Ever since being turned on to King Crimson by two great friends of mine, I immediately became obsessed with everything Jakko Jakszyk. In addition to his work with King Crimson, I became a huge fan of his solo work, especially 1997’s The Road to Ballina and 2007’s The Bruised Romantic Glee Club but it was album Scarcity of Miracles by Jakszyk, Fripp, and Collins that moved me in a way that very albums have done. This album has become a mainstay in my listening rotation. Since it’s pretty unlikely that we will ever see a new King Crimson album featuring this stellar lineup, I hoped that maybe we would see something new from Jakko himself as a solo artist.
Evidently my hopes were heard echoing through the cosmos because Jakko M Jakszyk has released not one but two new songs from his forthcoming solo album, Secrets & Lies. “The Trouble with Angels” was released this past August and in September Jakko released “It Would All Make Sense.” If these songs are any indication of the rest of what the album holds for us, I can only assume that this will be an album of the year contender.
So what brought about this unexpected yet long awaited solo project? Jakko said, “The enforced sabbatical from King Crimson has given me the opportunity to complete a new solo album. Encouraged by Thomas Waber at Inside Out, and aided and abetted by numerous friends, heroes and family.”
Jakko’s official press release gives more detailed insight into the Secrets & Lies album:
‘Secrets & Lies’ contains 10 songs that explore topics such as obsession, betrayal, the shifting grounds of contemporary politics, and the tangled threads of family history, Secrets And Lies balances sensitive writing, musical technique, and accessible tunes cast in an impressively cinematic sound world. With three of the tracks, Separation, Under Lock & Key and Uncertain Times originating in King Crimson’s writing sessions, the result is a mature work brimming with yearning melodies in symphonic or widescreen settings, fluid guitar work, and Jakko’s heartfelt, emotional vocals.
The album features Jakszyk joined by his King Crimson bandmates Robert Fripp, Gavin Harrison, Tony Levin & Mel Collins, as well as appearances from John Giblin (Simple Minds), Mark King (Level 42), Peter Hammill (Van der Graff Generator) and noted British comedian Al Murray.
The album will be released on October 23rd on Inside Out Records. The album can be pre-ordered here: https://centurymedia.store/dept/jakko-m-jakszyk
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