Grammy Award-winning percussionist Ali Jackson (USA) takes the stage at JMI Live for one night only, joined by an all-star lineup of JMI faculty.

For over a decade, Ali was the rhythmic heartbeat of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, performing alongside Wynton Marsalis and helping define the sound of one of the world's most celebrated jazz ensembles. Recruited by Marsalis as a teenager and mentored by drumming legends Max Roach and Elvin Jones, Ali has gone on to perform and record with Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett, Norah Jones, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, Bobby McFerrin, Diana Krall, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic.

As a bandleader, Ali has recorded eight albums including Groove du Jour, which was awarded France's 2019 Recording of the Year. He's been recognised with Grammy Award wins for his contributions to Ted Nash's Presidential Suite and is an acclaimed composer with works commissioned by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and the Alvin Ailey Dance Company.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience one of the world's finest drummers live in Brisbane.

ABOUT ALI JACKSON "Ali Jackson generates a subtle but irresistible force when he plays, making even the smallest gestures advance his agenda of locomotion." — The New York Times

Ali Jackson is a drum set virtuoso, a celebrated composer, a historian of American music traditions and an unstoppable rhythmic force who has shaped the sound of jazz for more than 30 years while performing and creating music across a broad spectrum of musical styles and genres.

A polyrhythmic genius and sought-after collaborator, Ali has performed and recorded with a long list of musical legends, including: Aretha Franklin, Lionel Hampton, Abbey Lincoln, Buster Williams, Geri Allen, The Spinners, Wynton Marsalis, Willie Nelson, Tony Bennett, Faith Hill, Bobby McFerrin, the London Symphony Orchestra, Jon Batiste, Norah Jones, Eric Clapton and many others.

Named after his father—an acclaimed jazz bassist from Detroit—Ali earned a degree in music composition from New School University for Contemporary Music in New York City, where he attended on a full academic scholarship.

After arriving in New York, Ali quickly became highly sought after for his distinctive, powerful swing, which is marked by a comprehensive knowledge of different styles, genres and historical eras. Known for playing innovative, melodic drum solos utilising all of the surfaces of the drum set, Ali’s kinetic style and approach impressed many jazz legends and led to him studying with Max Roach and Elvin Jones and being recruited by Wynton Marsalis as a teenager.

Ali was a Thelonius Monk Institute and Jazz Aspen fellow, and was the very first recipient of the state of Michigan’s Artserv Emerging Artist award. He has been recognised with Grammy award wins for his contributions with Ted Nash for “Presidential Suite” and has received multiple nominations for his performances on many recordings throughout his 30-plus year career.

The Band:

Ali Jackson - drums

Josh Hatcher - tenor saxophone

Dan Quigley - trumpet

Chris James - alto saxophone

Eden Armstrong - piano

Elliott Parker - bass

GIG DETAILS:

Thursday 29th January 2026

$40 Entry (+ Booking Fee)

Doors open from 7:30pm

Music starts at 8pm

ALL AGES (people under 18 need to be accompanied by a guardian)

LICENSED BAR

Contact the host of Ali Jackson (US) with JMI All Star Band

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