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Torrid Rhythm

Cliff Jackson & His Krazy Kats

Andy Jackson, Chester Campbell, Cliff Jackson, Earl Evans, Henry Goodwin, Horace Langhorn, Melvin Herbert, Percy Johnson, Rudy Powell, Waymon Richardson

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Recorded in New York City on January 30th 1930 featuring Melvin Herbert trumpet, Henry Goodwin trumpet & violin, Waymon Richardson trombone, Rudy Powell clarinet & alto sax, Earl Evans alto sax, Horace Langhorn tenor sax, Cliff Jackson piano & director, Andy Jackson banjo, Chester Campbell bass brass, and Percy Johnson drums.

"Torrid Rhythm" was composed by Cliff Jackson.

Born in Culpeper, Virginia on July 19th 1902 Clifton Luther "Cliff" Jackson grew to become a highly accomplished stride pianist.

Beginning his professional career in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Cliff Jackson relocated to The Big Apple in 1923.

After working as a pianist with bands including "Lionel Howard's Musical Aces", in 1930 he made his debut as leader recording two sides with his "Krazy Kats" released under his own name, and nine billed as the "Marvin Smolev Syncopators".

The group disbanded in the early 1930's and Cliff went on to perform mainly as a soloist, although he still worked as an accompanist at times.

As a pianist Cliff Jackson was one of the great innovators of his day and has come under analysis particularly
for his fascinating use of contrapuntal bass figures.

He also worked with such prominent singers as Lena Wilson, Sara Martin, Martha Copeland, Clara Smith, and Viola McCoy.

During the early 1940's Jackson appeared on record with Sidney Bechet and would continue on his own as both a soloist and leader.

Working as the house pianist at Cafe Society between 1943 and 1951 he enjoyed great success.

Cliff Jackson died in New York City on May 24th 1970 at the age of sixty-seven.