by Scott YanowA fine tenor saxophonist influenced by Joe Henderson, Javon Jackson helps to keep the legacy of Art Blakey and hard bop alive. He grew up in Cleveland and Denver, and studied at Berklee (1984-1986). Jackson was with the last version of the Jazz Messengers (1987-1990) and, after Blakey's death, he worked with the Harper Brothers, Benny Green, Freddie Hubbard, and Elvin Jones. Javon Jackson has recorded as a leader for Criss Cross and Blue Note, on releases like 1999's Pleasant Valley.