Great Night
by AnthonyRC on 9/23/12Town Hall - New YorkRating: 5 out of 5Awesome music! Went on the advise of a huge Joe Jackson fan and man did this show live up to the hype.
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About
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.
- by Anonymous on 9/23/12Town Hall - New YorkRating: 5 out of 5
Joe Jackson was amazing! I'd go back for every show!
Awesome. Joe showed great skill as a banldleader.
by RBWizard on 9/23/12Town Hall - New YorkRating: 5 out of 5Great backing band. Regina Carter is an amazing talent. I missed Graham Maby but the new group played very well together. The playlist included several songs from "The "Duke" including some great medleys and mash ups. Joe also played several hits and left the audience crying for more. No "Jumpin Jive" on this tour but he more thanked up for it by playing a couple of cuts from "Body and Soul". Joe was in great voice on all songs. Much better than last time I say in 2007. Backing vocals by his keyboardist Allison with help from his bassist too. All together a strong showing from Joe and his band of skilled session players.
Joe Jackson - Friday Sept 21, 2012
by L920 on 9/23/12Town Hall - New YorkRating: 4 out of 5As a fan of Mr Jackson for more than 3 decades, I am so happy that he continues to be the same COOL GUY! The majority of the audience--unfortunately the same can NOT be said. I looked around and felt a complete disconnect from my fellow 50-year olds. It was annoying,actually... I wish the set list had included more songs off the first and second albums...and Big World...Songs which may not have been the biggest pop hits in his repertoire, but in my opinion are WAY more interesting (*Stepping Out can be heard on oldies/pop radio...The Band Wore Blue Shirts...a rare gem!) But the most important thing to know is that Joe and his fellow musicians were ON! It was a great show, in a really good venue--small, easy.
GREAT CONCERT
by mikeM247 on 9/23/12Town Hall - New YorkRating: 5 out of 5I'm a big fan of Joe Jackson...love all his stuff. This was another amazing concert event. He mixed the jazz stuff from his latest "DUKE" album with his classic tunes. The band was just EXCELLENT, i loved the rhythm section, the percussionist in particular (forgot her name). It was a completely different band than the one he had last time around, IIRC. I'm amazed at how fresh JJ can make old chestnuts like "Is She Really Going Out with Him?" sound, playing it on accordion, with tuba accompaniment! Very creative and imaginative. This was his first NYC concert in 3 years...i was at the last event 3 years ago, and i'm sure i'll be at the next one as well.
Joe in Grand Form
by TWaits on 9/22/12Wilbur Theatre - BostonRating: 5 out of 5I have long been a fan of Joe Jackson, but have never before had the chance to hear him live. In a time where there are plenty of these performers who would still like to think they are relevant and can still put it across with panache, very few do. But Joe was amazing and fresh and with this remarkable band his songs took on an even greater significance. His courage with the Ellington and with songs he wrote more than 30 years ago really paid off. He and his band just shined.
Joe Jackson is better than ever!!
by Studio8 on 9/21/12Wilbur Theatre - BostonRating: 5 out of 5Wow! What a show. Just the right mix of his own music and incredibly creative mash-ups of Duke Ellington faves. He is a fantastic musician, a talented artist and has assembled an impressive ensemble for this tour.
Such talent!
by nolisa on 9/21/12Wilbur Theatre - BostonRating: 5 out of 5What is it about Joe Jackson? His intelligence comes through in everything that he plays. I respond to his music biologically, physically, emotionally. I don't understand why it has these effects on me but am fascinated by them--is it the pitch, the chords, the rhythm or some combination thereof? The synergy of the band was palpable. A great show if not for the overzealous fan behind us who kept yelling, "We love you, Joe!" Also, I wish people would wait for the last note to hold before applauding.
Great time
by youngnation on 9/21/12Wilbur Theatre - BostonRating: 5 out of 5Joe Jackson is a master of Live performance. The band was spectacular (Always love Allison Cornell). You will be bouncing in your seat.
Joe Jackson
by moea on 9/21/12Wilbur Theatre - BostonRating: 2 out of 5Joe Jackson is of course phenomenal, BUT some of his new music includes The Big Band error " Duke Ellington" and I am not a big fan of that. I would of loved him to play more of his old tunes. Look Sharp never got played - very sad!!!!
Great show, disappointing venue
by BeatCrazy on 9/21/12Wilbur Theatre - BostonRating: 4 out of 5Joe is always great at the piano and the musicians that accompany him are top of the line, performance wise.
I wish there were more shows
by SammyOtis on 9/21/12Wilbur Theatre - BostonRating: 5 out of 5Joe Jackson is one of the very best live performers today. His musical diversity is excelled only by his pure talent and his ability to assemble spectacularly talented players to accompany him. His mix of the Duke, a tribute album, with his classics resulted in a dynamic, moving and thoroughly engrossing show. It seems to me that Joe always picks smaller venues with an intimate setting which enhances the show. This show was two solid hours of the best music. Period. Well worth twice the price. I only wish he had more shows on this tour and in this area (Boston).
fantastic
by 376raynham on 9/21/12Wilbur Theatre - BostonRating: 5 out of 5I thought the mix of old and brand new songs was perfect . The band backing him was a great group . I thinking of going to NYC to see him again .. I hope he comes back very very soon ..
Another great Joe Jackson experience
by WBird on 9/21/12Wilbur Theatre - BostonRating: 4 out of 5He did a great job of playing the old hits for us, while still playing some things from his new album. I wanted to hear the old stuff, but respect his interest in moving to new songs. The band - the Bigger Band - was just fantastic. Especially percussionist Sue Hadjopoulos and vocalist/keyboard Allison Cornell.
JJ and his incredible band did not disappoint !
by Jrnelly on 9/21/12Wilbur Theatre - BostonRating: 5 out of 5Energetic, craetive, and the optimal blend of old and new - with a unique spin on "the Duke".. truly a delight to the musical and rhythmic senses!
- by itaib on 9/21/12Wilbur Theatre - BostonRating: 5 out of 5
Awesome material, awesome musicians, great deliverance, well thought out and majestically executed! Lot's of fun !
Capezio memories and classy jazz
by Unigus on 9/18/12Music Center at Strathmore - N. BethesdaRating: 5 out of 5LOVE Joe Jackson's interpretation of classic Duke Ellington tunes, interlaced with wonderful tunes that reminded me of my 'Steppin Out' days and skinny ties. The musicians we stellar ans Joe did not disappoint, I loved the way the show was orchestrated from start to finish. Bravo!
- by Hof1f on 9/18/12Music Center at Strathmore - N. BethesdaRating: 5 out of 5
Seeing Joe Jackson for the first time at this point in his career I wasn't sure what to expect. Incredible! It's days later and I'm still singing songs in my head. He and all his musicians were on point and beyond my expectations. Didn't hurt that it was at a first class venue. Whatever you do, go! Thanks Joe.
Joe Jackson is not to be missed!
by JayKayGee on 9/18/12Music Center at Strathmore - N. BethesdaRating: 5 out of 5What a great concert...a mix of old JJ songs and re-imagined Duke Ellington, Joe and his Bigger Band put on a truly memorable show. I loved that he really let each of the band members shine - he was leading, but it never felt like they were just backing him up. He has really grown as an artist, and is doing new and inventive things. Totally worth every dime, and I can't wait to see him next time he comes to town.
Joe Jackson is lush
by Anonymous on 9/18/12Music Center at Strathmore - N. BethesdaRating: 5 out of 5what a fantastic show and venue the percussion and bass were especially great