Willis Jackson
An exciting tenor saxophonist whose honking and squeals (although influenced by Illinois Jacquet) were quite distinctive, Willis Jackson was also a strong improviser who sounded perfectly at home with organ groups. He played locally in Florida early on, until joining Cootie Williams (on and off during 1948-1955). His two-sided honking feature "Gator Tail" with "Cootie" (which earned Williams a lifelong nickname) was a hit in 1948, and he started recording as a leader in 1950. Jackson had a romantic and creative partnership with singer Ruth Brown for eight years, and often appeared on her recordings during this era. His extensive series of Prestige recordings (1959-1964) made him a big attraction on the organ circuit. Although generally overlooked by critics, Willis Jackson continued working steadily in the 1970s and '80s. In 1977, he recorded one of the finest albums of his career for Muse, Bar Wars.
© Scott Yanow /TiVo
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Willis Jackson With Pat Martino
Jazz - Released by Savoy on 21 Mar 1964
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
40+ Jazz Classics
Jazz - Released by Classic Music International on 21 Dec 2010
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Gentle Gator
Jazz - Released by Black Sheep Music on 26 Nov 2013
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Best of Gator Tail (Remastered)
Jazz - Released by Master Tape Records on 14 Aug 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Try a Little Tenderness
Acid Jazz - Released by Ling Music Group on 6 Mar 2010
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Mellow Blues (Digitally Remastered) (Remastered)
Jazz - Released by Essential Media Group on 27 May 2016
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
A One Day Session
Jazz - Released by Fresh Sound Records on 9 Jan 2013
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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More Gravy
Jazz - Released by exclusiv for streaming partners on 29 Jan 2016
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Plays With Feeling
Pop - Released by Rhino Atlantic on 19 Sep 2006
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Live on stage
Willis Jackson, Richard Groove Holmes
Jazz - Released by Disques Black & Blue on 1 Jan 1984
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Keep on a Blowin'
Jazz - Released by Black Sheep Music on 26 Nov 2013
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Call of the Gators
Contemporary Jazz - Released by Delmark Records on 1 Jan 1992
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -