Craig Jacks & The Mighty Jackalopes Are Here & They're Geared To Entertain!

by Mark Bignell

Craig Jacks and The Mighty Jackalopes bring you a most joyous sonic marriage of finely crafted originals and crowd-pleasing covers from the likes of Lucinda Williams, Neil Young and Steve Earl.

You can definitely hear their influence on Craig's writing. From the driving wheel feel of "Make Up Your Mind" (You can just picture the smile on Craig's face as he lets out this joyful scream late in the song), to the haunting strains of "Old Mountain Town", and the more whacky and playful jaunts: "Burnin' Tires" and "Hot Set In The Old Town". This joyous sonic marriage has brought out enthusiastic crowds all over B.C. and the U.S, and now, Craig Jacks and his Mighty Jackalopes are ready to take Vancouver by storm!

His "Waiting For My Angel" CD is a fine representation of what he's like live. Although you won't be privy to his facial expressions, and his spirited direction of his band through hand signals, head bobbing and tireless meandering all over the stage, you will be privy to his distinctive growl and some highly memorable and enduring songwriting. I'm not the first to acknowledge this: Longtime Polygram notable, John Redmond sited Jacks as one of Canada's top songwriters. Besides his songwriting prowess, Craig Jacks was also the proud owner and musical guru behind one of the finest recording studios in Vancouver. Along with Producer and fellow Jackalope, John Shepp, Utopia Parkway Studios was a highly creative and welcoming home to some of the biggest and brightest in the music scene, including: Matthew Good, Pure, Bocephus King and Motion Soundtrack to just scratch the surface.

Along with leaving an invaluable mark with his recording studio, the one time A & M recording artist has also earned his reputation as an artist that's always been true to himself and his music. From a more Pop-Rock influenced singer-songwriter style to his current Roots calling, Jacks has never been afraid to carve out his own distinct slant on any genre of music he chooses, regardless of trends or fashion. He opts for a more lasting brand of solid songwriting and well thought out arrangements as opposed to the quick-fix of throwaway riffs and catch phrases. This approach has won him the admiration of some of the most gifted players and singers ever to roam this earth: Zubot & Dawson, Bottleneck's Robyn Carrigan, Crash's Mike Kenney, Terry Jacks, and Shelley Campbell, all make appearances on Craig's album, as well as his own Jackalopes.

Contagious energy, smart pacing, and fearless playing make him one of the best performers on the local front, and The Jackalopes give his songs the kind of sharp, undivided attention they deserve. Doug Lechinsky (Faith and Desire, Northern Pikes) adds his crafty fills and steady backbone. Jon Bews (Radiogram) adds the subtle groove to anchor the band, and as there can be as many as 3 guitar players on stage, Craig Jacks , along with John Shepp and sometimes Craig McCaul, can create either the most sublime mix of atmospheric fretwork or the most insane "freak out" known to humankind!

It's all in the delivery. At the end of one set he declared with mock seriousness: "We'll be back in...3 hours! After all of us drop some more acid" as he looks into the gathered throng and silently laughs. This is one singer / songwriter / musician who's anything but boring. He knows how to get up there and entertain, as well as perform. As he's pointed out many times: "If you're not up there, ready to perform the best you can, regardless of the situation or what day you've had, then you're not in it for the right reasons." This might sound trivial, but, there's nothing worse than an artist you've been constantly raving about being a disappointment as a live act. Craig Jacks and The Mighty Jackalopes have yet to be that.

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Mark Bignell is a tireless advocate of local / independent music.

His weekly Radio Bandcouver program can be heard Fridays 9pm-10:30pm at 102.7 FM

Visit Radio Bandcouver on-line at: www.bandcouver.com

E-mail Radio Bancouver at: bandcouver@hotmail.com