For his first UK gig in almost three years (my review of 2003 gig), Joe Jackson began with a solo rendition of Hometown, an obscure item from the JJ canon about occasionally hankering to return although it will of course never be the same.  A touching start to a superb performance.

Hometown segued via a lengthy bridging introduction into an inspiring Stepping Out, one of Joe’s biggest hits in the early 80s.  Another hit then followed, a notably slower and melodically ahem different It’s Different For Girls during which Joe was joined by Graham Maby on bass.

For the following song, drummer Dave Houghton completed tonight’s line-up, three-quarters of the classic Joe Jackson Band from the late 70s who re-united for the first time in over 20 years in 2002.  Sadly, the superb, economic rhythm guitar of Gary Sanford is missing from the 2006 reunion though the absence of guitar gives the other three instruments more room to breathe – in particular Jackson himself whose chiming piano motifs excellently replicated many of the guitar parts.

The set list was a good mixture of new songs, classics and lesser-known songs from Joe’s lengthy career.  Of the five new songs performed, the most memorable was the jazzy, improvised Drunk Song.  There were a few instrumental extensions throughout the gig, most notably on Take It Like A Man from the Volume 4 LP, though a good balance prevailed with the band showing their considerable chops without going into self-indulgence.

With the piano, bass and drums format, it’s not surprising that the songs featured from Joe’s classic guitar-less LP Night And Day fared particularly well.  As well as Stepping Out we were treated to a strident Another World and stunning Real Men.  Other highlights included a playful rendition of Joe’s other big hit Is She Really Going Out With Him and an excellent cover of Ian Dury’s In Betweenees.  One of Jackson’s “favourite Londoners”, the pub ska of Dury’s song came naturally to the versatile JJ band.

Joe and his band rounded the show off with a fourth song from Night & Day, the epic Slow Song.  Houghton left the stage half way through, followed by Maby leaving Jackson alone for the final chorus.  The perfect circle.

Although London isn’t Joe’s hometown, he was clearly delighted to be playing in England again and moved by the audience reaction.  With the new trio format working so well, lets hope it’s not so long till he’s back again for a proper tour.  A superb gig.

11.7.06