With driving groove and a smooth, open sound, fiddler and tunestress Sumaia Jackson is a quintessential modern West Coast fiddler. Jackson weaves together Old-Time, Bluegrass, Swing, and Celtic traditions with an easy virtuosity and melodic elegance.
Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Jackson was surrounded by many innovative and inimitable coastal string players and she studied classical violin intensely. Throughout her teenage years she played in classical orchestras, youth symphony, and chamber music settings, refining her sound, and winning awards and competitions. Soon after, Jackson's musical path widened as she sought out roots communities who played Scottish, Appalachian, Bluegrass, and Jazz.
Jackson spent years soaking up tunes and styles at vibrant fiddle camps, and still attends under various roles; student, teacher, helper, coach, organizer. On a full scholarship, she holds a Bachelor’s degree from Berklee College of Music in the American Roots Music department.
Now living in the Bay Area, Jackson tours all over the world with Jayme Stone’s Folklife and Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards—playing places such as the Kennedy Center, Library of Congress, Celtic Connections, Planet Bluegrass, and the Edmonton Folk Festival. She is also a member of the Real Vocal String Quartet (who composed and recorded music for a world music Culture Kin project) and she plays duo with award-winning Canadian fiddler, Adrianna Ciccone. Jackson released her debut fiddle record—Möbius Trip—on May 1st, 2019.
Photo by Amanda Kowalski
