Eric Marienthal & Paul Jackson Jr.
@ the PizzaExpress Jazz Club
7 June 2019

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Eric Marienthal biography
After graduating high school in Southern California in 1976, Eric Marienthal went on to study at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass. There he studied with the legendary saxophone professor, Joe Viola. By the time he left Berklee, Marienthal had achieved the highest proficiency rating given by the school. In 1995, Eric was awarded the Berklee Distinguished Alumnus Award for outstanding achievements in contemporary music. He has since gone on to perform in over 75 different countries, recorded 14 solo CD's and has played on hundreds of records, films, television shows and commercial jingles.

Eric Marienthal started his professional career in 1980 with famed New Orleans trumpeter Al Hirt. After returning to Los Angeles Eric became a member of the Chick Corea Elektric Band. He recorded 6 CD's with Chick Corea band and won 2 Grammy Awards. Marienthal went on to perform with artists such as Elton John, Barbara Streisand, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, Burt Bacharach, Aaron Neville, Johnny Mathis, Dave Grusin, Lee Ritenour, George Duke, David Benoit, The Rippingtons, The Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band, Patti Austin, Lou Rawls, David Lee Roth, The Yellowjackets, B.B. King, Ramsey Louis, Patti Labelle, Olivia Newton-John, and many others.

Among Marienthal’s 14 solo CD’s, his latest is entitled “Bridges”, on Peak Records. Eight of the songs that Eric has recorded have made it to the top 10 of the National Contemporary Jazz Radio Charts and three have made it to #1. Eric was voted as being one of the year’s “Favorite Alto Sax Players” in Jazziz Magazine's Reader's Poll along with David Sanborn and Phil Woods.
Marienthal has also written 3 instructional books, “Comprehensive Jazz Studies & Exercises,” “The Ultimate Jazz Play Along” and “The Music Of Eric Marienthal” as well as 3instructional videos, “Play Sax From Day One,” “Modern Sax” and “Tricks Of The Trade,” all published by Warner Bros. Publications which is now Alfred Publishing/Belwin Jazz.

Every summer for the past 17 years Marienthal has put on an annual fundraising concert for High Hopes. High Hopes is a non-profit organisation in Orange County, California that works with people who have suffered traumatic head injuries. With the help of many guest artists who have donated their time to perform, these concerts to date have raised well over $1,500,000 for this charity.

Paul Jackson Jr. biography
Born and based in Los Angeles and a member of numerous local bands from his early teens, including a band composed of himself and his siblings, Paul Jackson, Jr. very quickly established his skill and sensitivity and was soon called upon to do many R&B and pop sessions, as well as jazz dates. Jackson began his own solo recording career in the late 80’s. However, it was not until a decade later that his musical maturity, much imitated distinctive style, and significant musical and technical skills made him a favourite among live audiences and his becoming recognised by many as one of the most recorded guitarists in the world.

Though Jackson never got to meet or work with one of his chief guitar/musical influences, Wes Montgomery, he has forged professional relationships with all the others who touched his formative years, including Gary Bell, Earl Klugh, George Benson, Ray Parker Jr. George Duke, Al McKay , and Lee Ritenour, along with his mentor, Patrice Rushen, Jackson Jr. has appeared on the recordings of other superstars such as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Elton John, Barbara Streisand, Celine Dion, Quincy Jones, Luther Vandross, Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole, B.B. King, Selina, Jennifer Lopez, Luis Miguel, Jewel, Amy Grant, Bebe & CeCe Winans, Boney James, Kenny Rogers, Al Jarreau, Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Joe Sample, Barry White, Chicago, and many others. Also on the underscore of many motion pictures such as “Get On Up,” “Zootopia,” and “The Colour Purple.” More recently, Jackson Jr. contributed his playing styles and composing chops to the Daft Punk CD, which garnered 5 Grammy Awards, was the #1 album in 104 countries and garnered Jackson Jr. Grammy recognition for his contribution to the Album.

Seven previous successful albums, containing several top ten releases include: “I Came To Play” (Grammy Nominated), “Out of The Shadows,” and “River in The Desert” under the Atlantic Label. “Never Alone Duets under the Pony Canyon” (Blue Note Label) “Power of the String” and “Still Small Voice” under the Blue Note Label, and “Lay it Back,” under the Branch Records, Inc. Label. Jackson Jr. has recently released his new CD, “Stories From Stompin’ Willie,” also on the Branch Records, Inc. Label.

In addition to live solo performances Jackson has appeared on many television shows and specials: The American Cinema Awards Show, which honoured Bob Hope (Music Director). Sitcoms ‘Martin’ and ‘Townsend Television’ (Music Director); The Movie, ‘Undercover Brother.’( co-composer), and The 2008 Grammy after party (Music Director) featuring many notable artists including Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Jill Scott, Ne-Yo and Lionel Ritchie. Paul was a band regular of the highly regarded television shows: “Don’t Forget The Lyrics” NBC’s Tonight Show With Jay Leno, and Fox’s The American Idol .

Jackson has taught at worship conferences in Korea, Italy, Guatemala and Honduras, as well as authored the curriculum for these conferences. He believes his trip with Whitney Houston to South Africa in 1995 was his most spiritual, powerful and soul-energising project.

Paul Jackson, Jr. states, “I wanted to do a first class tribute to George (Duke). He was my mentor, my coach, and my friend.” Featured on the CD is the re-recorded Duke classic “Geneva”, “Hip Pockets” and “That’s What She Said”. Songs that true George Duke fans will know and love.