I have heard—and am in agreement with—many statements by artists and smooth jazz fans alike that the genre needs fresh new talent and a means of attracting younger listeners, those coming after the baby boomers. Well, I have certainly been encouraged by the influx of young people listening and appreciating the music lately, as well as those who have elected to actively participate in the advancement of it by entering the performing arena. They seem to be coming in younger and younger, and now, we have before us young BK Jackson, who struts in with his alto and tenor saxes at the ripe old age of 17.  This young man brings a ton of talent, promise, and vigor to smooth jazz and immediately places it on full display and in high gear on his debut release, On the Move.

All new artists are confronted with that infamous “proving ground” when first introduced to the world.  Jackson seems to take it all in stride and simply proceeds to enjoy himself doing what he loves to do, and he does it so impressively well.  Not only can the young man play, he has penned several of the gems found on this ultra-cool, yet white-hot, release.

The album starts out ablaze with drive and energy with the title track and never fizzles out.  Following that track, his cover of the Frankie Beverly/Maze hit, “Before I Let Go,” is convincingly solid, aided by the very able guitar of Les Sabler and some smooth vocals by one Jeff Red.  Jackson doesn’t let up here as he stomps through a vibrant mover he penned called “Believe That.” Hmm…yep, I think I believe.

The pace is tamped down a bit with the very soulful and sweet “Wait For You.”  I sat back as this piece played and wondered just how this young man of 17 could feel that much at such a young age. The intensity and the depth of his obvious understanding as to what drives this music, not to mention what provides that “love spark” for a tune like this, are truly remarkable.
 
Each cut hereafter is simply as good, if not better, than its predecessor—including a very fine interpretation of Kem’s “Find Your Way,” his own sweet and sassy little number called “That Time of Night,” again featuring Les Sabler with vocals by Cedric Freamon, and the rousing finale, “Down 2 Nuthin’.”  With this tight formula, BK Jackson should be a recognizable name in this business for quite some time and provide that happy, refreshing reassurance that this music is not lost on our youth, but, instead, tastefully accentuated by it. --  Ronald Jackson