[10/31/2002] - Jazz Journal International review of Sigame

Jackson is a pianist who sounds eccentric in straight ahead company and conservative when involved in more left field activities. The fact is that, despite his allegiance to his teacher, Don Pllen, he is a pianist who deliberately paints on a broad canvas. He is also a useful composer and adept arranger and all three skills are well presented here.

If anything, The Welcoming is delivered with an almost Ray Bryantish bounce, there is a hint of Brubeck on Jam Band, while the Pullenesque dash is captured on Le Shuffle and Cubano-Funk. The latter's somewhat abstract opening is a surprise but it moves on with Jackson's knuckled right hand reminding us of his mentor's sense of drama.

Okegwo and Prieto contribute consistently; at no time sinking into the background. Of the guests, the normally frenetic Hoes is perhaps the surprise. He overdubs several violin parts on the gentle Summer and introduces his restrained classical persona on the title track. Bryant blends perfectly with his leader on Romanza and he shows to advantage on Le Shuffle and Sigame.

This album marks the Canadian pianist's return to his native Justin Time label and can be warmly recommended.

- Barry McRae, Jazz Journal International, Nov/02