The 1959 single 'Please Mr. Jackson' showcases Jackson's signature blues-drenched tenor sound, a hallmark of his early career. This release is notable for its vibrant rhythm section and Jackson's commanding solo work.
- The A-side, 'Please Mr. Jackson,' was recorded on December 19, 1958, at Van Gelder Studios in Hackensack, New Jersey. The B-side, 'Cool Breeze,' features a different arrangement and tempo, highlighting Jackson's versatility. This single was released as a 7-inch 45 RPM record with catalog number Prestige 45-124.
- The session musicians on this recording included pianist Al Casey, bassist Wendell Marshall, and drummer Bobby Donaldson. The track 'Please Mr. Jackson' became a modest R&B chart hit, reaching number 30 on Billboard's R&B Singles chart in early 1960. Original Jazz Classics, a reissue label, has since made this recording widely available on various compilations.
- This release predates Jackson's more famous work in the 1960s, such as his albums 'Cookin'' and 'Live!'. The single captures Jackson in a transitional period, bridging the gap between hard bop and the burgeoning soul jazz movement. Its success indicated a growing audience for Jackson's accessible, blues-inflected jazz style.
Willis Jackson was a tenor saxophonist known for his work in soul jazz and hard bop. His career spanned from the bebop era into the 1980s, with a sound often described as bluesy and soulful. In 1959, Jackson was actively recording for Prestige Records, establishing himself as a prominent voice in the label's roster of emerging jazz talent.
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