Jack L

Red and white check tablecloths adorn small bistro-style furniture with miniature French flags as centrepieces. The scene is set for Chez Jack L, the singer’s tribute to Jacques Brel, one of the 20th century’s most prominent chansonniers.

From the outset it is clear the audience are charmed by Lukeman’s deep tones and flamboyant stage presence. The night is an aural feast of Brel’s best, ‘Jacky’ and ‘Amsterdam’, which feature regularly in solo shows, getting particularly warm receptions. In tribute to Walker, one of the best known interpreters of Brel, ‘30th Century Man’ is given the L treatment.

Anyone who has seen Jack L live will know that he is not one for spatial limits. He soon escapes the stage for some provocative dancing and a brief meet and greet session with the audience (the former met with whoops of delight, the latter with giggling and blushes).

Sonically solid, the band has gone through a few line-up changes but remains anchored by the talents of David Considine on guitar and Marc Aubele on keyboards/accordion, musicians who have trekked the circuit with Lukeman for some years now.

Throughout the night, visuals of Brel are projected onto a screen at the back of the stage. One striking image depicts the singer in ponderous gaze, as if overlooking the events of the evening. One wonders what he would make of such a heartfelt reworking of his songs.

Most of the audience has probably not heard the original recordings but the enthusiastic response indicates a clear passion for the music. Through a combination of energy and charisma, Jack L brings a wonderful warmth to Brel’s somewhat bitter and fatalistic lyrics… a fitting tribute.