Kingston’s Roots Rocker Christopher Jackson Unveils New Single “Best Of Me”
Kingston’s multi-instrumentalist Christopher Jackson is thrilled to announce the release of his new single, “Best of Me”.
This production evokes notes of seventies roots rock, alt-country, and blends folky Canadiana/Americana with his own twist. It encapsulates events and experiences in Jackson’s life over the last few years.
““Best of Me” was written about making changes in my life and moving forward,” says Jackson. “Not letting anyone bring me down or get in my way.”
With over 30 years under his belt as a working musician in a variety of bands, Jackson has built a reputation as a true entertainer. He is known for his banter, audience interaction and impromptu musical collaborations.
The album is produced in collaboration with recording engineer Paul “Doc” Halladay. All the vocals and the majority of the instrumentation, including electric/acoustic guitar, bass guitar, drums, and mandolin, is performed by Jackson.
The album also features guest musicians Burke Carroll on pedal steel, Matt Weidinger on piano/Hammond organ, Shane Guse on fiddle, Matt Wray on Dobro, Mike Verner on trumpet, and Spencer Evans on piano/clarinet.
Listeners will find “Best Of Me” to be authentic, real, and relatable.
“I believe people can relate to this song and make it their own because all we really want is to be the best we can be,” says Jackson.
Hi Chris, good to see you again. What have you been up to since you released the last song?
I have been performing quite a lot, three-to-four days per week locally on top of my day job, which is supporting highschool students with special needs. Outside of Kingston, I debuted my original music with the full band in several new venues in Toronto, Stratford, Wolfe Island, and Napanee’s Dog House Studios to name a few. I performed at the amazing Kingsville Music Festival for the first time, the Back to the Farm festival in Bath, ON as well as performed at the historic Grande Theatre in downtown Kingston. I have continued to write new material for a second album and collaborate regularly with other singer-songwriters and musicians. Oh, and let’s throw in a real estate course for good measure on top of it all!
Tell me about the song, “Best Of Me”:
“Best of Me” was written during a time of reflection; it is about making changes in my life and moving forward with the best parts of me, leaving the rest behind – which has improved every aspect of my life, from songwriting to relationships and how I show up in the world. It’s also about not letting anyone bring you down, or distract you from your goals and focus. I think a lot of people can relate to this idea because all we really want is to be the best we can be, both for ourselves and for the impact we make on others we come into contact with.
How do you think technology has impacted the way we listen to and create music today?
It has allowed me to broaden my scope of impact and has opened up more opportunities to meet and collaborate with other musicians virtually. We now have instant access to thousands of artists in the palm of our hand, providing inspiration and connections far beyond what he had in the past. With songwriting, I can record ideas spontaneously, work out instrumental parts, and invite guest musicians right in my own home at any time the inspiration hits, which has allowed me a creative freedom I didn’t have before.
What’s your go-to song when you need an instant mood boost?
Right now it’s ‘Happy Ways’ performed by Joe Walsh, sung by Kenny Passarelli. Much like ‘Best of Me’, it focuses on the positives of life. I love the harmonies in it, and it just brings my mood and vibe up, which we all love to feel.
What are your plans for the spring and summer?
I am in the midst of planning my first tour of the West Coast. It’s a short intro tour, just a few dates following a spot booked in the Duncan Showroom during the “39 Days in July” Music Festival, put on by Longevity John Falkner from Duncan, BC. I have a few other dates booked and will be doing it solo this time. I’m excited to get out there, it will be my first time out west. I am also going to Steven Page’s songwriting camp in the Catskills of Upper New York, which will be an awesome opportunity to network and hone my craft. It’s an exciting time and I am super grateful to be able to get out there and do what I love, connecting with people through music.