I saw Jackie twice. The first time, in the mid 1980's, he was performing with a band led by his son Rene. I wasn't particularly taken with the band, which included an elaborately costumed flamboyant African percussionist, but Jackie's playing was very intense, pinned me to the wall with every solo. For my money, Jackie was head and shoulders above everyone else on stage that night.
I saw him again in 1992, this time fronting a quartet that included Hotep Idris Galeta (piano), Nat Reeves (bass), and Eric McPherson (drums), if I remember correctly. Jackie's playing was stellar, once again, but the rhythm section was, at best, competent.
I've also heard the stories about Jackie's price being too high in the later years, but it's possible that he was occupied with his teaching gig and didn't really need the money, and therefore held out for the choicest gigs. It is a shame, I really wish he had come around more. I'd have been there!