Joe Jackson at Center Stage Theater

CRITIC'S PICK:
Fri., June 26
Joe Jackson, Center Stage - Jackson could attract sold-out shows by just sticking to his extensive catalog of recognizable tracks. But the pianist/singer/songwriter is far too inspired to run through competent, energetic performances of "Steppin Out" and "Is She Really Going Out With Him?" A new album, Hope and Fury (his 24th!), is another terrific example of how his crafty, unusually expressive, often theatrical songwriting and arranging, combine jazz and pop into tunes that sound like, well, Joe Jackson songs. His often snarling voice sounds exactly like it did nearly 50 years ago and he always delivers live. Come for the hits, stay for the new stuff. - Hal Horowitz