Bobby Jackson - The Cafe Extra-Ordinaire Story (CD)

Bobby Jackson looks to be some kind of jazz super dude as he not only managed to run a successful and thriving jazz venue in Minneapolis but also found a little time to tickle an upright bass from time to time with the results documented here on The Cafe Extra-Ordinaire Story. This LP tells the tale of this jazz enthusiast and all round good guy Bobby Jackson whilst shedding a little light on the progressive playing style he adopted and developed with his own band. Jazzman are digging deep with this one. Not only do you get detailed liner notes documenting the scene at Cafe Extra-Ordinaire but also unseen photographs and rare interviews with the main man. The music itself is a testament of Bobby Jackson's passion for progressive jazz flavours with things shifting from smooth to lively at the skip of a beat. I'm not a big jazz fan (saving that for later in life) but I'm really digging the livelier numbers on this album especially 'Bobby's Blues', a real finger work-out for pianist Bobby Lyle. Jackson himself plays a badass bassline and makes his presence known throughout. I'll look forward to getting more familiar with this one.