Today we’d like to introduce you to Doug Jackson.
Hi Doug, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got my start here in Denver, Colorado. I grew up in the Five Points Neighborhood which had a huge impact on my experience with music. I started playing trumpet at a very young age and I was never able to put it down. I started playing professionally at the age of 15 and played/created numerous groups thereafter.
Throughout that time I was able to pair up with mentors such as Jazz Pianist Joe Bonner and Trumpeter Julius Elerby who helped me gain a better understanding of music theory and develop my signature tone.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In some regards yes and in some regards no. Learning music and performing feel like the easy part. I can always pick up my horn and practice and learn something new. That is a comforting constant within my life. However, people are unpredictable.
As an older musician, I have come across many different types of people throughout the years. Some of them have been completely intolerant of my presence in the performing space. This has come in the form of racial remarks or obnoxious comments that have no place on the bandstand.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the creator of FUAZZ where the funk meets the Jazz. I make music that is inspired by Denver, if you listen to my albums you will hear plenty of Jazz, Funk, RnB, and Latin influences. To me, these musical stylings create a soundtrack representative of Denver.
I am truly proud of my composition “Colfax” featured on my latest album “Distance & Time”. The track features sound design all captured in on Colfax Ave. What sets me apart from others is the tonal stylings of my horn. I approach playing the trumpet like it is a voice in order to make clear musical statements.
Contact Info:
- Website: dougjacksonmusic.com
Image Credits
Garey Kennebrew
