3/31/2002 - "Crossing Borders: Reflections on the 30th Annual IAJE Conference"
"...Opening with “The Welcoming,” Jackson and his trio hit their mark with a wallop, unhindered by a testy sound system and a noisy house that obviously included folks who weren’t there to listen to jazz. Particularly sublime was “Hopes and Dreams,” a piece from Jackson’s upcoming album which will serve to pay homage to New York City. After the tune’s heartfelt opening gambit, a straight eighth groove kicked up the tempo for a rollicking journey that contained elements of stride and funk. If there’s a more complete pianist than Jackson on the current scene, I’m certainly unaware of him or her. In town for his own performance that week, David Murray took out his horn to sit in for his own “Peace Song.” It was an electric moment that confirmed the strong stylistic bonds between the saxophonist and Jackson. Rounding out a solid hour of music, the group closed with the bucolic strains of “Summer,” one of Jackson’s best pieces."
Chris Hovan, Allaboutjazz.com