Australian Musician Magazine Snippet: Thursday, December 11, 2025
This week’s featured music includes a new single by Alex Pertout called “Farewell”. The instrumental piece captures a soulful and melancholic mood, featuring the masterful guitar work of legend Mike Stern. The song evokes a sense of wistful nostalgia, provoking deep introspection and reflection. Alongside Mike Stern, the composition flourishes with the delicate touch of pianist Luke Howard and the ethereal vocal textures of Susannah Coleman-Brown. The lineup is complete with the contributions of Craig Newman on bass, Gerry Pantazis on drums, and Alex Pertout handling a variety of percussion instruments, vibes, synthesizers, and more.
Recorded in Melbourne, Australia, the song is a testament to Pertout’s versatile talent as a percussionist, composer, and producer. His work on “Farewell” showcases his expansive artistic vision, drawing from a broad musical spectrum. Not only has Pertout left his mark as a sought-after session musician on numerous albums and singles, but he has also established a reputation as a respected educator and academic in the field of jazz and improvisation. His creative pursuits have earned critical acclaim and international recognition, with accolades like the ‘Premio Internacional’ at the Cuban Music Awards in 2015.
On the other end of the musical spectrum, Joe Jackson presents his latest single “Welcome to Burning-By-Sea” from his upcoming album “Hope and Fury”. The Grammy-winning artist paints a vivid picture of a fictional English seaside town, drawing inspiration from locales like Brighton and his hometown Portsmouth. Through his sharp wit and keen observations, Jackson creates a rich tapestry of contrasts and contradictions that reflect broader societal themes.
The album “Hope and Fury” marks Jackson’s first studio release since 2019’s “Fool”. Recorded at Michael Tibes’ Fuzz Factory studio in Berlin and later finalized at New York’s Reservoir Studios with co-producer Patrick Dillett, the album features Jackson’s signature sound woven together with the talents of longtime collaborators like Graham Maby on bass, Teddy Kumpel on guitar, and Doug Yowell on drums. Adding depth to the ensemble is the Latin percussion of Paulo Stagnaro, enhancing the album’s sonic palette.
Each track on “Hope and Fury” promises to be a compelling exploration of personal and universal themes, set against the backdrop of Jackson’s distinctive musical style. As fans eagerly anticipate the album’s release on April 10, 2026, they can delve into the world of “Welcome to Burning-By-Sea” and prepare for an immersive listening experience that only Joe Jackson can provide.