For those unaware, Award-winning photographer, artist and writer Michael Jackson (no, not that one) has always been active as a saxophonist, and the lull in his diverse activities caused by the pandemic afforded time to focus on adding final touches to an album he had in the works for years.

The Gal From Ochi (which was released on January 23rd, 2026) features eleven powerful originals running the stylistic gamut from out-funk to Chicago blues, bossa, calypso, pop, spoken word, reggae and balladry, all infused with essential doses of jazz and improvisation.

It features a great cast of 18 Chicago musicians including such luminaries on the scene as Makaya McCraven, Corey Wilkes, Johnny Showtime and Marvin Tate.

1. The Gal From Ochi [06:24]
2. Scoobie Doobie [06:31]
3. One For Junior #1 [05:36]
4. Pop Tart [05:49]
5. Blue Stew [07:57]
6. Sonny The Squirrel [05:21]
7. Mose Def [06:40]
8. Bugsy (Goes to Brazil) [06:01]
9. Wolfgang [04:42]
10. Stepping Stones [07:05]
11. Scoot Ya Butt [04:00]

The set opens on the rhythmic reggae hue of the titular The Gal From Ochi and the vibrantly infectious Scoobie Doobie and then we get the spirited One For Junior #1, the smooth Pop Tart, before the upbeat and fluidly free flowing Blue Stew is brought forth.

Along next is the organic jam-imbibed sounds of Sonny The Squirrel and the playful, yet artfully crafted Mose Def and they are in turn backed by the affecting hipsway of Bugsy (Goes to Brazil), the frenetically charged Wolfgang, the set rounding out on the impassioned Stepping Stones, coming to a close on the vigorously animated Scoot Ya Butt.

Musicians;
Michael Jackson (sax/composition/production/artwork); Andrew Zallar (keys, vibraphone, bass); Aaron Koppel (guitar); Makaya McCraven (drums); Xavier Breaker (drums); Jake Vinsel, Jason Roebke, Greg Nergaard (electric/acoustic bass); JoVia Armstrong, Geraldo de Oliveira (congas, percussion); Johnny Showtime Janowiak (trombone); Andrew Zelm (trombone); Marvin Tate, Lady B (spoken word/vocals) Alfie Jackson (vocals); Kara Bershad (harp); Rick Gehrenbeck (keys); Corey Wilkes (trumpet)