Published in The Islander Magazine July 2014
Ricky Jackson, lead guitar and vocals with "The No Refund Band"
The No Refund Band" debut CD, 2012
Ricky Jackson – BOI Bluesman Releasing 2nd CD with The No Refund Band
Galveston born guitarist, singer and songwriter, Ricky Jackson’s version of the blues classic, “Blues Is My Business”, the lead track off the No Refund Band’s 2012 debut CD, sounds eerily reminiscent of Stevie Ray Vaughan, but Jackson insists his biggest influences came long before he or Vaughan were playing guitars. “You know, it’s really odd, but I listened to a lot of the same guys Stevie Ray listened to growing up. It’s not that I’m ever deliberately trying to sound like Stevie but over the years I’ve covered a lot of his music and I’m not ashamed to say I’ve copped some stuff from him. It’s the Texas blues-rock thing…”
Listen to Ricky Jackson and the No Refund Band for more than a few songs and it’s evident that the “Texas blues-rock thing” is just one style from a deep well of musical versatility. Vocals and guitar playing stretch seamlessly from gritty to silky, over tunes pulling from R&B, blues and rock. Throw in some horns, a guest vocalist (Tommie Lee Bradley on the outstanding Jackson-penned duet, “Just To Be Blue”), acoustic and electric numbers, a few choice covers, and many original Jackson compositions, and you’ve got the makings of a great “road trip” CD - or at least a few songs that could blend into just about any music lover’s favorite playlist.
Jackson was 10 years old when his family moved from Galveston to Toledo Bend, Louisiana, but he has lots of memories of his island upbringing. Many inspired by his father, a musician who performed regularly throughout Galveston with the likes of Pee Wee Kershaw. “My dad was piano player and singer in Galveston in the 50’s & 60’s. His name is Charles Jackson but he went by Pete Jackson then. He was a big influence on me musically. I grew up listening to Ray Charles, Nat King Cole, BB King, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis. Until I got older and discovered the Beatles.”
Like so many musicians growing up during The Beatles pop music reign of the 1960’s, Jackson learned through intense listening about making cohesive albums that take listeners on a journey from song to song, incorporating diverse instrumentation, harmonies and disciplined arrangements. The No Refund Band’s first CD, co-produced by Jackson, founder/guitar player Mike Crownover, and bassist, Rik Robertson, does exactly that and even includes a unique, rocked-up rendition of the Lennon-McCartney classic from The Beatles 1966’s Revolver album, “Eleanor Rigby”.
Jackson’s ear for producing, arranging and writing, in addition to being a dynamic guitar player and vocalist (formerly in Sugarhouse) might explain why he was recruited by Crownover to join No Refund in 2010. No Refund had been developing a country sound for a few years before Jackson, now living back in Galveston County in San Leon, helped the band move towards blues and rock.
Co-producing and writing duties continue for Jackson on the band’s next CD, with Crownover and Robertson also co-writing songs. Like the first CD, the sophomore effort will cover a few blues classics as well, like Eric Clapton’s “Bell Bottom Blues”. Recorded and engineered by Andy Bradley, and currently in the final mixing stages, at Sugar Hill Studios in Houston, the CD is due out August 16th with a release party show at Dan Electro’s in Houston.
“We try to cover different grooves. Everything’s kind of bluesy but I like to mix it up with different styles. This CD might be a little bluesier though because we got a lot of airplay with the first one on blues and roots radio across the country.”
Airplay and good reviews aside Jackson still hopes for a big hit but admits that longevity in an industry not known for financial security is a goal already reached. “I’m still doing this at my age,” laughs, Jackson, “That was one goal! Mostly, I just want to get my original tunes recorded at a really fine studio like Sugar Hill. Have the songs distributed, and maybe get lucky and someone hears something they like... Ultimately, I’d like to get a cut that could possibly yield some profit at some point but that’s not really why I do it. I love playing.”
And play, Jackson does. Solo, duo and group gigs with many different people, 2 to 5 nights a week. Among those, Jackson performs acoustically with James Gilmer, Lyle Lovett’s percussionist (and now road manager), and recently played a gig with Matchbox Tewenty’s Kyle Cook, in New Braunfels. Jackson has also performed in Galveston at The Spot, Buck’s, and at the world famous Balinese Room (sadly washed away in 2008 by Hurricane Ike) where his father once played.
In addition to the CD release show Aug 16th, the No Refund Band has a show at Katies Bar in Bacliff, TX on July 12th. CDs can be purchased on-line (www.NoRefundBand.com) and at shows. Visit the website for the latest updates or to book The No Refund Band!
Zach Tate is a writer, photographer and musician. More Texas Music Profiles at www.ZachTate.com
The Beatles were a big influence on Jackson. Revolver's "Eleanor Rigby" was covered by The No Refund Band on their debut CD.