Willis Jackson • Swivel Hips

 

Biography

An exciting tenor saxophonist whose honking and squeals (although influenced by Illinois Jacquet) were quite distinctive, Willis Jackson was also a strong improviser who sounded perfectly at home with organ groups. He played locally in Florida early on, until joining Cootie Williams (on and off during 1948-1955). His two-sided honking feature "Gator Tail" with "Cootie" (which earned Williams a lifelong nickname) was a hit in 1948, and he started recording as a leader in 1950. Jackson had a romantic and creative partnership with singer Ruth Brown for eight years, and often appeared on her recordings during this era. His extensive series of Prestige recordings (1959-1964) made him a big attraction on the organ circuit. Although generally overlooked by critics, Willis Jackson continued working steadily in the 1970s and '80s. In 1977, he recorded one of the finest albums of his career for Muse, Bar Wars.

Jackson died in New York City one week after heart surgery, in October 1987, at the age of 55.

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Biografía

Un excitante saxofonista tenor cuyos bocinazos y chillidos (aunque influenciado por Illinois Jacquet) eran bastante distintivos, Willis Jackson era también un fuerte improvisador que sonaba perfectamente en casa con los grupos de órgano. Tocó localmente en Florida desde el principio, hasta que se unió a Cootie Williams (de vez en cuando durante 1948-1955). Su característica de tocar la bocina por los dos lados "Gator Tail" con "Cootie" (lo que le valió a Williams un apodo de por vida) fue un éxito en 1948, y comenzó a grabar como líder en 1950. Jackson tuvo una relación romántica y creativa con la cantante Ruth Brown durante ocho años, y a menudo apareció en sus grabaciones durante esta época. Su extensa serie de grabaciones de Prestige (1959-1964) lo convirtió en una gran atracción en el circuito de los órganos. Aunque generalmente pasado por alto por los críticos, Willis Jackson continuó trabajando firmemente en los años 70 y 80. En 1977, grabó uno de los mejores álbumes de su carrera para Muse, Bar Wars.

Jackson murió en la ciudad de Nueva York una semana después de una operación de corazón, en octubre de 1987, a la edad de 55 años.

 

Tracklist:
A1 - Swivel Hips - 6:51
A2 - In A Mellow Tone - 8:45
A3 - Win, Lose Or Draw - 3:54
B1 - Y'Understand Me - 8:05
B2 - By The Time I Get To Phoenix - 6:00
B3 - Florence Of Arabia - 7:10

Credits:
Bass, Electric Bass – Ben Tucker
Congas – Ralph Dorsey
Drums – Jerry Potter
Guitar – Bill Jennings
Piano – Jackie Ivory
Tenor Saxophone – Willis Jackson

Label: Prestige ‎– PRST 7602
Released: 1969
Genre: Jazz
Style: Soul-Jazz

Notes
Recorded By, Mastered By – Rudy Van Gelder
Recording Date: September 9, 1968
Recorded Place: Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
Willis Jackson plays "gator horn" on B2

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