Vocalist/harmonicaplayer Big George Jackson was born November 16, 1949 and in
the Twin Cities he is known as the "authentic big man of the blues".
He sings with a distinctive bass-rich voice only a six-foot, six inch gentle
giant could be blessed with. Add his fat harmonica playing, dead-on phrasing,
commanding stage-presence and instant audience rapport and it's easy to
understand why the audience howl when he delivers his music. The band features
alumni of RJ Mischo's and
Lynwood Slim's
band. Guitarist Jeremy Johnson (formely with Mischo) and Phil Schmid (formely with
Lynwood Slim)
combine tough-as-nails interplay that can alternate between being greasy,
swinging and raunchy. Drummer Dwight Dario and John Schroder make up one of
the best Chicago blues rhythm sections going. Dario and Schroder also played
with Mischo and have backed the likes of
Johnny Littlejohn,
Lightnin' Hopkins,
Cedell Davis and
Sue Foley.
The band writes its own music, with lyrics written by Big George and they also
cover songs by
Jimmy Reed,
Walter Horton,
Muddy Waters and
Big Leon Brooks.
The band released a second CD (Big Shot) on Black and Tan Records in March
2001. The first Black and Tan CD (Beggin' ain't for me) was released in 1999.
In Oct 2003 the band released their 3rd CD (Southern in my soul). All three
CD's received rave reviews in the bluesmagainzes all over the world. According
to Living Blues 'Big Shot' could easily be ranked among the year's best blues
releases. Critics praised Big George's first CD for originality and welcome
sense of humor. The Big George Jackson Band is considered to be a great up and
coming band and is developing a fast growing following in spite of the Twin
Cities incredibly competitive live music scene. Big George is currently in his
26th year of working for Minnesgasco, the local gas company in Minneapolis. He
has raised six children while pursuing his night-time career as a blues
musician. During their european tour in April/May 2000 the band performed at
the Moulin Blues Festival in Ospel (NL) and at the bluesfestivals of Silkeborg
and Odense (DK). The band did two more succesfull european tours in March and
November 2001. On the last tour they performed on the Lucerne Blues Festival
(CH) and on the Blues Estafette (NL), two of the major blues events in Europe.
They also did a live show on national Dutch tv. In 2002 they performed at the
Belgian Rhythm & Blues Festival in Peer (Belgium) and the Colne
Bluesfestival in the UK. In 2003 at the International Jazzfestival in Montreal
(Canada) and Nancy Jazz Pulsations (France). In October 2003 they released
their third CD (Southern In My Soul) for Black and Tan Records.
(quoted from crossroads.nl)
Visit Big George Jackson's page at myspace.com.
Visit Big George Jackson's page at isound.com.
Visit also these related Sites:
Biographical Information on Big George Jackson
Big George Jackson biography by Ray M. Stiles.
Big George Jackson biography at crossroads.nl.
Reviews and Critiques of Big George Jackson Live Performances and Recordings
Big George Jackson, The Old Vic, Nottingham, UK 18th November 1999. Live review by Gordon Baxter.
Big George Jackson @ Mayslack's May 21, 1999. Live review by Ray Stiles.
Big George Jackson "Beggin' Ain't For Me" (Black & Tan - B&T003). Cd review by Dave "Doc" Piltz.
Big George Jackson Photos
Nine Big George Jackson photos at bluesgallery.davyvandenbremt.be.
Four Big George Jackson photos by Dragan Tasic.
Two Big George Jackson photos by Dragan Tasic.
Big George Jackson Audio Files
Big George Jackson Blues Band - Rubbish Truck. MP3 file, runtime 04:40.
Big George Jackson - Big Shot. MP3 file, runtime 05:37.
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