Jumpin’ Jive

Released in 1981, Jumpin’ Jive represents one of the most successful and daring 'genre pivots' in pop history. Following the success of his New Wave trilogy, Joe Jackson disbanded his guitar-based quartet to form a swing outfit, predating the 1990s swing revival by over a decade. The album consists entirely of covers, primarily focusing on the jump blues of Louis Jordan and the jazz-pop of Cab Calloway. Recorded live in the studio to capture an authentic, unpolished energy, the record showcases Jackson's versatility as an arranger and vocalist. While critics at the time were initially baffled by the departure from his contemporary pop sound, the album became a surprise commercial success and remains a fan favorite for its technical proficiency and sheer exuberance. It serves as a bridge between Jackson's early rock career and his later, more complex orchestral and jazz compositions.