Noah Jackson is a GRAMMY-nominated bassist, cellist, composer, and curator from Detroit, Michigan. As a member of NEA Jazz Master Abdullah Ibrahim's ensemble Ekaya and his eclectic Abdullah Ibrahim Trio, Mr. Jackson has performed internationally to critical acclaim and recorded the album, The Balance, released in 2019 and “3” in 2024. Mr. Jackson has performed with Branford Marsalis, Kenny Garrett, Terrence Blanchard, The Marsalis Family, Tyreek McDole, Isaiah Collier, and Nnenna Freelon. His work on “Time Traveler” with Nnenna Freelon in 2019 garnered his first GRAMMY nomination. Noah Jackson also performed with Kenny Barron as a featured artist debuting new original music in 2025 at SFJAZZ. He has performed in many of the leading venues and festivals domestically and internationally from Blue Note Jazz Club and Jazz At Linclon Center in New York City to the Detroit Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival (Netherlands), London Jazz Festival, Joy of Jazz (South Africa), and Nice Jazz Fesival (Nice, FR). He is a member of the Recording Academy.
As a composer, Jackson was commissioned in 2017 to create and perform original work as part of “Practicing Silence” at Grace Farms in New Canaan, CT in collaboration with the American Ballet Theater. A recipient of the Creative Engagement and UMEZ grants from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council and the State of New York, he produced a work based on the music of Duke Ellington- On A Turquoise Cloud at the Schomburg Center in September 2019 and performed at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra @ The Cube in February 2020. His group Full Circle recorded his debut album, “Full Circle” to be released in 2026 and "Contemplations: A Suite" in 2011, which has garnered critical praise. His experience in the industry has translated into working as curator and entertainment director at renowned jazz club Cliff Bell’s in downtown Detroit in 2021.
A graduate of Michigan State University (B.M.) under the direction of Rodney Whitaker, and Manhattan School of Music (M.M.) with Dr. Larry Ridley, he has provided masterclasses to students of various backgrounds at many colleges, schools, and programs. Most recently, Noah has been working with students at music programs in Historically Black Colleges & Universities in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center to teach and promote the cultural legacy of jazz with their Black, Brown, and Beige initiative.. He has also worked with students at Interlochen Academy in Michigan as a summer program alum. Noah currently resides in the Detroit area and continues to be active locally and on the national and international touring circuit.