On the heels of his acclaimed two-album collaboration with the late poet and activist Nikki Giovanni, tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson embarks on a new project paying tribute to one of America’s most revered songwriters.

With Jackson Plays Dylan, released via his own Solid Jackson Records imprint in collaboration with Palmetto Records, Jackson explores the music of iconic singer-songwriter, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, and Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winner Bob Dylan.

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About the Album

Jackson Plays Dylan spans more than three decades of Dylan’s career, from enduring folk anthems to timeless love songs.

Jackson is joined by:

• Jeremy Manasia – piano & keyboards
• Isaac Levien – bass
• Ryan Sands – drums
• Lisa Fischer – guest vocals (Grammy-winning)
• Nicole Zuraitis – guest vocals (Grammy-nominated)

“I have a deep respect for Bob Dylan’s musicianship and his commitment to the craft,” Jackson says. “I’m a fan.”

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A Late Discovery of Dylan

Jackson’s appreciation for Dylan didn’t begin early.

Growing up immersed in jazz, he had little exposure to rock music—even to someone as culturally significant as Dylan. That changed in his 20s while performing with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers.

“Art Blakey’s attorney was a big, big fan of Dylan… So he shared a lot of his music with me.”

Jackson’s connection deepened further after watching The Hurricane (1999), which spotlighted Dylan’s protest song about Rubin “Hurricane” Carter.

This experience revealed Dylan’s bold social justice voice—something that resonated deeply with Jackson.

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A Dual Tribute

Originally, the project was conceived with Nikki Giovanni, who planned to contribute new poetry inspired by Dylan’s songs.

Following her passing on December 9, 2024, the album evolved into a dual tribute:

• A celebration of Bob Dylan’s music
• A continuation of Jackson’s creative bond with Giovanni

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Musical Highlights

The album opens with:

• “One for Bob Dylan” – a groove-driven original tribute

Notable interpretations include:

• “Blowin’ in the Wind” – resolute pacing with dissonant harmonies
• “The Times They Are A-Changin’” – builds from lament to resistance
• “Hurricane” – a bristling, energetic rendition
• “Gotta Serve Somebody” – featuring Lisa Fischer’s powerful vocals

Exploring Love Songs

Jackson also highlights Dylan’s emotional depth:

• “Lay, Lady, Lay” – sultry, Rhodes-driven arrangement
• “Make You Feel My Love” – tender, ballad-driven closer

Nicole Zuraitis lends vocals to:

• “Forever Young” – wistful and expressive

Reimagined Classics

• “Tombstone Blues” – Coltrane-inspired modal approach
• “Like a Rolling Stone” – transformed with a gospel feel
• “Mr. Tambourine Man” – interpreted as a mentorship narrative

“He has an ability to speak truth to power… but there’s always a vulnerability in Dylan’s music.”

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Artistic Parallels

Jackson draws comparisons between Dylan and jazz legends:

“Bob Dylan reminds me of Miles Davis and Duke Ellington… always trying to find another, better version of what came before.”

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About Javon Jackson

Missouri-born tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson:

• Left Berklee College of Music in 1986 to join Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers
• Remained with Blakey until his passing in 1990
• Debuted as a bandleader in 1991 with Me and Mr. Jones
• Collaborated with legends like:
  • Elvin Jones
  • Betty Carter
  • Freddie Hubbard

Career Highlights

• Blue Note recordings blending diverse influences
• Work with major jazz, funk, and soul artists
• Founded Solid Jackson Records in 2012
• Recent work includes collaborations with Nikki Giovanni and film scoring

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Summary

Jackson Plays Dylan is more than a tribute album—it’s a bridge between:

• Jazz and folk traditions
• Protest and poetry
• Legacy and reinvention

It honors two powerful artistic voices—Bob Dylan and Nikki Giovanni—through the expressive lens of Javon Jackson.

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