Archive-quality label Intervention Records releases a sonically robust vinyl reissue of Joe Jackson’s game-changing Night And Day.
Joe Jackson – Night And Day – A & M Records (1982)/Intervention Records IR-003 150-gram stereo vinyl, 42:42 *****:
(Joe Jackson – Yamaha CP-70 electric grand piano, synthesizer,, piano, alto saxophone, vibes, lead vocals, orchestrations, arrangements; Graham Maby – bass, percussion, vocals; Larry Tolfree – drums, timbales, percussion; Sue Hadjopoulos – percussion. Bells, xylophone, flute, vocals; Ricardo Torres – percussion, claves; Ed Roynesdal – violins, synthesizer programming; Al Weisman – vocals; Grace Millan – vocals; Jack Waldman – synthesizer programming)
Joe Jackson emerged in the New Wave musical culture in the late 70’s with the album Look Sharp! It garnered both critical and commercial appeal with the single “Is She Really Going Out With Him?” Jackson, a classically trained musician, began to shift his focus to other genres. His 1981 release, Jumpin’ Jive consisted of blues and jump swing songs by artists like Cab Calloway and Louis Jordan. After being in New York, Jackson developed a feel for this city’s cultural and musical landscape, including jazz, Latin and Salsa. This transition crystallized in 1982 on Night And Day. It feels like a tribute to both New York and the compositional elegance of Cole Porter, George Gershwin and Duke Ellington. It became Jackson’s most successful project, and helped to articulate his maverick approach to popular music.
Emerging audiophile label Intervention Records has released a 150-gram vinyl upgrade of Night And Day. A potent combination of piano, keyboards and percussion establish a unique pop-jazz tapestry that permeates the 9 tracks of New York life. It is notable that there are no guitars on the album. Conceptually, there are not lettered or number sides, but Night and Day.
The “Night” side consists of five uninterrupted tracks that connect like a suite, with meticulous arrangements. “Another World” opens with tight drum patterns that have an Afro-Cuban feel. Jackson’s piano is muscular. Timbales, congas, xylophone (with Eastern shading) and repetitive title chorus build a hypnotic cohesion to this number. The pulse-driven syncopated journey of someone lost in the big city (“Chinatown”), is both humorous and urban cautionary. Again, the Afro-Cuban percussive instrumentation is compelling. “T.V. Age” has a “New Wave” percussive groove with a repetitive bell and a gritty saxophone on this satirical commentary. Jackson goes full salsa on “Target” with funky piano and a rousing chanting-like chorus. A organ solo and congas augment the stylistic approach. A certain highlight is the lead single “Steppin’ Out”. A combination of electronic and real drums, synthesized bass and layered keyboards energize this affirmative take on night life in NYC. As with most of the album, the crisp piano lines (especially on the chorus) are magnetic.
The “Day” side contains separate tracks. “Breaking Us In Two” is a simpler arrangement with jazzy piano, drums and percussion, but has an unexpected synth interlude. It is atmospheric and breezy. Returning to salsa, “Cancer” has an infectious chorus. An extended jazz-inflected solo on acoustic piano elevates this track. Perhaps the deepest cut is “Real Men”. Jackson emotionally reflects on the socio-political landscape through the lens of sexuality. The arrangement has a punched-up rock ’n’ soul vibe, framed by soaring piano and urgent vocals. “A Slow Song” is an interesting finale. It is performed as a ballad with shades of doo-wop with gospel inflection. Strings and subtle rolling organ add texture.
This Intervention Records vinyl upgrade of Night And Day is excellent. It is entirely mastered from 1/2” safety copy of original stereo analog tapes (Kevin Gray/Cohearant Audio) and pressed on 150-gram vinyl (Gotta Groove Records). The mix is vibrant and has added punch and clarity on the low and mid-ranges. There is also a quiet ambiance, with little surface noise. The gatefold with restored cover art is superior, as is the plastic inner sleeve..
Highest recommendation!
—Robbie Gerson
Joe Jackson – Night And Day
TrackList:
Night Side: Another World; Chinatown; T.V. Age; Target; Steppin’ Out
Day Side: Breaking Us In Two; Cancer; Real Men; A Slow Song.
