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"A musical stroll through the Music Hall of the early 20th century revisited by Joe Jackson? A program of contagious well-being."
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4/5
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For almost 45 years, Joe Jackson has enchanted his followers with an ever-changing, ever-surprising musical palette, ignoring fashions and labels. In our review of his previous album, we wrote "Joe Jackson still remains an enigma". The release of this new opus only confirms this adage.
Indeed, what could have possessed this accomplished pianist to plunge into the work of a certain Max Champion, an obscure music-hall artist from the early 20th century who, like almost all his colleagues who worked in a genre that has fallen completely into disuse, has been completely forgotten for over a century? Accompanied by a twelve-piece orchestra of strings, brass and woodwinds, Joe Jackson resurrects an era, offering us eleven tracks adorned with nostalgic fragrances, in which the maestro's piano nonetheless takes center stage.
Alternating between quiet, majestic tracks ('Dear Old Mum', 'Shades of Night' with its Jacques Brel-like accompaniment) and dynamic, punchy tracks ('The Sporting Life' with its circus or American musical atmosphere, or 'Monty Mundy'), The artist also visits a few classics with a real Viennese-style waltz ('Never so Nice in the Morning') or even a little march in passing ('Thing of the Show'), all with a joyful emphasis that draws the listener into a story set in another era, but with a touch of modernity and a permanent link to the musician's usual style. Interest is constantly renewed as each song tells its own story, and the atmosphere gradually envelops those who are willing to let themselves be carried away by Joe Jackson's skilfully orchestrated dynamics.
At the end of this musical stroll, realized with the utmost care, both in the storytelling and in the arrangements, which, as is customary with Joe Jackson's productions, are of the utmost precision, the predominant feeling is one of insane well-being, conveyed by the carefree spirit of a bygone era. A prescription to be issued without hesitation. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
 01. (overture): Why, Why, Why?
02. The Sporting Life
03. Dear Old Mum -- A London-Irish Lament
04. Monty Mundy (Is Maltese)!
05. The Shades Of Night
06. What A Racket!
07. The Bishop And The Actress
08. Think Of The Show! -- A Thespian's Lament
09. Never So Nice In The Morning
10. Health & Safety
11. Worse Things Happen At Sea
LINEUP:
Joe Jackson: Chant
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READERS
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STAFF:
4/5 (1 view(s))
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OTHER REVIEWS
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OTHER(S) REVIEWS ABOUT JOE JACKSON
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