NIGHT MUSIC INTRODUCTION

(This introduction was written for both the launch of 'Night Music' and JJ's website in 1994).

Around mid-'94 when I learned that Joe Jackson would have a new record out by the end of the year, I knowingly left open a slot in my annual "Critic's Top Ten Albums" list. In fact, Joe's "Night Music"was my No. 1 Album of the Year for 1994. Every album Joe makes merits honors. But while each has its own distinct rewards, "Night Music" stood out in its lustrous musical beauty and bold but brilliantly executed vision. Indeed, if I thought I could get away with it, I'd make it my No.1 Album this year too. And why not? I haven't heard anything better, and besides, it's not like "Night Music" got so much airplay that there are many people besides us JJ fanatics who even know the album came out last year - sad but true.

For even Joe felt "Night Music" was right up there with "Night and Day" and "Blaze of Glory," both, of course, Top Ten albums for me in their time, too. But "Night Music" didn't produce a 'hit single.' Then again, 'hit singles' were not what "Night Music" was about. As Joe said in an interview following the release of the album, " 'Commercially,' I have absolutely no expectations. In fact, I think that having commercial expectations is a dangerous trap. . . to me, ("Night Music") was a success before it was even released, because I'm proud of it."

No question, "Night Music" was, and is, a masterpiece. It just didn't fit into any obvious radio or record business categories, not to mention the long outdated misconceptions that a lot of people have about Joe - that he's still the angry young New Wave rocker of "Look Sharp" fame. Which brings us to this, Joe Jackson's new Web-site. Thanks to the new interactive technology, there's finally a place to learn about Joe for those of us who've been left out by the traditional mass-market-driven media.

Central to Joe's Web-site is a compilation of interview excerpts, which he's culled from interviews he's given around the world during the last year or so, answering the questions he's most frequently asked. These interviews are especially enlightening, in that they afford this complex artist a rare opportunity to expound on his true intentions and inner workings.

JJ's Web-site finally offers us a way to stay in touch, instead of in the dark. And what's best - in my view - is that it provides everyone who missed out on last year's Album of the Year a second chance to discover it . . . over and over again.
Jim Bessman, Special Correspondent, BILLBOARD