Jakko M Jakszyk

Combining powerfully melodic compositions, high production values and superb musicianship, The Bruised Romantic Glee Club is a stunning two CD set which represents Jakko Jakszyk's most accomplished and heartfelt release to date.

The first disc, entitled 'Now,' is set of original material written over the last year by Jakko.

The second CD of this double set, entitled 'Then,' features a series of eclectic and unlikely cover versions of songs by artists that have exerted a strong influence on Jakko, such as Henry Cow, King Crimson and Soft Machine.

The Bruised Romantic Glee Club brings together luscious ballads, intelligent adult pop and widescreen dynamic instrumentals. Jakko's hauntingly beautiful songs possess lyrical content that often borders on the confessional. In some ways, the lyrics represent a continuation of the musical autobiography investigated in Jakko's Sony Award nominated piece, The Road To Ballina (commissioned by BBC Radio 3), which explored his upbringing as an adopted child.

Joined by a formidable array of guest contributors that reads like a who’s who of the best and most innovative musicians from the UK music scene of the last 30 years, guests include drummer Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree), acoustic bassist Danny Thompson (Pentangle, John Martyn), saxophonist/flautist Mel Collins (King Crimson, Roger Waters), bassist extraordinaire Mark King (Level 42) keyboardist Dave Stewart (Hatfield & The North/Bruford), drummer Ian Wallace (King Crimson, Bob Dylan), fuzz bassist, Hugh Hopper (Soft Machine), drummer Clive Brooks (Egg) and guitarist Robert Fripp (King Crimson).

As well as contributions on two tunes from Robert Fripp, former King Crimson Lyricist Pete Sinfield has written a new lyric for Jakko's cover of Crimson's legendary 'Pictures of a City.' Now re-titled, ''Pictures of an Indian City', this audacious new version features an imaginative Asian-tinged re-working of the song.

With his virtuoso guitar technique and heartfelt, passionate singing voice to the fore, The Bruised Romantic Glee Club is a poignant and stirring release that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved, lost and danced in 12/8 time.