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CD Reviews
Comfort Food - Released 2007
One of 2007’s most surprising and, ultimately, rewarding releases is the brainchild of award-winning Tenor Sax stalwart Shirley Jackson and her handpicked crew, compromised of the cream of the Maritime blues and jazz crops. The surprise is not that she could pull off such an artfully themed and superbly arranged release but that she could seamlessly merge the world of swing jazz to jump blues and rock’n’roll in the process. Comfort Food lives up to its title, being a no-nonsense collection of 11 tracks (covers and originals) that pique the appetite as they hit the spot and soothe the soul. From the big band snarl of instrumental “Tailgator Jump,” with its tenor-driven attack, tough guitar lines and crisp, skin-tight horn lines, to her “One Way Thinking,” one of the disc’s strongest tracks, which simmers with a threatening blues assault helmed by Phil Potvin’s harmonica, Brad Conrad’s slippery guitar leads and, as always, Jackson’s wall of slick horns, Comfort Food exudes good taste. Another original, “No Compromise,” is a slinky, sassy Big Band jump, while the outrageously fun title track follows Barry Cooke and Carter Chaplin’s leads (organ and guitar) into serious shindig country, demonstrating a world of chops and barely tapped potential. Jackson’s self-supplied vocals are economical but to the point, in keeping with the carefully crafted material. This is a sophisticated release that’s as much a throwback to a bygone era as it is a giant step forward for Canadian jazz and blues, pulled off by a woman with her head and heart in all the right places.
MUY BUENO. Singer and saxo player Shirley Jackson’s new album brings us eleven excellent tracks with a mixture of jump rockin’ blues swing spiced with some ‘tex mex’ music. Shirley herself has done, together with Ian O’Donell, the whole production at Resonante Recording Studios in Halifax, New Scotland, Canada. “Comfort Food” is a powerful swingin’ record and horn section arrangements and solos are one of the best things I have heard for weeks. You will find Shirley Jackson on tenor sax, Rob Macintosh on tenor too, Dawn Hatfield on baritone and Dave Harrison on trumpet and ‘flugehorn’. The rest of musicians show a high musical level and great talent too. An album you will certainly love because it is a real good one. GREAT.
Careful What You Ask For - Released 2001
Are you planning on taking a blues excursion this year? Thinking about possible regions to visit on the trip? Sure ya gotta consider Memphis, New Orleans and the rest of the Delta area. Texas and Los Angeles are two more red hot blues spots. Then of course ya got Chicago and the Detroit scene. Maybe you should even consider crossing the boarder. No, not that boarder, the other one. Some of the hottest blues in the past few years has been coming to us from the North, and SHIRLEY JACKSON & HER GOOD ROCKIN' DADDY'S - another excellent blues band from Canada - are obviously musically equipped to see to it that it keeps on coming.
Shirley Jackson, excellent tenor saxophone and singer, presents her first solo album with his group the usual Good Rockin 'Daddys. Jackson combina con gran acierto la tradición del Texas blues con el jump y el swing y el resultado es magnífico y explosivo. Jackson combined with great wisdom tradition of the Texas blues with the jump and swing and the result is magnificent and explosive.
Shirley Jackson with her sassy sax has just garnered Canada's highest blues award, a Maple Blues Award for Horn Player of the Year. The covers she has selected are top notch, and her eight originals are seamless.
Shirley Jackson & Her Good Rockin' Daddys, who hail from Halifax down on Canada's east coast, the release of "Careful What You Ask For" ought to significantly expand their local reputation as a first-rate ensemble, easily the equal of most on the scene. As a writer Shirley displays both a fine lyric sensibility and a comfortable grasp of just about every style of blues extant, from jazzy jump to swamp-pop to western swing.
Jackson's hot sax wails...a flavorful blend of Texas-style jump blues, plus a dash of hopped-up R&B. The recognition for her debut cd "Careful What You Ask For" is long overdue.
The Toronto Maple Blues Awards 2003
Way to go SHIRLEY!!! Many people may not be aware of the hard work Shirley has done to keep the blues alive here on the East Coast. That combined with tons of talent makes her a much-deserved winner.
I got bragging rights now! I can tell my grandchildren that back in 2002, I did a three day tour in Quebec, with the best blues sax player in Canada!
I think one of the finest moments of my Monday night was getting the opportunity to meet you. I got the impression that just being there was a rush for you. But when your name was called as the winner, the look on your face was priceless as you walked up to the podium. Congratulations on your night Shirley and I look forward to seeing you again.
The Live Show
What better way to get the jump on the February blues- with the extension of the Maple Blues Awards gala as Shirley Jackson & Her Good Rockin' Daddys storm the stage. Halifax gives the blues it's dues... it will be hopping with the sounds of Shirley Jackson & Her Good Rockin' Daddys... a good time to catch some sax-fueled R&B.
The band that got the crowd up and boogeying was Shirley Jackson & Her Good Rockin' Daddys. She's a real double threat with her tenor sax and alto voice that's just right for their cookin' Texas blues.
Who would have thought you could hear hot texas style blues in the heart of P.E.I. Shirley Jackson & Her Good Rockin' Daddys Pull it off with ease...wowed the crowd, bringing them to their feet. They prove once again; when they play, you will most likely dance.
Out of the bullpen comes sax- blowin' Shirley Jackson & Her Good Rockin' Daddys (great name). Jackson is a versatile player; equally at ease laying down a shuffle beat behind the drum kit or handling vocal chores out front. Some of the most charismatic players on stage. This may be the only mother and son combo on the circuit. One way of keeping track of the kids, even if they’re hanging out in a smoky blues bar.
I don't know too many women who really know the blues...........but you do.
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