unique but disappointing
by sparky on 6/30/24The Magnolia - El CajonRating: 2 out of 5spartan (Joe only) set of JJ songs and a full set of 1910 British music is just not as good as Joe Jackson with his full band.

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Joe Jackson was born on August 11 1954 in Burton-on-Trent, England, but grew up in the South Coast naval port city of Portsmouth.
In 1978 Joe was living in London and hawking an album-length demo, with his own band (Graham Maby, Bass; Dave Houghton, Drums; Gary Sanford, Guitar) standing by. That demo - already called Look Sharp - eventually found its way to American producer David Kershenbaum, who was in London in the capacity of talent scout for A&M Records. Joe was immediately signed and Look Sharp more professionally re-recorded in August '78. The Joe Jackson Band finally started to play regular gigs and the album was released in January 1979.
Look Sharp was followed within a year by the very similar I'm The Man, and in 1980 by the darker, more reggae-influenced Beat Crazy. At the end of 1980, drummer Houghton decided to quit, and Joe decided to dissolve the band and try something new.
In 1981 Jackson recorded Jumpin' Jive, a 'musical vacation' paying tribute to Swing and Jump Blues artists such as Louis Jordan and Cab Calloway. Returning to songwriting, Joe spent a large chunk of 1982 in New York. The result was Night and Day, a more sophisticated and melodic record built around keyboards and Latin percussion, rather than guitars.
Now based in NYC, Jackson's next album Body and Soul(1984) was in a similar vein to Night and Day but featured a horn section (which, along with the Blue Note-inspired cover art, led many people to wrongly assume he'd made a jazz record). For Big World (1986) Jackson stripped everything down to a 4-piece again, and recorded live, direct to 2-track master. In 1989 he went in the opposite direction with the majestic, semi-autobiographical Blaze of Glory, and toured with an 11-piece band. Laughter and Lust (1991) was more like a mainstream (though still idiosyncratic) rock record.
Joe's work during the rest of the 1990s was his most challenging and eclectic: the gentle, soul-searching Night Music (1994), the ambitious and original song-cycle based on the Seven Deadly Sins, Heaven and Hell (1997), and the album Joe considers his best (and most underrated): Night and Day II (2000). The turn of the century saw a burst of creativity: Jackson won his first Grammy (Best Pop Instrumental Album for the non-traditional, non-orchestral Symphony No.1) and published his book A Cure For Gravity.
In 2003 Jackson astonished everyone, including himself, by re-forming the original Joe Jackson Band for a stunning new album, Volume 4, and a lengthy tour. The reunion was always intended as a one-off, but it also produced a live album, Afterlife, in 2004.
In 2006 Joe turned his attention back to pure songwriting and did a short Trio tour with Graham Maby and Dave Houghton. Joe moved to Berlin, where his next album Rain was recorded in 2007. Consisting of ten powerful, timeless new songs, Rain creates a surprisingly epic sound with just voices, piano, bass and drums. A live album, Live Music, was released in 2011.
In 2012 Joe released a tribute to one of his greatest musical heroes, Duke Ellington. The Duke is an often radical re-interpretation of fifteen Ellington classics.
In 2015, Jackson announced the completion of his follow-up to The Duke via his official website. The album's title, Fast Forward, and track list were confirmed in addition to North American tour dates.
On 18 January 2019, Jackson released the album Fool.
After a Covid induced layofff Joe toured the US and Europe in 2022 behind a tour named "Sing, You Sinners!" featuring songs from his catalog plus a few select covers. The tour featured his band Graham Maby on Bass, Teddy Kumpel on Guitar and Doug Yowell on Drums.
Nov 24th 2023 saw the release of "Mr Joe Jackson Presents "What A Racket": The Music Of Max Champion", a collection of songs written by the long forgotten Music Hall performer Max Champion.
April 2026 will see the release of a new album "Hope and Fury" together with extensive touring in both North America and Europe.
Jackson splits his time between New York, Portsmouth UK and Berlin.
spartan (Joe only) set of JJ songs and a full set of 1910 British music is just not as good as Joe Jackson with his full band.
Great show! Joe Jackson still kills it! He played an hour by himself of just his old songs. Then an hour of Max Champion music hall songs. This was clearly stated in the show description. Unfortunately many people left for the second hour which was a shame. It was still great music if not a bit corny. The venue is small. The seats have cup holders in an uncomfortable spot on the armrests. But otherwise it’s great. Easy in and out.
This guy can do anything. This genre was pretty unfamiliar to me but it was so entertaining. Like watching a musical to some extent. He also seemed very appreciative of the support which tells me that he was a little worried about this tour. He should t be. It is great, truly great.
Absolutely awesome wonderful show I’ve seen Joe Jackson before and this was by far stellar definitely in his form
I have been a fan since the 80s. Wow Joe is so talented. His music is timeless!! IAt my job when they have the radio on and I hear a Joe Jackson song I have to pause and just hear the song. Liked Joe Jackson doing his hits and then giving us The unique Max Champion. What an amazing performer. My friends all lit up facebook to talk about this wonderful show!
Fabulous venue, fabulous show, great mix. The only downside was sitting behind some bimbo that could not sit still or quiet during the show. People can enjoy the show without interfering with others enjoyment. I came from Canada for the show since there were no Canadian dates for this tour.
Joe Jackson is an incredible pianist, singer, songwriter, and did an outstanding job performing Max Champlain's songs from the early 1900's. Definitely a must-see concert!
He started 20 minutes late and only played about 5 recognizable songs and 2 covers before he morphed into Max Champion. Very disappointing. I left after that so I got 40 minutes (lovely I will say) of Joe Jackson playing piano and singing. Not what I came for personally. Waste of time and money. Orpheum is a great place to see a concert though.
In spite of the ridiculously cramped seating at The Orpheum Los Angeles, I thoroughly enjoyed this Joe Jackson show! I hadn't seen him since the early '80's and didn't have any idea of what to expect, but what an absolute treat this was!
Joe Jackson was terrific solo and with his band. Great genre of music. I really had as lovely time, and what a wonderful venue, the Orpheum.
It was a great musical journey. Wished Max Champion would have played a few more Joe Jackson's songs!
this was a perfect show. Joe was in his element and did beautiful versions of his classics in the first half; the second half was an authentic recreation of early 20th century London musical hall acts with Joe leading 9 costumed musicians with a great visual background. Joe was so happy and the room was buzzing with fun and excitement. 10/10 stars, highly recommended! <3
Solo performance was masterful, keyboard skills top notch. Songs Joe wrote for his Max Champion persona were quite indicative of his skills as a composer, lyricist and arranger. Enjoyed an evening I never wanted to end. Highly recommend Joe Jackson every time he tours.
We loved the Joe Jackson show. He has immense, talent, is a fantastic musician and performer. the second half was a tribute to British Max Champion, a vaudeville musician, and Mr. Jackson embraced this so much. He was very theatrical as was his band. A bit much for us, but his light shined bright throughout the entire show. Definitely a show we will not forget and out of the ordinary. Thanks, Mr. Jackson, for thinking out of the box and not just giving the audience the same old, same old. It was a bit bizarre, but very memorable to see a musician in his element. His next job should be on Broadway, I feel. Bravo!
The most awesome amazing experience in live music. It looks like you were having just as much fun as the audience. Love you Joe Jackson / Max Champion.
This was one of the best shows. The venue was intimate as was the performance. The mix of old and new was great and the theatrics were fabulous!
Joe did an awesome solo set for first half of the show. He shifted gears in the 2nd half which delved into Joe's passion for exploring Brit musical roots. An unexpected turn, but very entertaining. Joe's such an extremely talented artist that his curiosity, exploration and journey as an artist continues to evolve.
Was absolutely one of the funniest shows I've seen. Love it
Joe jackson is someone I grew up with, but never had seen him in concert, therefore, it was on my bucket list. I wanted to see and hear joe Jackson as I knew him, not a British vaudeville-esque show.
I was excited to hear that Joe Jackson was coming back to Denver, but was hesitant when I heard what the second half of the concert was going to be. Boy was I wrong- I was dancing in my seat and amazed at the excellent band Mr. Jackson had picked! the music was great and ended too soon. Everyone in the audience was rockin out to the music. Bravo to Joe Jackson and his entire band for a most unforgettable evening