Press

New Jersey Life & Leisure Magazine - May 2006
Look Sharp coming to Tierney's
The late 70's new wave/punk movement produced a great number of fast emerging artists such as Elvis Costello, The Cars, The Knack and Joe Jackson just to name a few. Their songs were catchy pop songs with that new wave edge to it. Joe Jackson's debut release "Look Sharp" and its follow-up "I'm The Man" were full of those timeless catchy pop songs. If you are a fan of that era you'll be excited to learn about "Look Sharp!" the worlds only Joe Jackson tribute.

I sat down with the bands front man Scott Lea. Scott has been in the music industry professionally since 1975 playing guitar and singing in bands such as local legends The Persuaders, before going on to produce records with international chart topping success.

First I need to ask you about this picture. It looks like you weren't ready for it. Were you?
Actually it was the only one I was ready for. The guys were trying to talk me out of leaving and Mauro was pissed.

When was the first time you saw JJ live?

"I saw Joe Jackson at Montclair State College in the gym back in 79' and it was that intimate informal raw energy that sparked my enthusiasm and appreciation for JJ". I quickly went and bought the LP Look Sharp then listened to it constantly with my best friend Bobby, those songs soon became our eternal summer anthems.

How did you find guys for the band?
Well I had played in a band with Nick and Mauro in the 80's called Black and White and we covered some JJ material so I gave them a call and they were both involved with other projects so we decided to get together and see how it flys before committing to anything. I met Hal when I was putting together The Scott Lea Experiment. In my first conversation with him we spoke about JJ and Hal has always been a big fan so I kept his number and gave him a buzz, and after a minimal amount of arm twisting he agreed to meet with us at a rehearsal studio.

So how did that first meeting go?

Amazing! It was as though we've performed together consistently for years. We were all extremely excited about the potential. I think the world of these guys we get along great and it shows on stage. They're all so talented.

How often do you perform?

Well we only do about 10 shows a year to keep it exciting. It's definitely more like an event, it's amazing how many people love JJ and sing along. The best way to follow us and stay up to date with our shows is to check out our web site (LookSharpLive.Com), and join our elist.

Anything coming up soon? I'm excited to see you guys?

Thanks. Yea, we'll be at Tierney's Tavern in Montclair Saturday, May 27th. I heard there's already people from out of state booking hotel rooms.

Any last words?
Why am I dying? (laughs) Well I'll say this, we are true fans and enjoy paying a special tribute to "The Man's" early years, those two great albums Look Sharp and I'm the Man (1979). We really enjoy recapturing that early raw energy so come see for yourself, catch a show and get in on the excitement!

MAY 27, 2006
Tierney's Tavern
136-138 Valley Road
Montclair, NJ 07042
973-744-9785

Tierneystavern.bizland.com
10:00 PM - 1:00 AM