Indeed, Gil Scott-Heron continues to cast such a wide shadow that even many of his biggest fans often seem to forget that there's another name next to his on the bulk of his albums, the name of a man who joined up with Gil as a teenager and proceeded to ride out the decade as his lieutenant, writing partner, keyboardist, arranger and bandleader. That man's name is Brian Jackson.

Brian really earned the equal billing on that string of classic Arista albums he and Gil made together because he went a long way towards keeping Gil and the Midnight Band's musical ship afloat. Many of the classic tracks on those albums bear Brian's name alongside Gil's in the writing credits and his distinctive musicianship brought all of it to life. Brian has kept a considerably lower profile over the last few decades since those halcyon days but those fortunate enough to have caught him live playing and singing the GSH/BJ classics he was so central in creating (as well as tantalizing glimpses of newer material) know that his music, chops, wisdom and charm are fully intact and in fact even better than ever, like a bottle of fine jazz-funk wine. Brian's considerable backlog of unheard material reveals a still-energetic and still-vital icon of the music wing of the Black Liberation movement. Prepare to once again make the acquaintance of a musician whose work has contributed to the enhancement of all our lives in some form or another...and this time, you'll remember his name.

Brian Jackson JID008 is the first full album released by the great man in 20 years and it's a testament to his multifaceted talents that while there are moments throughout that hint at his game-changing history and track record, for the most part it reveals a musician whose considerable lessons learned from the past only serve to keep his eyes firmly fixed on the future. It's a masterclass in unbridled and open-minded creativity, no different from what Brian did half a century ago. The ease and comfort with which his ideas integrate with those of musicians a generation younger than him bears this out. To listen to this album is to hear a hot up-and-coming musician who also happens to be a major jazz-funk legend.