Jack is a guitarist, composer, and educator based in Chicago, Illinois. He is recognized as a rising star in the modern jazz scene, known for his forward-thinking approach that blends influences from various musical traditions, including jazz, while emphasizing improvisation and interactivity. Macklin began playing guitar at age 8, initially drawn to rock (his first song was “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne), before gravitating toward jazz and improvisation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from DePaul University. As a performer, he leads his own projects, including the Jack Macklin Trio (which released a debut EP titled One, available on streaming platforms and his website). He has performed in Chicago venues and beyond (including collaborations in Nashville), often in duos, trios, or with other artists in the jazz, blues, soul, and related scenes. He’s also an active educator, offering guitar lessons and coaching.
