About

Carl Jackson was born into a loving family that understood the importance of discovering one’s path and talents. From an early age, he was introduced to both sports and music, developing an appreciation for competition and the arts. At just eight years old, Carl began playing the clarinet before discovering the instruments that would ultimately define his musical career: the electric and acoustic bass. As he grew, he performed in jazz bands, gospel choirs, orchestras and R&B groups, and his passion for the bass continued to deepen. Carl G Jackson

Carl earned a BA in Music from Thomas Edison State College and was recruited into the U.S. Military music program. His military career eventually took him to Naples, Italy, where he worked with the NATO Band and performed alongside accomplished jazz musicians. During his twenty years of service as a bassist, Carl received the Meritorious Service Ribbon. He also received the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM) for his leadership of the World Stage Billy Higgins Session in Los Angeles, California. Carl G Jackson

After leaving the military, one of Carl’s first major projects was organizing the 150th anniversary of Zion Baptist Church, one of Colorado’s oldest churches. His contribution went beyond organization and performance, as Carl also composed the trumpet fanfare and other music specifically for the anniversary event and service. This project reflected both his musical versatility and his ability to bring musicians and communities together through music. Carl G Jackson

Throughout his career, Carl has remained an in-demand bassist. He has appeared as a guest artist on tour with Big Head Todd and the Monsters and The Round Midnight Jazz Band, performing on double bass. His passion for writing and composing has also remained central to his work. Carl has created multiple solo projects and has composed music for both the U.S. NATO Band and the Edwin Hawkins Seminar Choir. His ability to organize, collaborate and work within an ensemble continues through Carl Jackson & Concepts, the jazz group that remains an important part of his musical work. Carl G Jackson

Carl’s musicianship reflects two distinct sides of the bass: an expressive touch on the double bass and a powerful, deep pocket on electric bass. Across decades of performance, composition and collaboration, he has continued to develop a sound shaped by jazz, gospel, R&B, orchestral music and his extensive professional experience. Carl is also endorsed by Eastman Strings and SIT Strings, further reflecting his longstanding dedication to the craft of bass performance.