Joe Jackson is back on tour but this time, he is celebrating a unique and personal tribute to Duke Ellington with the release of his latest album, The Duke.
The English singer/composer/arranger/keyboardist and five-time Grammy nominee played last night at The Wilbur Theatre in Boston to a full house. We loved watching Jackson’s unique interpretation of Duke Ellington classics, which he played flawlessly.
The album's mix of electronic and organic textures is especially evident on instrumentals like Isfahan, Rockin' In Rhythm, The Mooche, and Black and Tan Fantasy. The musicians include two contemporary jazz stars, violinist Regina Carter and bassist Christian McBride; rock guitar hero Steve Vai; drummer Ahmir Thompson and other members of The Roots; and two of Jackson's old associates, guitarist Vinnie Zummo and percussionist Sue Hadjopoulos. The album was recorded and mixed by Elliot Scheiner (Steely Dan, Sting, Bob Dylan).
Jackson's distinctive voice is featured on I'm Beginning To See The Light, Mood Indigo, and I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good), while It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) finds him trading vocals with punk icon Iggy Pop. R&B diva Sharon Jones, meanwhile, shines with a soulful I Ain't Got Nothin' But The Blues. In keeping with Ellington's multiculturalism, Jackson also encouraged Iranian singer Sussan Deyhim to perform a soaring Caravan in Farsi, and Lilian Vieira, of the Brazilian/Dutch collective Zuco 103, to create a sunny, sexy Portuguese version of Perdido.
He ended the fantastic performance playing a variety of our favorite classics like “Is She Really Going Out with Him,” “Sunday Papers” and “Steppin’ Out”.
Joe Jackson & The Bigger Band will broadcast live exclusively on AXS TV from the Count Basie Theatre, featuring special guest Regina Carter on Tuesday, September 25 at 8 p.m. (EST). For more information on AXS TV concerts and events, please visit: www.axs.tv or for more information on Joe Jackson's tour and upcoming dates, visit http://joejackson.com/tour-dates.php.
