Theo Jackson & The Hidden Jazz Club

Kent-raised Theo Jackson recalls visiting his folks one weekend and looking through dusty old bags and boxes of his countless scribbles and lyrics, he had forgotten all about.  In amongst the stuff of his was a school music project book he compiled. “This school project, which I wrote at 13years old, was my first real introduction to jazz,” he says looking back.  “Although I enjoyed music, I still wasn't learning an instrument at the time and this project really brought jazz music to my ears for the first time.  I found myself passionately engaged, even obsessive, and wanting to learn more”.  And so, he did.

Pianist Theo Jackson has become “one of the most interesting jazz vocalists and composer to emerge on the British scene in recent years.”  An original song-writing troubadour performing in a jazz style.

For an original artist to succeed it takes one of these things: an unswerving dedication to his art from the musician.

Theo Jackson in a show of confidence and understanding for original song writing, on his debut album Shoeless and The Girl (Dot Time Records, 2015), two of Wayne Shorter’s classic tunes, Footprints and Wild Flower, can be heard in a different way.  Jackson not only added his own lyrics, but actually sort and got approval from Mr Shorter himself!

The result are songs “full of memorable vocal phrasing and slick instrumental finesse”, accompanying Jackson’s other eight original compositions on the album.

REVIEW: UK Vibe online Rated – 5/5, Shoeless and The Girl– “the songs and the singer have a unique voice, making for an inspiring and hugely enjoyable listening experience.  His music is melodic and lyrical with hooks-a-plenty effortlessly singing out from the keys of his piano, his jazz chops never in doubt.”

REVIEW: Fine Music Magazine ‘Discourse with Kevin Jones’ Stars – 4 of 5, Shoeless and The Girl – “There’ll be no disappointment for lovers of vocal jazz desiring melody with engaging lyrics and a voice with resonance and lucidity.”

Theo Jackson now also works with Grammy Award winners and internationally acclaimed jazz musicians, alongside incredibly talented emerging artists, at The Hidden Jazz Club London.

The Hidden Jazz Club is an underground counter-culture where the music rises above the norm, lifting spirits and bringing a ray of sunshine back into people’s lives.  Audiences that were prepared to seek out new music are rewarded with music and sounds that are fresh and enlightening.

For this one of many shows on the Devonshire Park Jazz Sessions, Theo Jackson is assembling a quartet made up of London’s most ridiculously talented jazz musicians.  Whom are all regular contributors on his weekly Hidden Jazz Club live music experience at The Vaults London.

Theo Jackson & The Hidden Jazz Club first show in East Sussex is truly poised to be an electrifying and an enjoyable live music experience.  As first goes, Jackson, during that rummaging session at his folks home, found a memorable item. “My first merch from the first gig I ever saw. I was 8years and in love with Billy Joel.  Dad asked if I wanted a t-shirt or a baseball cap.  I asked for the lyrics book (Billy Joel – River of Dreams) instead so that's what he bought for me.  Still in pretty good nick.”  Memories and collectables are definitely guaranteed from this event, too.

Theo Jackson & The Hidden Jazz Club

Theo Jackson – acoustic Piano, electric Keyboard, Vocals

The Hidden Jazz Club, Trio – TBC (not totally hidden)

Theo Jackson | The Hidden Jazz Club - Websites