Courtesy Paul Jackson Com

By Thomas Semioli

A giant of the instrument, Paul Jackson’s tenure as anchor of Herbie Hancock’s groundbreaking Headhunters ensembles brought jazz fusion and funk to the masses, and continues to influence generations of bass players and hip-hop artists who have endlessly sampled his work.

A master of rhythm and space, Jackson’s “economic” approach was founded on repetitive lower-register motifs punctuated with tuneful upper-register fills which complimented Herbie’s melodies and the grooves forged by drummers Harvey Mason and Mike Clark.

A Grammy Award nominated composer, solo recording artist, and in-demand session player/collaborator with artists including Santana, Stanley Turrentine, George Benson, Al Di Meola, the Oakland Symphony, and the Pointer Sisters – to cite a very select few – Paul Jackson was also an acclaimed educator and founder of Jazz for Kids.

Paul Jackson Sound & Vision…

Herbie Hancock “Palm Grease” https://youtu.be/sRn7WlikdUA     

Paul on the tracks he composed with Herbie:

“Chameleon” https://youtu.be/WYRrIBqKsJ4

“Hang Up Your Hang-Ups” https://youtu.be/d7kRlufrZJo

“Spider” https://youtu.be/HQPdVhYZgR0

Mike Clark / Paul Jackson Funk Tutorial Part One: https://youtu.be/i-3v0NN3FNo

Paul Jackson Trio “Everything” https://youtu.be/grQBpNRIAY0

Santana: “Give Me Love”  https://youtu.be/0MGBQffSVSY

Pointer Sisters “Chainey Do” https://youtu.be/xhmp3J79CNI