This page contains a brief overview on the album AKBAR DEPRIEST / JAVON JACKSON: Inclusion. Learn more about the artist and explore the track lists and website. If you find any information that needs to be corrected, please let us know.

 
In 1955, Akbar DePriest left Los Angeles for a chance to go on the road with the Joe Morris band, featuring Big Maybelle. They played one-nighters on the "chitlin' circuit" ending up in Montgomery, Alabama. Heading for Chicago, Akbar worked the next two years at Killer Johnson's Arch Way Lounge with guitarist George Estridge and then with saxophonist Eddie Harris. He joined organist Sarah McLawler and violinist Richard Otto for his first trip to New York, playing Small's Paradise. Later toured for a year with Gene Ammons.

In 1969, Akbar played in Aspen, Colorado. Joined with pianist Joe Keel, bassist Dee Minor and Chicago saxophonist Milt Cannon, to start his band, Sweet Explosion. Played with organist John Patton at the Boar's Head Club. In 1971, went to Copenhagen, Denmark at the invitation of Dexter Gordon. He and Dexter worked the Montmarte with pianist Kenny Drew and Danish bassist Niels Osted Petersen. Akbar, as house drummer, played with saxophonists Johnny Griffin, Ben Webster and Charlie Mariano, trombonist Richard Boone, pianist Dollar Brand (aka Abdullah Abraham) and trumpeter Don Cherry. Back in Denver in 1974, Akbar opened his own club -- the Drummers Supper Club -- with trumpeter Blue Mitchell, singer Diane Reeves, Joe Keel and Dee Minor. In fall 1985, Akbar rented the Theater Under the Jerome in Aspen and presented jazz for the ski season with pianist Bobby Greene, Dee Minor and saxophonist Javon Jackson. He then joined the Charles Lewis group at Timothy's Lounge in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Migrating to Oregon, in 1988 Akbar performed twice at the Portland Art Museum with trumpeter Thara Memory, pianist Gordon Lee and bassist Phil Baker. He opened at the Whaler in Lake Oswego as the Akbar DePriest Quartet with pianist Janice Scroggins, saxophonist Bobby Bryant Jr., bassist Tim Gilson and singer Leslie Henderson. The Quartet played the Mount Hood Jazz Festival. The following year at the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, Akbar played with Indian saxophonist Jim Pepper, bassist Phil Sparks, and pianist Mel Waldron. In 1990, Akbar opened at Salty's on the Willamette with pianist Larry Natwick and bassist Brad Herrett as The DePriest Project. Different musicians were featured each week that year. The DePriest Project was recorded live at Salty's with Joe Keel, Thara Memory, saxophonists Hadley Caliman and Jay Collins, Brad Herrett and Akbar DePriest. After playing on albums as side man the release of "Live on the Willamette" was the first release for Akbar under his own name.

In 1991, Akbar started a series of Family Jazz Concerts. In 1992, played the Earshot Jazz and Bumbershoot Festivals in Seattle, joined Blue Note recording artist, pianist Andrew Hill for two concerts at PSU and a recording with Japanese saxophonist Russel Baba. In 1993, joined the adjunct faculty at the U of Portland and toured with Young Audiences presenting "Colors & Rhythms of Jazz". Continuing his Family Jazz Concerts, Akbar cut his first CD with saxophonist Bennie Maupin in 1996. "Central Avenue Roots" features original compositions by all members of the band. In 1997, Akbar released a remake of his "Live on the Willamette" in CD format.

In 1997, tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson was featured in the Family Jazz Concert series at the University of Portland's Buckley Center and has returned to perform with The DePriest Project every year since. In october 2000 the concert turned into a recording session that produced our latest CD "INCLUSION", this recording features Javon Jackson, trumpeter Thara Memory, pianist Gordon Lee, bassist Phil Sparks and drums plus vocals Akbar DePriest. The CD was released in march 2001.

Check out the artist's website:
http://www.depriestproject.com/

Track List:
1. Our Man Bogle
2. This Can't Be Love
3. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
4. Everyday I Have The Blues
5. J Soul
6. There Is No Greater Love
7. Song For My Father
8. Viscious Cycle
9. Evocation
10. Giant Steps

Suggested CDs:

• Mario Depriest
• Harry Smallenburg
• Chris Dundas

Other Genres:

• JAZZ: Bebop
• JAZZ: Traditional Jazz Combo
• TYPE: IMPROVISATIONAL