Growing up in a musical family, Javon Jackson was exposed to a wide range of artists and styles. His father played trumpet and his mother played piano, and both were big jazz fans.

"I was exposed to the music of Ahmad Jamal, Sonny Stitt, Dexter Gordon, Charlie Parker, and lots of other great jazz artists," said Jackson, who will be in concert tonight in Murphy's Place with Jimmy Cobb on drums, George Cables on piano, and Rodney Whitaker on bass.

During his childhood, he also was listening to such funk and soul artists as Sly and the Family Stone, James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, and the Temptations.

"There was a lot of different types of things going on in the home that might have had an influence on me, musically," Jackson said in an interview this week.

He knew when he was 12 years old that he wanted to be a professional musician, but his first choice was the drums. His father, however, ruled that out, saying the drums were too loud for the home.

Jackson's second choice was the trumpet, but after giving it a try, "I decided I didn't like the look of the trumpet."

His third choice was the saxophone, the instrument on which he has built his career. He started playing it at age 10.

A native of Carthage, Mo., Jackson grew up in Denver and went to the University of Denver briefly before opting to attend Berklee School of Music in Boston. There he studied with pianist Donald Brown and saxophonist Billy Pierce, former members of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers.

When Blakey invited Jackson to join his group, the young saxophonist wrestled with the decision before leaving Berklee to go on the road with the legendary drummer and his band.

"My mother was on the fence - she wanted me to get my degree. But I told her this was what I really wanted, to go with Art Blakey. I promised her I would go back and finish out my degree, which I did, years later," he said.

He also went on to earn a master's degree from the State University of New York at Purchase, where he now teaches.

Jackson said jazz bassist Ron Carter was the one who advised him to get a master's degree.

"I mentioned to him that I had gotten my undergraduate degree and he said, 'Well, why stop there?' I respected that because we as individuals, as human beings, we're always trying to expand, to go further than what your expectations were. I respect that challenge."

He said he enjoys teaching because he is able to connect the young students to some of the legends with whom he has played, including Blakey, Freddie Hubbard, and drummer Elvin Jones.

"We can share our information to those coming behind us and ensure that things will continue on in a certain fashion," Jackson said.

Javon Jackson will be in concert at 8 and 10 tonight in Murphy's Place, 151 Water St. Tickets are $15, $20, and $25, or $8 for students. Doors open at 5 p.m. for dining. Information and reservations: 419-241-7732.

Contact David Yonke at:

dyonke@theblade.com

or 419-724-6154.

First Published November 30, 2006, 10:47 a.m.