Tuesday night, October second, the legendary Joe Jackson played Seattle’s Moore Theater. I doubt anyone in this near sold out crowd was under the age of forty. This was a crowd who was well educated, had probably followed Jackson’s career from the get-go, and was very enthusiastic.
The show began with just Jackson on electric piano for the first couple of songs before his six-piece band came out in installments. The exquisite band included REGINA CARTER, on violin, percussionist SUE HADJOPOULOS and Vocalist/Multi-Instrumentalist ALLISON CORNELL (who also sang lead on a couple songs, one of which was sung in Portugese). The remaining members are JESSE MURPHY (Bass, Vocals, and Tuba), ADAM ROGERS (Guitar) and NATE SMITH (Drums) rounded out the beautiful sound that echoed through the Moore Theater. All the musicians were breathtakingly adept and versatile.
Jackson played several songs from his newest release simply entitled The Duke. For those who don’t know and didn’t read my preview of a couple months ago, The Duke is a CD of all Duke Ellington tunes. However, before anyone brushes this off as just another tribute album, keep in mind that Jackson rearranged the originals in a very unique style, giving them new life and a new interpretation. Though the songs were definitely Duke Ellington, Jackson has his own unique stamp that can be heard throughout all his songs whether covers or his own originals. This adds to the vivacity and charm of his music.
Often times Jackson joked with the audience and seemed enchanted by the enthusiastic response given not only to him, but also to the musicians performing with him. This was a concert of true, accomplished musicians. At one point Jackson even thanked everyone for coming to see him when Madonna was in town the same night.
As much as I loved the Ellington interpretations, I’m a sucker for the old songs and here he did not disappoint. While singing “Is She Really Going Out With Him” (which he introduced as a very old song, but not as old as the Ellington stuff), whenever he sang, “look over there,” the audience would yell, “Where?” Other oldies included “Sunday Papers” and “Steppin Out” from 1982’s Night and Day album.
It was the encore where most the old songs were performed and the entire two plus hour show ended with another song from Night and Day, “Slow Song.” This is a song that you just want to lie back, close your eyes and let the music absorb into you and Jackson and his six musicians did a superb job of doing this. Then, one by one, all the musicians left the stage, letting the show end as it began, with just Jackson on electric piano and vocals that rang through the hall crystal clear. I am so glad I finally got to see Joe Jackson live. I’ve been a fan since late 1980 or early 1981 so this was a real treat. Throughout the show I was hoping he’d sing Real Men (also from Night and Day), but when he lit into “Slow Song,” I was just as happy. Nothing about this evening was disappointing. This was an impeccable and enticing show and I would recommend Joe Jackson to anyone who simply enjoys great music performed by the finest musicians.
All photos property of Holly Homan, all rights reserved.
