January/February 2002

D.D. Jackson
Sigame
Justin Time Records

By Bill Bennett

Pianist D.D. Jackson's maturing approach to his craft is evident on Sigame. Jackson's mission seems to be to burnish and extend (if possible!) the style established by the late, remarkable Don Pullen. His new recording-four trios with bassist Ugonna Okegwo and drummer Dafnis Prieto, six quartets featuring either guitarist Freddie Bryant or violinist Christian Howes -marks his progress. His arrangements have far greater dynamic range now than on his early recordings, and the ecstatic fistfuls of notes that are a hallmark of his style serve a broader range of expressive ends. They serve as well an attractive range of material, from the poppish "Summer" to the aggressive "Cubano-Funk," from the loping fun of "Le Shuffle" to the beautifully arioso "For Desdemona." Prieto is particularly impressive, both in battery and on hand percussion.