pauljacksonjr.com

Paul Jackson Jr.’s New Gig: “Tonight Show” Guitarist

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)

Rickey Minor Interviews Tonight Show Guitarist Paul Jackson Jr.

Rickey Minor Interviews Tonight Show Guitarist Paul Jackson Jr.
Posted By Rickey on July 28, 2010 10:00 AM

Paul and I go way back and first met on a session 25 years ago. Paul Jackson Jr. is one of the most recorded guitarists in the business and now he's playing with me on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Check out my interview with him here:

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

"The Science Of Rhythm Guitar" - Instructional Video

A DVD version of my instructional video is now available.

To purchase go to filmbaby.com

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.

Password to this link was sent with the DVD
View here

New CD "Lay It Back"

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.

Special Recognition

"Sounds Of Timeless Jazz"

lists "PAUL JACKSON, JR. - ARTIST OF THE MONTH"
for the month of July. Visit the site for details

QUOTE: posted on the Sounds of Timeless Jazz website
In Loving Memory of Michael Joseph Jackson - By Paula Edelstein
The world lost one of its most valued treasures in music icon Michael Joseph Jackson. Jackson died Thursday, June 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California at age 50.

In a statement released through his publicist, the multiple award-winning guitarist, Paul Jackson, Jr., stated, "I played guitar on many songs for Michael over the years, not the least of which were "Beat It," "Pretty Young Thing," "Lady In My Life" and "Dirty Diana." In the studio, Michael was the consummate professional. He always knew what he wanted to hear and stayed focused until he got it. One time Michael called me into a Hollywood studio to play a solo on a song that turned out to be "Heartbreak Hotel." I asked him what kind of solo he wanted. He put a cassette in a tape player, said "This is what I want," and proceeded to play the tape. The solo I played on the record is what he sang to me note for note. That's the Michael I will remember."

Special Message

"SPECIAL MESSAGE"

Unfortunately three of my favorite guitars were stolen and I am asking everyone I know and visitors to my site to be on the lookout for them since they are easily recognizable.

They are:
#1-Paul Reed Smith Singlecut Hollow Body II- This is the one on the back of the "Lay it Back" CD package.
#2-Paul Reed Smith 513-Blue
#3-Jose Oribe Classical w/ RMC Pickup System.

Here are the photos of the guitars. The Hollow body serial number is 130199, The serial number on the 513 is 116165. The classical didn't have a serial number, but it has an RMC pickup system in it, which is very unusual. The hollowbody has an extra knob for the mid boost, and the 513 has a battery compartment in the back for the preamp, which no other 513 has. Please forward this message to as many people as you can..

Please send an email to the address below, if you see either of these and/or if you have any suggestions as to how I may get them back.they have great sentimental and monitary value to me. A substantial reward is available for recovery of all three.

Thanks,

Paul Jackson Jr.
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Smooth Jazz Top 20

"EASY LIKE SUNDAY MORNING" Track 11 from my new CD, "Lay t It Back" will be featured this week-end (June 20 & 21) on the Smooth Jazz Top 20 Countdown. . Your local station schedule can be found on the following link. Check it out.
Smooth Jazz Top 20 with Allen Kepler

"NEW CD " "Lay It Back" -FEATURED ON THE TOP 20 COUNTDOWN "
The Smooth Jazz Top 20 Countdown with Allen Kepler featured "Lay it Back" (Feb. 28 - March1) as the Feedback Track on the show. Many thanks to Allen, Broadcast Architecture and all of you who listened in.

More Articles...

Cafe Jazz