Jumpin' Jive

• Artist: Joe Jackson
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1981
• Total Time: 41:51
• Genre: Rock

Review

Jumpin' Jive proved to be one of Joe Jackson's most adventurous projects as he tries his hand at covering a bunch of Louis Jordan and Cab Calloway tunes, ranging from the extravagance of big band to bop to vibrant swing music. The album broke the Top 50 in the U.S. and made it to number 14 in England, with the title track peaking at number 43 over there as well. Jackson sounds extremely fresh and vivacious throughout all of the tracks, with Calloway's "We the Cats" and "Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby" demonstrating how easily his persona adapts to this particular style of music. Jackson doesn't just sing the music here, he actually role-plays to some extent to make the songs sound that much more genuine and timeless, giving tunes like "Tuxedo Junction," "What's the Use of Getting Sober," and the hip-cat composure of "Jumpin' Jive" some modern flash and color. The horn work is dazzling as well, especially Dave Bitelli's alto sax and Pete Thomas' clarinet contributions. Not only was Jumpin' Jive a novel idea, but it reveals Jackson's musical dexterity and desire to further his interests into other avenues aside from pop and mainstream ballads. Although he touched on reggae with 1980's Beat Crazy, Jumpin' Jive fully uncovers his musical astuteness and remains one of his best albums. ~ Mike DeGagne, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Jumpin' With Symphony Sid	Lester Young, Carl Beaks	Joe Jackson	(2:42)
Jack, You're Dead! (Lyrics)	Walter Bishop, Jr., Walter Bishop, Dick Miles, Richard Miles	Joe Jackson	(2:45)
Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby? (Lyrics)	Bill Austin, Louis Jordan	Joe Jackson	(5:02)
We the Cats (Shall Hep Ya)	Cabell "Cab" Calloway, Buster Harding, Jack Palmer	Joe Jackson	(3:18)
San Francisco Fan	Dick Sanford, Louis Jordan, Sammy Mysels	Joe Jackson	(4:28)
Five Guys Named Moe (Lyrics)	Jerry Bresler, Larry Wynn, Jerome Bresler	Joe Jackson	(2:14)
The Jumpin' Jive	Frank Froeba, Jack Palmer, Cabell "Cab" Calloway	Joe Jackson	(2:42)
You Run Your Mouth, I'll Run My Business	Lil Hardin Armstrong, Lil Armstrong	Joe Jackson	(2:32)
What's the Use of Getting Sober (When You're Gonna Get Drunk Again)?	Bill Meyers, Bubsy Meyers	Joe Jackson	(3:48)
You're My Meat (Lyrics)	Skeets Tolbert	Joe Jackson	(2:55)
Tuxedo Junction	William Johnson, William Johnson, Julian Dash, Buddy Feyne, Erskine Hawkins	Joe Jackson	(5:19)
How Long Must I Wait for You?	Jerry Black, Lucky Millinder	Joe Jackson	(4:06)

Credits

Pete Thomas (Sax (Alto)), Joe Jackson (Harmonica), David Bitelli (Clarinet), Graham Maby (Vocals (Background)), Nick Weldon (Vocals (Background)), Larry Tolfree (Vocals (Background)), Sandy Brummels (Art Direction), Joe Jackson (Vibraphone), Jeri Heiden (Art Direction), Joe Jackson (Liner Notes), Nick Weldon (Piano), Graham Maby (Bass), Pete Thomas (Saxophone), Norman Mighell (Engineer), Anton Corbijn (Photography), Norman Mighell (Associate Producer), Joe Jackson (Arranger), Joe Jackson (Vocals), Joe Jackson (Keyboards), David Bitelli (Wind), Joe Jackson (Producer), Raul Oliveria (Trumpet), Norman Mighell (Producer), David Bitelli (Sax (Tenor)), Larry Tolfree (Drums)