Javon Jackson: Jackson Plays Dylan

Javon Jackson - Tenor Saxophone

Jeremy Manasia - Piano, Fender Rhodes

Isaac Levien - Bass, Electric Bass

Ryan Sands - Drums

Making his first appearance at Caffè Vivace, tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson brings his acclaimed Jackson Plays Dylan project to Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026. A former member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and one of the leading voices in modern jazz, Jackson reimagines the music of Bob Dylan with creativity, reverence, and the improvisational spirit of jazz. Drawing from Dylan's vast catalog, Jackson transforms these iconic songs into compelling jazz vehicles while preserving the honesty, humanity, and storytelling that have made Dylan one of America's most influential songwriters.

Rather than simply covering familiar tunes, Jackson explores Dylan's music as living repertoire, finding new possibilities within classics such as "Blowin' in the Wind," "The Times They Are A-Changin'," "Like a Rolling Stone," "Mr. Tambourine Man," and "Hurricane." The result is a performance that feels both timeless and contemporary, connecting Dylan's folk-inspired vision with the freedom and expressive power of modern jazz.

The project has earned enthusiastic praise from critics around the world. DownBeat awarded the album 4½ stars, writing that "Jackson explores each song with profound sensitivity and understanding." Stereophile praised his "clarion, persuasive tenor saxophone voice" and noted that he casts Dylan's music "in a fresh light," while All About Jazz called the recording "a heartfelt musician's dialogue with timeless material."

Whether you're a lifelong Dylan fan, a devoted jazz listener, or simply someone who appreciates great American music, Jackson Plays Dylan offers a unique opportunity to experience familiar songs through a new lens. With masterful musicianship, thoughtful arrangements, and a deep respect for the source material, Javon Jackson's Caffè Vivace debut promises an unforgettable evening of music and discovery.

Missouri-born tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson left Berklee College of Music in 1986 to join Art Blakey's legendary Jazz Messengers, where he remained until Blakey's passing in 1990. He later performed and recorded with jazz icons including Elvin Jones, Freddie Hubbard, Betty Carter, Christian McBride, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and the legendary pianist and vocalist Les McCann, while building an acclaimed career as a bandleader, educator, and recording artist. Over the course of more than three decades, Jackson has established himself as one of the most respected tenor saxophonists in jazz, known for his powerful sound, deep swing, and ability to bridge tradition with contemporary expression.

His recent projects have expanded beyond traditional jazz settings, including acclaimed collaborations with poet and activist Nikki Giovanni and the widely praised Jackson Plays Dylan. Throughout his career, Jackson has remained committed to exploring the connections between jazz, American culture, and social history, creating music that is both artistically compelling and deeply human.

If the total amount of beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum, a $20 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set.

Important Notices:

If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund.

Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance.