Jeff Hackworth

A new saxman has arrived on the smooth jazz scene, and his name is Jeff Hackworth. His debut CD, Just For You (Da Capo Records), features nine original tunes and a cover of Earth Wind & Fire's "Reasons." Hackworth not only wrote his own songs, but also produced and arranged the album. He even did some of his own photography!

The release is a solid collection of mid-tempo and sultry songs that definitely fit the smooth jazz category. Hackworth's strong soprano and alto sounds are demonstrated on each track, from the light salsa of "Forgotten Whispers" to the sweet sensitivity on "Sunrise Sonata" to the dancing "Change of Season." Although Hackworth has his own sound, his sax often reminds me of another saxophonist who got his contemporary jazz start in Buffalo - Spyro Gyra's Jay Beckenstein. Like Beckenstein, Jeff certainly has the ability to write an appealing tune and play with a good sound. Another connection with Spyro Gyra is the work of engineer Larry Swist on the album. Swist is responsible for the sound on many Spyro Gyra's albums and the sound on this CD is just as clean and crisp. Another factor making Just for You a great release is the solid band backing Hackworth. Made up of local Buffalo musicians, the band really adds a solid rhythm and polish to Hackworth's music.

Jeff Hackworth has put out a most enjoyable debut effort and definitely has a future in contemporary jazz. I recommend checking out his Web site and sampling the RealAudio tracks for yourself. They give a good representation of the album. The site also offers background on the man behind the music and how to order the CD. Also link to Michele Abrams' Contemporary Jazz On-Line for a profile on Jeff.

cJazz review by John Hilderbrand

(http://contemporaryjazz.com/reviews/hackworth.html)

More info:

http://www.visionx.com/jazz/reviews/r0397_08.htm

http://www.smoothvibes.com/Vaults/jazzpage_7_24_96.html