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Masonic Temple - Detroit
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Park West
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Curran Theatre
Joe Jackson presents: Max Champion in 'What A Racket!' – reviving the songs of enigmatic early 20th-century English Music Hall artist Max Champion – renowned musician and producer.
Max Champion was born in 1882 in London's East End and is thought to have been related to the great Victorian entertainer Harry Champion. As an up-and-coming performer he shared the stage with big stars such as Gus Ellen and Vesta Tilley, but his career (much like the Music Hall era itself) was cut short by the First World War, and his songs faded into obscurity. That is, until 2014, when Max Champion sheet music started to surface: first in Malta, then in England, and, intriguingly, in Belgium, where Max probably met his end in the trenches. By 2019, enough songs had been recovered for Joe Jackson to resurrect them with a 12-piece orchestra.
According to producer Joe Jackson, "These were wonderful songs in their time, but they're surprisingly modern, too. Sometimes it's almost as if Max is speaking, from his London of the early 20th century, directly to us in the early 21st."
A newly released documentary now sheds light on the early 20th century artist from England.
Music Hall originated in 19th-century London, transitioning from pubs and street performances to grand theaters by 1900. It attracted a diverse audience, spanning from commoners to aristocrats. The songs in this genre depicted life in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, often infused with humor, satire, sentimentality, patriotism, and occasionally darker themes like jealousy and murder. Some songs were also risqué but cleverly expressed.
Joe playing his well known and much loved music alone in the first half and then Max Champion songs with an incredibly talented band in the second - what a fantastic evening, really lifted the soul!
This wasn't what we expected at all. We thought it would be a rendition of Joe's music book. When he arrived on stage with no band and just a keyboard and started singing songs we didn't know, we feared the worst. Then he did two we did recognise - the accoustics were still a bit dodgy and the format basically, but it warmed up. Then he turned everything on its head and started doing vaudeville stuff from over 100 years ago, bringing on a 10 piece band all dressed up appropriately. It was so good - funny as well as naustalgic for those who remember The Good Old Days on TV. As I said, an unexpected gem of a performance.
Was so looking forward to this concert but so disappointed. More like a musical/pantomime rather that the material that made his name. If I'd have known it was going to be this scenario I would definitely have stayed away. First poor show I've seen at Buxton Opera House, hopefully the next will be much better.😕
Was so looking forward to this concert but so disappointed. More like a musical/pantomime rather that the material that made his name. If I'd have known it was going to be this scenario I would definitely have stayed away. First poor show I've seen at Buxton Opera House, hopefully the next will be much better.😕
Always a pleasure to attend the well run Brighton Dome. Helpful staff, well stocked (for a venue) bar. Great view and sound in theatre setting. Having see Joe Jackson perform several times over 45 years, one never expects the ordinary. Quality and quirky support. Joe split his set in two. First just Joe with electric piano, performing some of his popular songs in reverse chronological order. Plus a great cover of "Waterloo Sunset" Then a nine piece band appeared, dressed in period costume, with a backdrop reflecting London in the early 1900s. They performed Joe's latest album of "Max Champion songs"supposedly a music hall artist from 1910.. who may never have returned from war. Great spoof as the Max Champion character was a complete JJ invention . The performance was great fun ( in music hall style) given by some great musicians, sung perfectly by Joe himself. This was a great "show", preceded by some of Joe's previous hits. Top night out... catch the UK tour if you can.
Always a pleasure to attend the well run Brighton Dome. Helpful staff, well stocked (for a venue) bar. Great view and sound in theatre setting. Having see Joe Jackson perform several times over 45 years, one never expects the ordinary. Quality and quirky support. Joe split his set in two. First just Joe with electric piano, performing some of his popular songs in reverse chronological order. Plus a great cover of "Waterloo Sunset" Then a nine piece band appeared, dressed in period costume, with a backdrop reflecting London in the early 1900s. They performed Joe's latest album of "Max Champion songs"supposedly a music hall artist from 1910.. who may never have returned from war. Great spoof as the Max Champion character was a complete JJ invention . The performance was great fun ( in music hall style) given by some great musicians, sung perfectly by Joe himself. This was a great "show", preceded by some of Joe's previous hits. Top night out... catch the tour if you can.
When I lived in a village near Gosport in the 70's the Joe Jackson Band were frequently playing in the local pubs and my ex husband worked with his ex mother in law in Haslar Hospital. The band were excellent then and Joe remains so now. His voice is still brilliant and he seems happier than way back then. We didn't know what to expect with the gig but what a fabulous surprise. The old numbers were great and demonstrated Joe's keyboard skills. The second half was spectacular and reminiscent of the old Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Days, full of eccentricity. I hope that there will be more Joe concerts. The venue was well set out with chairs, a welcome sight for those of us of a certain age.