Vasti Jackson
Music makes the world go 'round, and Grammy-nominee Vasti Jackson has
made the music of Mississippi go 'round the world. Since he learned to play
the guitar as a youth in McComb, Mississippi, he has played the Blues from
juke joints to the Symphony to corporate meetings to sports stadiums to the
major stages of America, Europe, Asia, South America, and Scandinavia.
Vasti has lived his dynamic new CD, "No Borders to the Blues." Along with
powerful vocals and guitar by Vasti, this unique new release also features
legendary artists Bobby Rush and George Porter, Jr., as well as piano great, Henry Butler.
Deb Brumberg of Blues on Stage said, "Vasti Jackson has to be one of the best guitarists I have ever
seen. It was great to watch him play." Her comment is not surprising when you consider this sample of
Vasti's musical experiences and achievements...*
* For the 2001 Grammy-nominated Contemporary Blues Recording of the Year, "Hoochie Man" by recording
artist, Bobby Rush, Vasti Jackson was co-producer, arranger, engineer, guitarist, bassist, and keyboardist. Three
of the songs were recorded in Vasti's Hattiesburg studio.
* Vasti recorded with the King of the Blues, B.B. King on his Grammy Award-winning "Blues Summit" release.
He has opened for B.B. on numerous occasions.
* He appeared in Martin Scorsese's widely-acclaimed 7-part docu-drama series chronicling the history of the
Blues, aptly named "The Blues." Vasti performed his original composition, "Train Rollin' Blues."
* Vasti was featured in the Starz Network documentary, "The Last of the Mississippi Jukes," directed by Robert
Mugge.
* He worked with Pulitzer Prize winner Wynton Marsalis on the Warner Brothers "Rosewood" soundtrack.
* He has recorded with or performed with such artists as Z.Z. Hill, Johnnie Taylor, Katie Webster, Bobby Bland,
Denise LaSalle, Little Milton, and Bobby Rush.
* Vasti co-produced two albums of legendary Zydeco artist, C.J. Chenier.
* He recorded with Jazz great, Cassandra Wilson, on her top-selling release, "Belly of the Sun."
* Vasti is featured in the Library of Congress' Folk Life Archives. After his powerful presentation of traditional
acoustic Delta Blues, he was chosen to represent America's indigenous music.
* In the1998 film, "Stop Breakin' Down," the story of the life of Robert Johnson, Jackson played the character Ike
Zinnerman. He also composed two songs for the soundtrack and served as the film's musical director.
* Vasti has performed with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and with the University of Southern Mississippi
Symphony Orchestra, the most recent of which was the 2003 ETV presentation, "Mississippi, The Birthplace of
America's Music." Vasti performed his original composition, "America, Proud and Strong," with the USM
Symphony Orchestra and a thousand-voice choir.
* Vasti Jackson has been featured in print media, such as Guitar Player Magazine, Living Blues, Nothing But the
Blues, Juke Blues (England), and many other international publications.
* He has also appeared in national television and radio media, performing his original compositions on Dan
Akroyd's House of Blues Radio Hour, Starz Encore Network, WGN in Chicago, and PBS.
* International Tours have taken Vasti Jackson to Japan, Germany, France, Holland, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy,
Sicily, Sardinia, Finland, Argentina, Canada, Australia, England, Uruguay, Brazil, and Portugal. In addition, he
has performed at festivals in Ireland, England, and Norway.
What do Vasti's talent, creativity, and musical experience mean to you? When Vasti Jackson performs,
your audience will be electrified! Bruce Iglauer, President of Alligator Records, summed it up when he
said, "Vasti is one of the most talented and creative Blues men of the younger generation. He's a
masterful guitarist with a deep knowledge of Blues roots and a terrific live showman."
Vasti Jackson Music; P O BOX 144, Hattiesburg, MS 39403;
Phone: 601-329-6876; E-Mail: vasteye@vastijackson.com Website: www.VastiJackson.com
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