The right chords
[attach]821[/attach]When singer-guitarist Luke Jackson first arrived in Toronto from England, the serenity of High Park struck a chord with him.
More than a decade later, he is riding a wave of success following the 2008 release of his third solo album …And Then Some.
Recorded in Sweden, produced by Magnus Borjeson — who played with Beagle and Favorita — and featuring string arrangements by Robert Kirby, who has done similar work for Elvis Costello, the album is a journey of heartfelt ballads tinged with pop sensibility and universal appeal.
“These guys are fantastic musicians,” says Jackson. “The great joy of working with people you trust is that you get to put yourself in their hands and it creates opportunities.”
His video for the single “Goodbye London” has been featured alongside Radiohead and U2 by OneDotZero at the British Film Institute.
The album may be an international project, but many of the songs were penned in the Bloor West area.
Jackson also uses his muse to give back to the community, often performing at fundraisers throughout the city. Jackson has played a set dedicated to raising funds for Willow, a breast cancer support centre, as well as a concert in memory of musician Nick Drake which raised funds for CAMH. He has also played concerts to raise awareness of issues relating to nuclear proliferation.
When he isn’t working on new material, Jackson can be found enjoying coffee at Lit, eating brunch at Easy Restaurant, or walking his dog Bella in High Park.
