Smooth jazz guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. is already a week into his latest high-profile gig – that of guitarist in The Tonight Show band. Jackson made his debut last week in the band now led by Rickey Minor, who took over from longtime music director Kevin Eubanks.  Jackson and Minor are close associates, as Minor is the music director and Jackson the guitarist for American Idol. There’s no word yet on the status of Minor and Jackson when the next season of American Idol begins.

Jackson, whose latest CD Lay It Back features the smooth jazz hit “Easy Like Sunday Morning,” has also had other high-profile TV projects. He’s performed in the band for the shows Don’t Forget the Lyrics, America’s Got Talent and Grease: You’re the One That I Want.
The rest of Jay Leno’s new band includes keyboardists J. Wayne Lindsay and David Delhomme, drummer Teddy Campbell, percussionist Kevin Ricard, vocalist Dorian Holley, saxophonists Randolph Ellis and Miguel Gandleman, trumpeter Raymong Monteiro and trombonist Garrett Smith.

(Smooth Jazz Network)

JA-15 - Paul Jackson Jr.’s First Signature Model PRS

Paul Reed Smith and Paul Jackson, Jr. have teamed up to design the JA-15, Jackson’s first signature model PRS guitar. Whether it’s playing on American Idol, his latest gig on Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show,” recording with legendary musicians like Michael Jackson, Elton John, and Ella Fitzgerald, or composing and recording his own music, Jackson’s multiple decades as a highly accomplished and versatile musician have factored into this model’s development.

Click here for more information on the new JA-15

"The Science Of Rhythm Guitar" - Instructional Video

This is in response to many messages I have received from fellow musicians requesting copies. I am pleased to again provide Volume I of my Instructional Video Series and share some of my techniques which I believe will help to enhance recordings and performances for live audiences. Those of you who have already obtained a copy may also download the supplemental booklet.

To purchase click here or go to cdbaby.com/cd/pauljacksonjr1

Password to this link was sent with the DVD
View here

MY NEW CD, "LAY IT BACK" AVAILABLE NOW AT CD BABY.

Please click on CD cover image to see comments and/or order.

It’s been a long while, but I finally have the new CD done. It is called “Lay It Back” and I am really excited about it. It was really important for me to complete this new project.  I had an opportunity to do some recording with George Duke, Sergio Mendes, Jeff Lorber, Smokey Robinson and others. I have also been working on a lot of projects like the Grammys, Don’t Forget The Lyrics, a new show called Rediscovered, American Idol, United Negro College Fund, and a Tribute to Patti LaBelle, which will air later this year. In July, I also had a chance to play at a Tribute to Quincy Jones at the Montreaux Jazz Festival. That was wonderful because Quincy is one of my heroes.
I have also done a few live performances of my own which were well received. My band and I recently had a very exciting performance to a sold-out audience at Spaghettini's Grill and Jazz Club. During those performances, I sneaked in a few of the songs from this new CD.

The new CD features Jeff Lorber, Bobby Lyle, Patrice Rushen, Rickey Minor Band, as well as a host of other folks. My two children are also included on this new CD, as they were on my previous release – so now I have them working for me again. That was a lot of fun. It is a great CD from start to finish and I know you will like it. The new CD is also the start up of a new label, Branch Records. I appreciate your patience, but you will find it is well worth the wait.

Stay tuned for more updates and thanks again for hanging in there with me. Keep visiting my website to find information about what is happening and please leave me comments on my message board. I do read them.

Lord Bless You, Real Good...Paul Jackson, Jr.