Paul Jackson, Jr. | A River In The Desert

AllMusic Review by Jonathan Widran

One of the biggest complaints about contemporary jazz is that it's too commercially minded to be truly unique and creative. R&B guitarist Paul Jackson, Jr. has figured out a way to combine the two in fresh ways which offer treats for the pop market as well as true jazz buffs. A River in the Desert has those easily accessible, Najee-esque cool funk grooves and vocals but also plenty of energetic creative electric and acoustic playing to show that Jackson understands the traditions his music is founded on. Even on more pedestrian fare like Boyz II Men's "End of the Road," he improvises nicely, but that's just an appetizer for the disc's real pleasures, two fiery all-acoustic blues jams with Stanley Clarke, Bobby Lyleand Ndugu Chancler. More would have been appreciated. Still, blend all the elements, artistic and chart conscious together, and Jackson gives the genre a perfect balancing act.

Paul Jackson, Jr. A River In The Desert 1993



Paul Jackson, Jr. (guitar, keyboards, programming, drum programming); Glenn Jones , Glennis Jones, Barbara Weathers (vocals); Gerald Albright (flute, saxophone); Bobby Lyle (piano); Greg Phillinganes (keyboards, synthesizer, bass synthesizer); Cornelius Mims (keyboards, drum programming); Jeff Lorber, Jerry Peters, Monty Seward (keyboards); Harvey Mason, Sr. (drums, cymbals); Ollie E. Brown (drums, percussion); Ndugu, Derek Organ (drums); James "Timbali" Cornwell, Paulinho Da Costa (percussion); Donald Tavie (drum programming); Fred White , J.D. Nichols, Howard Hewett, Keith Washington, Kipper Jones, Lynn Davis , Ali-Ollie Woodson, Monalisa Young, Phillip Ingram (background vocals).



01. Heaven Must Be Like This 00:00 02. Alain 05:48 03. The Flavor 11:14 04. Preview Of Coming Attractions 16:02 05. East From The West 21:46 06. It's A Start 27:25 07. End Of The Road 32:32 08. River In The Desert 38:00 09. If I Go Away 43:07 10. Heaven 47:38 11. One O'Clock Blues 53:07