“Time is relentless. It doesn’t care about you. So you might as well have a good time while you’re here. This one’s called ‘Fast Forward.’”
On Wednesday, October 14, 2015 Joe Jackson fans settled into The Joy Theater (built in 1946) around 9 p.m. It was a seated show, and the smallest of the shows on Jackson’s current tour, making for a more intimate experience.
Jackson, a new wave, jazz pop artist from Portsmouth, England, just released his thirteenth studio album titled “Fast Forward.” Originally intended to be released as 4 EPs, the album was written and recorded in 4 cities: New York, Berlin, Amsterdam and New Orleans. Jackson utilized local musicians for each session, creating a music travelogue.
As with any artist who has a large and beloved discography, the audience chatter prior to the show hinted that many fans hoped he would play their old favorites in addition to the groovy, new album. Jackson did not disappoint, opening solo on piano with the early favorite “It’s Different For Girls.”
The first thing that impressed me was his strong, youthful vocal. However, I didn’t really like the EQ on his rock microphone and piano during the solo songs. I craved a more richer sound.
Jackson explained that he performs a different cover each night, with the goal to keep things fresh and different. On this night, he covered Lennon’s “Girl” in a sort of Tom Waits, 1940s blues/jazz style. It is safe to say the crowd, abundant with Beatle fans, dug it.
Over the next couple of songs, band members gradually joined the stage. The lineup included guitarist Teddy Kumpel, drummer Doug Yowell and bassist Graham Maby, an original Joe Jackson Band member. With 4 incredible musicians on stage playing sophisticated melodies and tight rhythms, the vibe in the theater was electric. Some audience members (me included) chose to leave their seats up front so that they could stand up and dance in the back or off to the side. 
Jackson kept things moving, sprinkling the new material throughout the set list. Sometimes, he would turn arrangements inside out, creating an even more interesting thing to listen to.
My only true criticism is that I would have liked to see him get up from behind the piano for at least one song. It seemed like the crowd yearned for a bit more interaction. For instance, on “One More Time,” he stayed behind the piano without playing. It was the perfect opportunity to get closer to his fans, but he didn’t take it.
I was glad when he kept things light, laughing at a small mistake or telling a joke. That, at least, helped to bridge the small gap between Jackson and the crowd. He ended the set with “Steppin’ Out.”
The band returned to the stage for a 3-song-encore. The first was from his latest record, a cover of Television’s “See No Evil.” He then graced us with a final rave-up song, “One More Time,” before band members began to retreat and leave Jackson as he was when the show began: solo behind the piano. He played the ballad titled “Slow Song,” and it was a tear-jerking end to a beautifully powerful show.
“Fast Forward” is now available on iTunes. To hear even more from Joe Jackson and artists alike, tune in to ALTitude on Sunday mornings 8-10 CST. Download the free KLSU app to listen live.
xx Madison Square