{"id":18098,"date":"2026-06-18T00:28:15","date_gmt":"2026-06-18T00:28:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/houstonmusicreview.com\/wordpress\/?p=18098"},"modified":"2026-06-18T00:28:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T00:28:15","slug":"joe-jackson-the-heights-theater-houston-tx-jun-16-2026-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/houstonmusicreview.com\/wordpress\/2026\/06\/18\/joe-jackson-the-heights-theater-houston-tx-jun-16-2026-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Joe Jackson – The Heights Theater – Houston, TX. – Jun 16, 2026 – Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

Written by Jim Bille<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>After an extended absence from Houston, Joe Jackson finally returned to the city as part of the U.S. leg of his Hope and Glory Tour<\/em>. This time, however, instead of performing in one of Houston’s larger venues, Jackson brought his show to the intimate surroundings of The Heights Theater. The sold-out crowd of approximately 700 fans was rewarded with a rare up-close experience featuring one of the most eclectic and innovative artists of the past four decades.<\/p>\n

From the moment he took the stage, Jackson delivered a master class in musicianship and performance. His vocals were as strong as ever, his piano playing was exceptional and the energy throughout the evening never wavered. Combined with impeccable sound quality and a remarkably tight band the performance proved to be one of the most engaging concerts of the year.<\/p>\n

Jackson was joined by an outstanding ensemble that included longtime collaborator Graham Maby on bass and vocals, Teddy Kumpel on guitar and vocals and Doug Yowell on drums. The band\u2019s percussionist Paulo Stagnaro, with his Latin-infused rhythms added depth and texture to the arrangements at just the right moments.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The evening showcased the remarkable breadth of Jackson’s catalog. He opened the show alone at the piano with one of his signature songs, “Is She Really Going Out with Him?” The audience enthusiastically participated, shouting “Where?” each time Jackson sang the line, “Look over there” creating one of the night’s first memorable moments.<\/p>\n

Maby joined Jackson for the second song, a slightly stripped-down but highly effective rendition of “It’s Different for Girls” demonstrating the chemistry that has existed between the two musicians for decades.<\/p>\n

Several selections from Jackson’s latest release, Hope and Glory<\/em>, were woven throughout the set. “Welcome to Burning-by-the-Sea” and “I’m Not Sorry” introduced the newer material, while “Made God Laugh”, “The Face” and “End of the Pier” were warmly received by the audience, proving that Jackson’s songwriting remains as innovational as ever.<\/p>\n

Of course, longtime fans were treated to plenty of classics. “Sunday Papers” remains as sharp and relevant today as when it was first released and stood out as one of the evening’s highlights.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Jackson’s groundbreaking 1982 album Night and Day<\/em> was well represented with stellar performances of “Real Men”, “Another World”, “Target” and the timeless hit “Steppin’ Out” with each drawing enthusiastic responses from the crowd.<\/p>\n

The encore offered yet another reminder of Jackson’s diverse musical influences. A spirited rendition of David Bowie’s “Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)” was followed by fan favorites “You Can’t Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want)” and “Home Town” bringing a fitting close to an exceptional evening.<\/p>\n

Blending new material with classic favorites, Joe Jackson demonstrated once again why he remains one of music’s true originals. More than forty years into his career, he continues to challenge himself creatively, push musical boundaries, and deliver performances that are every bit as vibrant and compelling as those that first established his reputation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Written by Jim Bille After an extended absence from Houston, Joe Jackson finally returned to the city as part of the U.S. leg of his Hope and Glory Tour. This time, however, instead of performing in one of Houston’s larger venues, Jackson brought his show to the intimate surroundings of The Heights Theater. The sold-out… <\/p>\n

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