As a jazz writer for the online music publication EarRelevant.net, I get the opportunity to cover many of the highlight jazz events in Atlanta, and in a variety of venues. On Tuesday, July 14, pianist Tyrone Jackson brought a quintet of virtuosos to the event-eclectic Eddie’s Attic to play music from his most recent album, From the Mind Of Tyrone Jackson. The performance was an exercise in brilliance.
Jackson’s music reflects his New Orleans roots; his command and technical skill are exhibited in majestic improvisation and complex harmonies and polyrhythms. All sat on top of a powerful funk groove provided by Joel Powell on electric bass and Robert Boone on drums, and supported by Patrick Arthur on guitar. Combined the quintet delivered on its promise, the intelligence and innovation of traditional jazz delivered with the power and drive of electronics.
In front of all that brilliant instrumental work—by the way, no horns and when’s the last time you attended a jazz program that didn’t feature at least one saxophone and/or trumpet?—was an inspiring performance by vocalist Lavahi. Another Atlanta-based jazz super-talent, Lavahi’s mastery of the voice as instrument extended to long flights of improvisation with a range reminiscent of Minnie Riperton and scat that would make Ella Fitzgerald proud.
Tyrone Jackson is best known for compelling solos, from softly highlighted ballads to frenetically paced original compositions. But like many of Atlanta’s most accomplished musicians, he is also a devoted educator. The now Dr. Tyrone Jackson, following the completion of Ph.D. In Music Education from Georgia State University, is a Senior Lecturer of Jazz Piano at Kennesaw State University as well as a contributor to several other important jazz education programs, including Georgia State University’s Rialto Youth Jazz Orchestra for gifted students.