about
Jackson Sloan has built up a reputation as an exceptionally talented frontman. He has performed at many prestigious Rhythm & Blues and Rockin' festivals, clubs and dance events across the Globe and has written and recorded many songs that have become favourites on the 'Vintage' music scene.
Jackson’s love of the music evolved from his parents record collection which led to Jackson attending live gigs both in his own home town of Southend-on-Sea, all over Essex, London and Europe.
“The 100 Club, London was my spiritual home, where I could get up close to my heroes and great blues shouters such as Jimmy Witherspoon, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Jay Mcshann, Memphis Slim, Champion Jack Dupree and Big Joe Williams to name but a few. Along with becoming a record collector, this became my passion to try to emulate these great musicians and vocalists. I got to meet and talk with these musicians – I felt very privileged”
In 1982 Jackson formed ‘Rent Party’, a jump jive, rhythm blues band playing the sounds of Louis Jordan, Big Joe Turner, Jimmy Liggins and Wynonie Harris. Along with the Chevalier Brothers they helped pioneer the jump sounds revival both in the UK and in Europe. Rent Party held a weekly residency at the Railway hotel and the Queens hotel in Southend-on-Sea in Essex. Packing out these two iconic venues led to an agency deal in London.
Rent Party then became one of the best and most popular live acts around. Numerous tours led to the band being invited by George Wein to play the Kool Festival for three nights at top Roots music venue, the Lone Star in Greenwich village, New York. Rent Party released four singles and one live album on Waterfront Records culminating in working with top blues producer Mike Vernon.
“Working with Mike Vernon was a real pleasure, we recorded four tracks live an an old church hall using a Fostex 16 track – Mike did a terrific job, that really helped promote the band.” After Rent Party folded and went separate ways in the roots music word Jackson teamed up with ex-Rent Party musicians and formed seven piece rhythmn blues band Oobopshbam playing and touring all over the Uk and Europe recording a studio and live album.
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Jackson had a conversation with good friend Ray Gelato which led to recording a solo album. “Ray encouraged me to write original songs and record in a way that the classic records of Atlantic, Federal, Imperial and speciality had a great live feel.
After getting together in London with Ray Gelato and his great pianist Gunter Kurmeyer, they started putting together the songs. They brought in a top double-bass player Peter Pritchard who’s worked with Scotty Moore, Eric Clapton and Alvin Lee. Guitar duties fell to Richard Studholme who has played with Hubert Sumlin Big Jay McNeely Lowell Fulson, Carey Bell, Eric Bibb and many more. On drums Mike Thorne one of the best Rhythm blues drummers in the UK, who also produced the recording at his vintage studios Rimshot.
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Jackson shortly formed Jackson Sloan and the Rhythmtones, a seven-piece outfit, that went on to record some of Jackson's biggest 'hits' to date. The Band have performed at many of the great festivals around the world and have collaborated with many or the cream of R'n'B artists in the UK and in Europe in performances and recorded works.
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Jackson Sloan’s latest CD is Radio Internationale in which Jackson has collaborated with Benny & the Cats from Italy and the Velvet Candles from Spain.