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| Photo by Daniel Cevazos |
Jackie has been garnering heaps of awards and accolades for her prodigious musical abilities. She was nominated for the “Musician of the Year” honors at the 2018 Austin Music Awards, which took place on February 28. And she was among the six winners of the 2014 Southern Musician Showcase, handpicked from more than 2,000 entrees to earn a cash prize and a spot on the Belk Summer Tour.
She toured with acclaimed blues rock guitarist Gary Clark Jr. last year and even had the opportunity to jam onstage with legendary bluesman Buddy Guy. She has also toured with music luminaries James Taylor, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean. And in 2016, she sat in for five nights with Jon Batiste and Stay Human, the house band for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Jackie was born in Austin, Texas. She is the youngest of nine children and grew up in a musical household. Her father, Andrew Venson, is a talented and well-known bassist in the Austin area. She began playing the piano at the age of eight and studied classical piano at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass. During her final semester of college in 2011, she developed an interest in blues guitar and began teaching herself how to play. She had found her true musical calling. After working hard to hone her guitar skills, she began gigging around Austin and eventually formed her own band in 2013. Jackie thrilled audiences with her powerful playing and expressive vocals. It wasn’t long before she had built a dedicated following.
The musician also began recording her own original songs and so far has released two full-length albums and three EPs. She released her third EP, Transcends, on September 29, 2017. The stellar five-song collection showcases Jackie’s strong songwriting skills and impeccable musicianship. And she masterfully explores different moods and musical styles on the EP. It was produced by Michael Ramos (John Mellencamp, Los Lonely Boys, Paul Simon) and mixed by Boo Mitchell (John Mayer, Mark Ronson, Mississippi All Stars).
Although Jackie is often tagged as a blues artist, her sonic palette encompasses several different hues, including rock, soul, blues, pop, country, funk, reggae and even a bit of hip-hop. Last week, she dropped the irresistible reggae-flavored groove “Don’t Lie To Me,” where she unleashes a dazzling guitar solo.
In her interview with Funkatropolis below, Jackie discusses some of her biggest musical influences, the inspiration behind her EP Transcends, her experience touring with Gary Clark Jr., and more.
What drew you to blues music?
I absolutely loved electric blues guitar and electric blues guitar solos. Nothing better… Fender Strat through a fender amp screaming out a solo with a great blues band. Nothing. Better.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences? Was there a particular artist whose work impacted you to the point where you knew that you had to do music?
My father in a huge way since he was succeeding in music every day. I literally watched his career happen and work! Same goes for my older brother, who has a really great career in music. As far as outside my family, Andrew Lloyd Webber - he is an excellent composer and songwriter and his music was extremely important to me when I was young.
You were a pianist for many years before you picked up the guitar. What got you interested in the guitar?
I was feeling bored and jaded on the piano, like the passion had left me. I heard a blues guitar solo by Jonny Lang and I just got bit by the bug. Good timing!
What was the experience like touring with Gary Clark Jr.? Was there anything that you learned from him that has helped you as an artist and performer?
It was an unforgettable experience for sure. I learned how to be zen about all of the crazy things that happen in this insane industry I have chosen to be a part of. I also learned patience and to go with the flow.
What was the inspiration behind your EP Transcends?
Self-love and acceptance of self and others. Fighting for our right to be ourselves and to love ourselves. I also wanted a record that had damn good grooves.
I’m seeing more and more black female guitarists breaking out these days. In the past, you didn’t see a lot of women of color jamming out onstage with a guitar or bass. I’m also seeing more black female musicians venturing into rock and blues. What do you think is bringing about this change?
I honestly don’t know, the world changes when it has culmination of previous events gathering a lot of tension and energy and then things just explode. This happened in the ‘60s in a lot of ways, this happened in the Renaissance era. It’s just how humans are and how society has always worked.
Is the guitar your main go-to instrument in writing songs or do you sometimes use the piano to write?
I sometimes use the piano but it really is mostly the guitar.
What are some of the things that you enjoy most about performing?
Sharing positive energy with people and connecting with people. I also love being surrounded by my own music just bumping loud as hell, making my bones vibrate.
What advice would you give to a young person who is considering a career as a musician?
Love it first, learn how to hustle and work your butt off, be humble, be patient.
Jackie has some concert dates lined up this month and in May. Visit her website for tour details or to explore more of her music.
Jackie performing her song "Always Free" live
Video for "Don't Lie to Me"
Performing her song "Transcends" live
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