D.D Jackson, Pheeroan Aklaff, David Murray, Kirk Lightsey

Biography

This query appears to reference four individual jazz musicians rather than a single artist or unified group. D.D. Jackson is a pianist who has performed extensively in the New York jazz scene. Pheeroan akLaff is a drummer known for his work with Anthony Braxton and David Murray, appearing on numerous recordings throughout his career. David Murray is a tenor saxophonist and composer who has been a prolific bandleader and collaborator since the 1970s, known for his work in avant-garde and contemporary jazz. Kirk Lightsey is a pianist who moved to New York in 1979 after joining Dexter Gordon in Los Angeles, becoming one of the busiest New York jazz pianists of the 1980s and beyond. These four musicians have intersected through various collaborative projects, particularly in David Murray's ensembles and other New York-based jazz initiatives.

Fun Facts

• Pheeroan akLaff described himself as 'the luckiest man alive' when working with Anthony Braxton on the Charlie Parker project, noting that the scope and ambition of the 11-disc set was far beyond typical jazz club performances.
• Kirk Lightsey became one of the most active New York jazz pianists after his 1979 move from Los Angeles, participating in numerous projects and collaborations throughout the 1980s and beyond.
• The David Murray ensemble that included D.D. Jackson, Kirk Lightsey, Pheeroan akLaff, Billy Bang, and Calvin Jones represented a 'very hip lineup' of musicians working together in the 1990s-2000s period.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Dexter Gordon - Kirk Lightsey joined Dexter Gordon's band, which prompted his relocation from Los Angeles to New York (Dexter Gordon band)
• Anthony Braxton - Pheeroan akLaff was invited by Braxton to collaborate on a major project while teaching at Wesleyan University (Sextet (Parker) 1993 and 11-disc Rumination on Charlie Parker) [1990s]

Key Collaborators

• David Murray - All three musicians (D.D. Jackson, Pheeroan akLaff, Kirk Lightsey) performed with David Murray in various ensembles (David Murray Quartet, David Murray Octet, Live at the Village Vanguard) [1990s-2000s]
• Kirk Lightsey - Collaborated with David Murray in quartet and ensemble settings (David Murray recordings) [1990s]
• Pheeroan akLaff - Drummer in David Murray ensembles and appeared on Live at the Village Vanguard (Live at the Village Vanguard (2000), various David Murray projects) [1995-2000s]
• D.D. Jackson - Pianist who performed with David Murray and appeared in octet settings (Octet Plays Trane (2000)) [1999-2000]
• Billy Bang - Violinist who performed alongside these musicians in David Murray projects (David Murray ensemble recordings) [1990s-2000s]
• Calvin Jones - Bassist who performed with this collective of musicians (David Murray ensemble recordings) [1990s-2000s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Draw Me Closer (Disco Praise (Full Album))
2. Heaven's Child (Heaven's Child A Christmas Worship Experience (Full Album))
3. The Promise (Heaven's Child A Christmas Worship Experience (Full Album))
4. Come And See (Heaven's Child A Christmas Worship Experience (Full Album))
5. You Are Here (Heaven's Child A Christmas Worship Experience (Full Album))
6. Christ Is Born (Heaven's Child A Christmas Worship Experience (Full Album))
7. Emmanuel (Heaven's Child A Christmas Worship Experience (Full Album))
8. Glory In The Highest (Heaven's Child A Christmas Worship Experience (Full Album))
9. Manger Song (Heaven's Child A Christmas Worship Experience (Full Album))
10. Heaven Touched Earth (Heaven Touched Earth (Full Album))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia