I’m excited to bring my trio to BRVSH CUL7UR3 in Teaneck on Thursday, December 5th. If you haven’t been there yet, it’s one of the most inspiring new spaces in North Jersey — a place where people really listen, where the food and atmosphere set the stage for real music to happen.
As many of you know, I’ve spent the last 14 years trying to master the seven-string jazz guitar. Ever since Bucky Pizzarelli introduced and persuaded me to pick the 7 string, it’s become the instrument I connect with the most, and I’m grateful that listeners recognize me as one of the foremost players keeping this tradition alive and moving it forward. For me, the seven-string isn’t just “one more string” — it’s a whole world of sound. It lets me carry bass, chords, and melody all at once, and in an organ trio setting, that really comes to life.
Why I Love the Organ Trio
There’s something special about playing seven-string with an organ trio.
The bass notes of the organ hit differently, the chords sit deeper, and the melodic lines can float above everything without losing the groove.
In this performance, I’ll be digging into my Flubby Dubby Soul Jazz sound — soulful lines, blues influence, groove-heavy tunes, and improvisation driven by the energy of the room. My late mentor and producer for the album "Flubby Dubby" Melvin Sparks one of the formost artists of the Soul-Jazz moment. I am really grateful for his mentorship.
Every night with this band is a little different, and that’s the fun of it.
The Band
Ron Jackson – Seven-String Jazz Guitar
Radam Schwartz – Hammond Organ
Beckett Diehl – Drums
Radam brings that big, warm organ sound he’s known for, and Beckett brings a young, modern, swinging energy. The trio feels open, dynamic, and ready to stretch out. This is one of my favorite combinations to play in.
About BRVSH CUL7UR3
BRVSH CUL7UR3 (you say it like Brush Culture) has quickly become a home for musicians in the area. It’s intimate — you can hear everything, even the resonance of the low string on my guitar or the subtle changes in Radam’s drawbars. It’s the kind of room where you can connect with the audience, and that connection shapes the music.
Their whole identity — Sound. Flavor. Culture. — really comes through the moment you walk in.
Tickets & Event Info
📍 Teaneck, New Jersey
📆 Friday, December 5
⏰ 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Tickets on InstantSeats:
https://www.instantseats.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=buy.event&eventID=5BB1298B-AE75-B789-38FEB4C545EA783A
https://www.instantseats.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=buy.event&eventID=5BB12AC6-FC54-4832-2FEC7B383C8555C0
https://www.instantseats.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=buy.event&eventID=5BB12B82-9409-81D3-9962FC5FF2EEC8A0
(Use any of the above — they all lead to the event.)
What You’ll Hear
This night isn’t about demonstrating the seven-string — it’s about making music with it.
You’ll hear:
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deep soul-jazz grooves
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organ-trio swing
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blues and gospel influences
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extended harmonies
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originals and reimagined standards
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spontaneous improvisation
The seven-string just naturally becomes part of the conversation.
Closing Thoughts
The seven-string guitar has a beautiful but often overlooked history in jazz. Every show is an opportunity for me to share its voice, to push it forward, and to show listeners what it can really do.
BRVSH CUL7UR3 is the kind of room that lets that happen — warm, close, respectful, and alive.
If you’re in Bergen County or anywhere nearby, I’d love to see you there.
Let’s make it a soulful night of live jazz.