Jackson's Bio

Born in Winston-Salem, Noth Carolina, I was blessed with a good musical ear the same as my grandmother who taught me many songs at an early age and encouraged me to sing and play piano starting around the age of 5. I also have a talented uncle that could read and play piano at a high level that taught me to read music. I took piano lessons off and on throughout elementary school and played viola in middle school, high school, and college orchestras until I graduated from Illinois State University in 1987 with my degree in music. Having started my first jazz fusion group, 'Ars Nova' in college, I relocated to Chicago where I started a new jazz group, 'Wild Pitch' that performed at many of Chicago's premier jazz venues including the Jazz Bulls, Jazz Oasis, and even performed at home plate before a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field in 1992! 

In the fall of 1994, I moved to Los Angeles where I continued to perform as a freelance artist working and recording with several bands including a blues session at the historic A&M Records studios in Hollywood. I also befriended one of my musical heroes, Russell Ferrante, keyboardist of the Grammy winning group Yellowjackets, who continues to inspire me today! 

In January of 1995, I moved to Miami, Florida where I met saxophonist Wayne Gutshall, https://www.waynegutshall.com/  We performed original jazz throughout South Florida with the Jackson Bunn Group for several years eventually callaborating with producer/keyboardist Ray Lyon at https://raylyon.com/balsam-pillow-studio . Ray produced nine of my original compostions for the album 'Jackson Bunn Group-Chosen Path.-https://youtu.be/pTMP7iuk1OU?si=6k0KvtLplaWQwAlJ  The album recieved airplay on local jazz stations and is avaialble on Spotify, Youtube, and CDBaby. The group has performed at Sunfest in West Palm Beach, Sunday Jazz Brunch Fort Lauderdale, and contines to perform throughout south Florida. I am excited to have recorded on Wayne Gutshall's album 'Spicy' which has recieved high rankings on www.smoothjazz.com.  I recently recorded keyboards on a beautiful new single by Wayne to be released later this year. 

In the summer of 2000, I moved to Atlanta for a couple of years performing with several bands most noticeably with singer Robin Latimore at the 2002 Atlanta Jazz Festival opening for the legendary drummer, Roy Haynes. In early 2003, I returned to Miami and began my teaching career as a full-time music teacher for Miami Dade County Public Schools. This marks my 20th year as a teacher! My student ensembles have won many awards, performed at district events, including the Superintendent's Honor's Festival. We have also performed at center court for the Miami Heat on several occasions. Later in 2003 I had the good fortune to join the band Pangea-https://www.bookece.com/artists/pangea  in which I performed at clubs, weddings, and corporate events regularly for 14 years. 

In 2005, I joined The Brass Evolution Band South Florida's premier horn band featuring the music of Chicago, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Blood, Sweat and Tears, and many more of the legendary horn bands past and present.  https://www.thebrassevolution.com/home/ 

Currently I am working with several of South Florida's premier bands including The Brass Evolution, The Original Studio 54 Band, Pieces of Work jazz ensemble, and the Jackson Bunn Group. For information and bookings please contact me at pianoslam1@icloud.com 

Personal info: My wife Ana and I are long time residents of Miami Lakes, Florida. I have served as a worship team keyboardist at Christ Fellowship Church for the past twenty years currenty at the Doral campus.