Acclaimed jazz bassist Paul Jackson, aged 73

A withcclaimed jazz bassist Paul Jackson, known for his association Herbie Hancock and The Headhunters, has died at the age of 73.

A native of Oakland, California, Jackson was born on March 28, 1947.

He started playing bass aged nine. By the age of 14, he had expanded to bassoon and piano and performed with the Oakland Symphony.

Jackson’s studies included enrolment at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

A statement on his website read: “It is with extreme sadness that we announce Paul Jackson’s passing.

“World renowned bassist, founding member of Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters and a deep influence to so many bassists, he loved playing bass since he began playing standup at the age of nine.

“With countless recording credits to his name his music and his joyous spirit is still loved by so many people worldwide.

“As he would say, he could not only groove he could groove all night!

“We will all miss you – your music lives forever.”

In 1973, Herbie Hancock recruited Jackson, saxophonist Bennie Maupin, drummer Harvey Mason and percussionist Bill Summers to form the group known as The Headhunters.

Hancock’s 1973 landmark jazz-fusion album Head Hunters featured the standout opening track Chameleon, which was co-written by Jackson, Hancock, Maupin and Mason. Chameleon and Head Hunters earned

Grammy Award nominations.

Jackson contributed to subsequent Hancock albums, including 1974’s Thrust and Death Wish, 1975’s Man-child and Flood, 1976’s Secrets and VSOP, 1978’s Sunlight, 1979’s Direct Step and Kimiko Kasai Butterfly and 1980’s Mr Hands.

Jackson earned additional Grammy Award nominations for co-writing Hang Up Your Hangups (1975) and Doin’ It (1976).

“We lost another great musician,” Hancock wrote.

“Paul Jackson played electric bass like no one else.

“He could create a new bass line on every tune every night. No one else could do that! It came from his jazz background. It was part of his genius.

“Safe travels to your next life, Paul.”

MUSIC: Jackson is known for his work with Herbie Hancock and The Headhunters.