New Album: Straight From The Block

I would like to invite you into my world with the release of Straight From The Block, an album that I think is as much a reflection of my life as it is a showcase my style of musicianship. Rooted in the streets of West Broadway, the neighborhoods, family, and community of the North Minneapolis, my new record Straight From The Block tells the story of a young musician whose environment helped shape the way he hears music and experiences life.

On A Personal Note

I grew up surrounded by an urban community that was authentic, challenging, and supportive—a place where family, faith, perseverance, and creativity became part of my foundation. At the emotional center of the album is “Just Wanna Thank You,” a heartfelt tribute to my parents and the upbringing that helped shape the man behind the saxophone. Writing this song back in 2018, it embodies the gratitude that runs throughout my journey and acknowledges the people who believed in me long before I ever stepped on a big stage

However, my journey on began in Minneapolis. Through years of living in different states and traveling around the world, I started to see the “Big Picture.” Every city, every stage, every relationship, and every encounter added another layer to my understanding of life. Along that journey, he was blessed to meet some extraordinary people over the years. I decided to include a couple of them on this project, starting with my lovely wife Duyen, Bishop Bennie E. Holland, and London-based vocalist Ste Sinclair, all of whom bring their own spirit and energy to this album.

The Extraordinary Voices on the Album

The three addition voices on the album begin with Duyen; whose voice you can hear on several of Antonio’s albums. After having spent the past two years fighting ‘Triple Negative Breast Cancer’ she steps into the vocal booth with around 50% of her vocal ability. Antonio makes it a point to include her voice to represent the pain and joy that life gives us; always looking for pure honesty. If she sounds good now, then at full recovery listens will be in for a treat.

Ste Sinclair is a Jamaican artist that hails from London, UK who has a voice that is not only amazing, but a voice that is going to be heard all over the world very soon. The two met each other during the last leg of the Alexander O’Neal Farewell Tour; which in turn would become a musical connection listener with be hearing for years to come. Ste brings his mastery of vocal arranging and singing to “Dynasty” and “Just Wanna Thank You” Words can not express… Just listen.

Bishop Bennie E. Holland (Dr. Bennie E. Holland/Prophet) is a amazing and anointed preacher, teacher, scholar, vocalist and organist who, at one time was one of the greatest to ever do it. A car accident in which he was hit by a drunk driver changed all of that. After over 20 years of recovery and treatment and having lost a third of his brain, Dr. Holland has been able to preach, sing and produce his own music. On the feature song “Thank You” you get the opportunity to hear him in his former state, preaching and singing on a short clip at the ending of the song. This is one you’re going to want to listen to over and over again.

My story and life are expressed through Sound and Art, from life’s failures to life’s triumphs. It is how me and God communicate, our love language.

Antonio Jackson

An Alternative Jazz Perspective

These experiences come alive throughout this album starting off with the title track “Straight From The Block”. The horns and the texture of Duyen’s vocals drive the pace of the song bringing it to an upward pace to its final conclusion. “The Life That We Live” takes us back to that 90’s jazz-house sound; reflecting on the choices we make that give us our life perspective. “Summer Paradise” captures the warmth, freedom, and joy of simply breathing in peace of a beautiful day in a world so full of noise. “Just Wanna Thank you” is a dedication to Antonio’s parents for all the wisdom, love, encouragement  and support they have given him these many years. Ste Sinclair brings a warmth and honesty that breathes life into the song and the idea of having someone who believes in you. “Elastic Dreams” takes the listener to an unlimited dream-state that has the ability to stretch the imagination in any direction it choses. “Dynasty” pays homage to the iconic sound and spirit of the legendary 1970s group with the same name with are-imagining of the highly sampled “Adventures in the Land of Music”. Antonio’s re-composition takes a more jazzy’er approach with the soprano saxophone leading the charge. Ste. Sinclair’s vocals and phrasing allow the song to live and speak to the listener by reminding us that we do have a “lineage”. “Jesus Calls” brings that Minneapolis style funk groove with a spiritual overtone reminding the listener not to wait on your calling.  “Wait What?”explores the modal aspect of contemporary jazz allowing the sax to be expressive with just a bassline and drums; while the following solo features dueling keyboard solos with one in each channel.  “Thank You” caps off the album with in introduction of the amazing Bishop Bennie E. Holland preaching at one of his services years ago. The song is funky but gospel fused to remind the listener of Antonio’s roots. Overall the album is well done and a treat for the listener who want to break away from the smooth and contemporary jazz norm.

Beneath It All Stands Faith

Antonio Jackson openly acknowledges God as his source, strength, and inspiration, giving the album a deeper purpose beyond music. Straight From The Block is ultimately a testimony to the power of family, faith, perseverance, travel, relationships, and staying connected to your roots.

A Celebration of the Journey

Straight From The Block is ultimately a celebration of the journey—from the streets and neighborhoods of North Minneapolis to stages and experiences around the world. It’s about family, faith, love, gratitude, perseverance, discovery, and the courage to keep sharing your voice.

Because no matter how far he travels, how much he grows, or how big the picture becomes, Antonio Jackson is still that kid from North Minneapolis with a saxophone, a dream, and something to say.

He’s just letting the world hear it now—Straight From The Block.

Tracklist

1. Straight From The Block (Jackson) – Feat. Duyen
2. The Life That We Live (Jackson) – Feat. Duyen
3. Summer Paradise (Jackson) – Feat. Duyen
4. Just Wanna Thank You (Jackson) – Feat. Ste Sinclair
5. Elastic Dreams (Jackson) – Feat. Duyen
6. Dynasty cJackson/Sinclair) – Feat. Ste Sinclair
7. Jesus Calls (Jackson) – Feat. Duyen
8. Wait What? (Jackson)
9. Thank You (Jackson/Holland) – Feat. Bennie E. Holland, Duyen

About Antonio Jackson

Antonio Jackson is a Minneapolis-born saxophonist whose musical identity blends contemporary jazz with the soulful traditions of Jazz, R&B, Funk, Gospel, and Soul. Influenced by the greats while committed to developing a sound uniquely his own, Antonio approaches music as both an artistic expression and a way of connecting people.

Through his music and the AntonioJazz vision and mission of his media company, Antonio continues to pursue a simple but powerful idea: beautiful music can help create a beautiful life…
“Beautiful Music. Beautiful Life.”

Straight From The Block represents another chapter in that journey—one rooted in where he came from, inspired by where life has taken him, and dedicated to wherever the music leads next.

GET THE AUTOGRAPHED CD HERE
DOWNLOAD THE MP3 ALBUM HERE
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Release Date: November 28, 2025
Label: antoniojazz music