J.V. Dixon

 

J.V. Dixon debut solo album “Peace Of Mind” that has garnered international acclaim and has recently been chosen by CBC Radio Canada’s show “Outfront” as “one of the best recordings of 2007”.

    “Peace of Mind” features original material that draws on many of the influences he’s gathered over twenty years performing in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Those influences include bands that he performed with such as Sam & Dave, the original Platters, Ben E. King, Mary Wells, Clyde McFadden, Etta James, Wilbur Harrison and many more. His days in New York City included several stints at the Apollo Theatre and Carnegie Hall.

     J.V. Dixon began his professional career as a trumpet player at the age of 16 in his home town of Charleston, South Carolina. In 1960 he toured with Buddy Clarke and His Orchestra on the "Chitlin Circuit" as part of "The Charles Taylor Show", an elaborate production complete with dancers, singers and comedians. The show toured for five months in Canada and then continued in the United States.

After touring J.V. relocated to Florida for two years before moving to New York City in 1963. He performed at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem as well as the Brooklyn Apollo on Flatbush Avenue in the year before it was torn down. In New York, J.V. teamed up with Louis Armstrong's godchild, Tyree Glenn Jr (tenor sax, flute, vibes) and performed with Jackie Wilson, The Toys and others. In 1967, he and Tyree Jr. went to Portugal for two years and also performed in Spain. They recorded three albums on the Decca label with two different international bands and appeared on a number of European radio and television shows. It was during this time that J.V. composed and recorded a song that garnered much airplay in Portugal, entitled "All Around Lisbon".

After returning to New York in 1969, J.V. worked with Sam & Dave (I'm a Soul Man). He played extensively with the "Sights and Sounds Revue", a group that performed many New York venues including Carnegie Hall on two occasions. The show included performers Grace Jones (actress), Paula Hampton (drums), Harold Orsley (sax), Howard Johnson (horns), Richard Williams (trumpet) and Roland Prince (guitar).

In Canada, J.V. has played venues across the country. Until recently he has remained low key, having taken a break from the hectic life of the road to raise a family. He is now actively performing with his band “Rhythm Changes”. In May 2007 he released his debut album as a solo artist entitled “Peace of Mind”, featuring his own Jazz, R&B and Blues originals.