August 31, 2023
Joe Jackson One
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Joe Jackson live twice. Of course, Joe has been releasing and performing music ever since the late seventies, but I discovered his music in 2016. Like so many of my generation, it was because of the song “Steppin’ Out” (I got to see the Korg Rhythm 55 that he used on that particular recording at his 2019 tour).
I think that ever since discovering his music, I have listened to almost all of his released material. The first album that came out since I knew about his existence was – as it stands today – his latest album “Fool” (2019). I absolutely loved that record. Somehow, it suited the times where I was at (it made a B sharp turn to C ;-)). Another album that left a striking impression on me was his 2000 recording titled “Night and Day II”. I kind of see why I like it in the first place, given that it pays an homage to the city of New York. The storytelling on that album is amazing. The cover of the album was shot at the intersection of Duane Street and W Broadway.
Of course, Joe is an exceptionally talented and gifted musician, but what I truly admire about him are his unconventional choices throughout his career, his “Eff you” attitude accompanied by his great sense of humor. His catalogue is all over the place and he doesn’t seem to make compromises for the sake of music that he cares about. In doing so, he has built enough of an audience that have and will support him whatever he is doing musically. As it should. Bravo!
I might write about stuff related to JJ another time. I have a cool photo that I took of him that I will share sometime soon. Also, a PR of Joe was once kind enough to shoot a video for me of the building front where the Night And Day album was recorded in 1982. He walks by it every day. It’s located at Green Street (No. 29). The studio is long gone.
Devin