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Javon Jackson

Jackson Plays Dylan

Review by Gary Hill
I previously reviewed another set from Javon Jackson. I landed that one under prog, which is one of the reasons I’m putting this one there. Make no mistake, this is jazz, but it has some leanings toward rock. Just the very aspect of adapting Bob Dylan songs to jazz arrangements earns it some prog points, too. Whatever you call this, though, it’s strong.

Most of this is instrumental, but two songs have vocals. The first of those is “Gotta Serve Somebody,” and the singer on the track is Lisa Fischer. I’m a big fan of her work as touring vocalist with the Rolling Stones, so this earns points with me for that, too. The singer on the other track (“Forever Young”) is Nicole Zuraitis, and she does a great job, too.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2026  Volume 1. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2026.
Track by Track Review
One for Bob Dylan

I really love the killer jazz jamming on this thing. It just oozes cool and charm. I really love the bass solo on this thing.

Blowin' in the Wind

I really love this jazz treatment of the classic Dylan tune. Everyone gets a chance to shine, but again the bass solo stands out for me. The shift that happens after that moves this more into an almost retro rock groove for a very short time before cut dissolves to end, or more segue into the next one.

Hurricane

The groove that starts this feels like a continuation of the previous piece, but there is an actual gap between the two songs on the CD. This works out to more of a melodic jazz meets pop rock styled arrangement. This is so classy. It’s actually one of my favorite things here. The organ jamming later really brings a different level to the piece and a lot more of that rock vibe.

Gotta Serve Somebody

That same retro lounge rock meets jazz groove is on display here. This one has vocals. I really love the organ solo on this tune. The whole thing has a real soulful vibe.

Lay, Lady, Lay

I love how the bass paints a lot of the melody on this track. Other instruments also get to shine, but that bass is just plain magic. While the bass handles the vocal lines at the beginning, they move to other instruments as the track evolves.

The Times They Are A-Changin'

This is more traditional jazz and it really grooves and drives with a lot of energy and intensity. It’s such a strong piece of music.

Forever Young

Another song to feature vocals, this plenty of jazz ballad sound in the arrangement. I like this, but not as much as some of the rest.

Tombstone Blues

The smoking hot jazz in place on this track is just so tasty. The track wails with style and charm.

Like a Rolling Stone

I really love this interpretation of the Dylan tune. They capture the melodies and really bring it into some great territory. The total shift for the final section is so cool.

 

Mr. Tambourine Man

This has a great jazz groove at its heart. It’s a classy version that brings a lot of jazz stylings to bear while also managing to deliver the recognizable melodies. The jamming later is positively on fire.

Make You Feel My Love

A slow moving, bluesy jazz journey is on the menu here. This thing is so classy.

 
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