The Story

Early Beginnings

Jack Macklin's love for the guitar began at age 8, sparked by learning his first song — "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osbourne. What started as a young boy's fascination with rock music soon evolved into a profound connection with jazz and improvisation that would define his musical journey.

That initial spark ignited a lifelong pursuit to explore and discover the impact of music on humanity. Growing up in the Chicago area, Jack was surrounded by one of the richest jazz scenes in the country, and the city's musical heritage would become an essential part of his artistic identity.

Education & Mentorship

Jack earned his Bachelor's degree in Music from DePaul University, where he immersed himself in a deep study of improvisation and the lineage of the guitar. At DePaul, he had the invaluable opportunity to study closely with some of Chicago's finest musicians.

Under the mentorship of guitarist Scott Hesse and jazz educator Dana Hall, Jack developed not just technical proficiency but a philosophical approach to music that honors the masters who came before while pushing boundaries into new territory.

Building a Career

Known throughout the Chicago community as a "young lion," Jack has already made a significant impact at just 25 years old. His performances have caught the attention of notable musicians across the jazz world, leading to collaborations with artists including Matt Ulery, Greg Ward, Joel Frahm, Donny McCaslin, Marcus Finnie, Dave Douglas, Don Aliquo, and Bruce Foreman.

In 2020, Jack co-founded the Red Door Band, which was featured in articles by WGN and Chicago Reader. During the pandemic, when live music venues shuttered, Jack and his bandmate Danny Bauer organized free curbside concerts in Old Town, Chicago, attracting up to 200 people per performance and demonstrating the resilience and community-building power of jazz.

Nashville & Beyond

After his formative years in Chicago, Jack spent two years performing full-time in Nashville, Tennessee. There, he regularly performed with his trio at venues including Rudy's Jazz Room, Stateside Kitchen, and The Grand Hyatt Hotel, while continuing to absorb and learn from the city's diverse musical traditions.

In 2024, Jack returned to Chicago, declaring that spending his time on creative and improvised music is his primary mission. This homecoming marked a new chapter focused on original composition, trio performances, and giving back to the jazz community through his podcast, "Let's Cool One."

Musical Philosophy

Jack's music is deeply inspired by improvisation and the lineage of master musicians who came before, while fearlessly exploring the boundaries of modern music. He blurs the lines of what a genre can be, drawing from jazz standards, popular songs spanning decades, and his own original compositions.

"The tradition teaches us how to speak. Innovation shows us what to say."