Some folks in the straight-ahead jazz world are of the opinion that a jazz album isn't legitimate unless it contains an abundance of well-known standards. But such thinking is silly, especially in light of the fact that many talented improvisers are also talented composers;
D.D. Jackson is a prime example. There isn't a warhorse to be found on Serenity Song. The acoustic pianist wrote all of the material himself, which is not to say that he isn't capable of playing standards;
Jackson has done it in the past and done it pleasingly well. But if one is as gifted and prolific a composer as
Jackson, there is no reason not to provide as much original material as possible -- and his compositional talents are very much in evidence on memorable items that include the optimistic "Chi-Pin's Song," the pensive "Nocturne," the good-natured title track, and "Taiwan Moments" (a delicate waltz with a
Bill Evans-minded appeal). Serenity Song has it share of quiet, reflective moments, but the generally lyrical
Jackson's passionate side asserts itself in a big way on the exuberant "Etude," which hints at fellow pianist
Michel Camilo. At times, Serenity Song is a trio album, uniting
Jackson's piano with
Ugonna Okegwo's upright bass and
Dafnis Prieto's drums. Other times,
Jackson's trio becomes a quartet, quintet, or sextet thanks to the addition of players who include
Sam Newsome on soprano sax,
Christian Howes on violin, and
Dana Leong on trombone and cello. Except for the core
Jackson/
Okegwo/
Prieto trio, the personnel can vary from one track to the next. But regardless of who's joining him on a particular song, Serenity Song is an excellent demonstration of
Jackson's talents as both a soloist and a composer. ~ Alex Henderson