and also tour the U. S. While traveling with the big band he was exposed to jazz legends Dr. Billy Taylor, Betty Carter and Roy Hargrove just to name a few. After Weatherford, Fred continued his education at Southern University in Louisiana.

Time spent at Southern proved to be the greatest experience of his musical education. Under world renowned clarinetist, Mr. Alvin Batiste, Fred absorbed invaluable knowledge and recieved his Associates degree in Jazz Studies and his Bachelor degree in Performance Music. While at Southern Fred pledged Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (music fraternity) and started performing under his own name as well as with others. Fred recorded and traveled with The Michael Foster Project, Doja Composure, High Life Players, Simon Lott, the list could go on! In New Orleans he performed at the famous Tippitinaâs Showcase and appeared on the stages of Levon Hemsley and the New Orleans Jazz festival. His talent was highlighted on the Travel Channelâs focus on the New Orleans jazz scene, a gospel video appearing on BET and New Orleans television. He had the pleasure of performing with Jimmy Heath, Nicholas Payton, Marlon Jordan and many others. After graduation from Southern Fred moved on to Chicago.

He has lived in Chicago for the past six years and has continued a successful career opening for acts such as Boyz II Men, Kindred Family Soul and several others notable artists in and out of town. He has guest performed on over fifteen CDâs with several notable Chicago artists. Currently Fred can be seen regularly at venues such as Fred Andersonâs Velvet Lounge and the Hot House.

Fred Jackson has proven to be an accomplished improviser, arranger and composer and producer who has just release his debut CD entitled The Birth of Derf . The original collection of works on this CD demonstrates his unique style and versatility, fine musical ear in both performance and composition. It is perfect for the hardcore jazz lovers as well as those of the hip hop generation. This CDâs intensity of jazz fused with the groove of hip hop is an excellent mix of sound for todayâs listening audience. We will eagerly anticipate more music from Fredrick Jackson aka Der Noskcaj.