Jakko Jakszyk - Islands

Jakko M. Jakszyk - vocals, electric and acoustic guitar, keyboards, mellotron, bass guitar
Mel Collins - alto and tenor saxes, flute
Danny Thompson - double bass
Ian Wallace - drums

[@drkevbo1]

Just saw KC at the Chicago theater. When they did this you could hear a pin drop. The crowd was dead silent and stunned as the heavens opened and the angels descend. Magical night.

[@dominjav]

I've been listening that Chicago version...it's a very beautiful one...I hope they play it in Chile on october

[@EdwinNewcomb]

Yes, I saw them in Liverpool and cried when they did this. If only Ian Wallace and Boz could have been there

[@andreasalvioli3801]

The best song of all time. KC Islands.

[@MichaelAdashefski]

This is one of those rare cases where I like the cover version over the original. This take on the Crimson classic breathes new life into the song. It keeps the beauty of the melody and lyrics but the new arrangement adds a warmth and bit more color that was lacking in the original. Bravo Jakko.

[@EdwinNewcomb]

Sacrilege. It's delicate but the drums lack feel. But, yes, it's very good. The original builds magnificently

[@juantxualonso4562]

NO estoy para nada de acuerdo. Esta cover es muy buena con Collins incluido bellísimo, pero la original y el final de la original jazzistico puro...insuperable

[@BarleyC]

I never realized Jakko did a solo version of this till now! So glad I found this!

[@jorgegonzalez-larramendi5491]

21st Century Schizoid Band... revived kc

[@krisscanlon4051]

I feel I may have found the song that will be played during my services. I feel okay with knowing this...not needed today but will someday. Very reassuring to hear Jakko's version.

[@ER-me1ii]

An awesome, improved and respectful interpretation of one of the most beautiful prog songs ever recorded.

[@gerardoerak]

Evan Rice Improved?. Sorry but I disagree.

[@beckylink]

Evan Rice I must respectfully disagree wholeheartedly. I appreciate that they are doing it again but it is not nearly as subtle with this scooping on the vocals in a very "pop" fashion. Boz did subtle, jazzy, clean lines. And I vastly prefer the piano on the original. This sounds almost like borderline elevator music, comparatively speaking. But it is lovely and all, and he has a nice voice. Just doesn't have the cool edge it did before. Nor the depth. Those things are usually impossible to duplicate. I'm glad Jakko loves this amazing piece. I wish Fripp respected what Boz had done a bit more. It's not given its rightful place on any of the compilation discs, instead an instrumental version!! Wow. Cut Boz? Weird.

[@beckylink]

But I thank the poster for putting it here. It is nice to hear them doing it and giving it some respect ✊🏼. I just would like respect for Boz. Ian Wallace asked for it too, when his buddy died. xxxoo A true friend. I've got their backs.

[@beckylink]

It's my newest mission !! I saw them and have a strong attachment to them as a group, which is quite natural, since they were phenomenal and astonishing. RIP Bozzell and Ian. Now y'all can play to your hearts' content. He saved a place for you Ian, just as you requested in your tribute. 🎤🥁🎸

[@gniewomircioek6845]

overacted

[@GlennHallLivingWater]

Amazing rendition of this beautiful song. Well done!

[@abeerharoon2814]

I saw this man live and all I could say was wow. He sang and shredded at the same time while in god knows what time signature. Amazing is an understatement

[@kw19193]

When that sad day finally comes that KC give their last performance this should be the grand finale . . . Cheers!

[@gabrielvanney1991]

Es un dilema decir cual es el mejor álbum de las primeras encarnaciones de King Crimson. Island se lleva a mi criterio ese galardón. Y esta versión es profundamente bella.

[@JohnGLewis1964]

Thank you Mr. Jakszyk, Mel Collins. Mr. Thompson, Ian W., at alii... Always nice to hear a new interpretation. Well done.

[@timcozby]

A very rendition of this K C song. He would later become the lead singer for K C. One of my all time favorite bands.

[@ianashleigh]

this is sublime, beautiful and sublime

[@jonasgovenius89]

This is one of the best, most lovely, tunes made by King Crimson and it sounds as good or even better in this new version by Jakko Jakszyk than it did back in the 70:s. Thank you. JG

[@gerardoerak]

Jonas Govenius Good or even better?. Not even close.

[@beckylink]

Gerardo Erak Not even in the same galaxy. The singing, for starters.. nowhere close to Boz.. Jakko scoops like a pop singer and he has no resonance, really. Not interpreting like Boz. Don’t get me started on the rest of it . Lol

[@steve-0493]

Loved it when they played this on the KC tour 2017 at the Hard Rock Rocksino..I sat there still,just watching,and taking it in.

[@gbarbosar]

Increíble!! Uno de los mejores temas de la música de nuestra cultura. Excelente cover.

[@sergiozuccala7630]

Casi que no es un cover, J. J fue vocalista de King Crimson en muchas giras y Mel Collins toco casi siempre en todas las formaciones

[@paulhoughton5164]

Always an overlooked song in the crimson catalogue as far as I am concerned but it’s a truly beautiful piece of music. When I want to feel relaxed and calm this is my go to tune and this version is incredible

[@AndThusSpake]

With Danny Thompson on bass! Wow. It doesn't get much better than that, never knew he worked with these guys. It's like 2 worlds intersecting on the perfect peice for that to happen.

[@evanjazzista]

One thumb down? Hmmm... Adrian Belew for sure!

[@Fugaziist]

Haha!

[@paulogonzalez1632]

lol

[@beckylink]

Paulo Gonzalez Nope not Belew!! lol I don’t care for this version.. it’s cheesy compared to the original .. ugh. Makes me sad.. and cringe a bit .

[@musiccollector4716]

Nah he wouldn't

[@saurogalli6269]

Nope, it's Robert Fripp...

[@robmanic44]

Golden song!

[@TheFlutecart]

I just saw this live in Austin TX- King Crimson. Quite a bit more METAL and it was right damn special. I'll not forget it. Great show, I went with my band to catch the fire. Catch them while you can!

[@ChrisBarnard-vd2fj]

Beautiful playing and singing 😊

[@PLingPaint]

Nicely done. Enjoy Jakko,,,,, Loves me some Roger Dean.

[@garyhshiproad6549]

Just fantastic. He's got the vocal down pat-and I had no idea he could play keyboards as well. The piano is just beautiful. Plus i'm a major mellotron freak, so all the better to have it on here. Kudos must also go to the other players, especially Mel Collins beautiful playing on flute and saxes.

[@popmastergeneral6418]

Actually Dave Stewart played the piano on this song.

[@beckylink]

This vocal is not down pat. He is scooping like a pop singer with no feeling. It’s vapid. I don’t have anything against Jakko .. I’m glad he has opened Fripp up a bit to the Islands and Lizard stuff..., he’s a great player. But not a great singer. King Crimson could get some GREAT younger voice that would sound right. A good baritone like Boz and Lake and Haskell and Wetton all were. This guy is kind of a weak lower tenor.

[@domymanuel2349]

ever and ever I gonna love this song!

[@realityis24fps]

no words. great album. extraordinary. sublime version of this song. the wondrous danny thompson does it again! thanx for post!

[@FunkBibleBlack]

Beautiful piece of Music..!!

[@randallgenshaw6724]

So true , seen this guy with king crimson. Very talented man. Truely gifted. Awesome musician..best add on in the absence of Greg lake. Seen them many times live. Best of memories..🎸🎷🎹

[@grahamcole1539]

What a wondrous version!

[@rodrigonickel7896]

I love this song!

[@mrsalzano1]

The New Kc Line-up (with Jakko Jakszyk and Mel Collins) is in fase of rehearsals in England. They will also play past repertoire . Whish they will pick this one!

[@JohnGLewis1964]

MrSalzano Yes, seconded. Mr. Jakszyk with KC has performed some material off of the disc "Islands" (and which was done very well), but I have not heard of this song being performed as yet. I think "Islands", the album is a favorite of Jakko's. It is an acquired taste... It is a much under-rated album, historically somewhat overlooked in the KC repertoire.

[@beckylink]

John G. Lewis I acquired a taste for it immediately when it came out ;) But I saw this lineup, so it was not a stretch for me. 😉🌴

[@ronpinkowski1792]

Masterpiece

[@Crimsonphilosophy]

wow what a great voice!

[@DarkeningSkies1]

@generaljo3 Jakko fronted the 21st Century Schizoid Band, otherwise comprised of former King Crimson musicians (Ian McDonald, Mel Collins, Michael Giles, Peter Giles, Ian Wallace). That is a great place to begin. This cover is from Jakko's solo album "The Bruised Romantic Glee Club", however, which also contains a killer version of "Pictures Of A City" with new lyrics written by Sinfield just for the occasion of an Indian music flavored take on it. Great.

[@apairofpants1]

cant wait to hear this guy on the new KC album

[@tomstith3580]

Outstanding ! Period!

[@maggieanaya1114]

Such a beautiful song! This version is lovely! :)

[@Logan-Wolverine]

Meraviglioso...non ho altro da aggiungere

[@francofranchi776]

Che artista!!! Una voce eccezionale, complimenti

[@PeterGrenader]

The improvement of this against the original is immeasurable. Makes the KC version seem like the demo. Reverb on the vocal track. ahhhh... been waiting for THAT since 1971!

[@romantworogowski2518]

kiedy to slysze to mysle ze za jakis czas trzeba odejsc w nieznane..."wyspy" to cos umownego ,asylum, nikt z tamtad nie wola, a jednak ta poswiata bialej porannej mgly, muzyka zabiera na skrzydlach w nieznane a i wokal calkiem przedni...Jakko godny nastepca z org. KC "Islands "

[@donerickson5984]

This is truly a wonderful interpretation of the classic King Crimson tune. Also, an inspired choice of artwork. Well done. Thanks for posting.

[@facuvita7217]

This is so beautiful

[@thewizardsofprogg2431]

Beautiful

[@danielabregoify]

Wow this is great!

[@SpammerOvTheGods]

Congrats on the King Crimson gig, dude! Judging from this song, you'll stand tall with their previous singers while bringing something new to the mix. \m/ \m/

[@martianshoes]

RIP Ian Wallace...he contributed to some very classy and accessible post-Crimso output...I wish I had known he spent his last years a mere two hours from me...I would have wanted to have gotten an autograph and given regards......and thanks.

[@beckylink]

martianshoes Oh wow!! I love Ian Wallace and Boz and that lineup .. he defended Boz very firmly upon Boz’ death. Wish you could have talked to him. This version is very corny compared to the original . Ugh. Sad ..

[@kw19193]

@@beckylink It's a bit rushed but otherwise lovely. Difficult I think for talented musicians to mangle such a uniquely beautiful piece of music. Cheers!

[@beckylink]

key west J doesn’t sing it nearly as beautifully as Boz. He’s an excellent player but not a world class singer, in my opinion, especially after seeing both Boz with KC and then JJ all these years later. Still KC tho!

[@kw19193]

@@beckylink Cheers Becky. I admit that I prefer Boz's voice to Jakko's but I'll hold to my opinion that it's a fine version regardless. To each their own, yes? By the way how is your biography on Boz coming along? Cheers!

[@beckylink]

key west Ahoy there! 😀 Ah, the bio… that dream kind of fizzled out for now… I had a good friend who’s Italian who wanted to do it with me; he’s a lawyer and excellent at research, but we’ve lost touch lately. He, in fact, posted this video, I do believe ! He worked on Boz’s Italian Wikipedia page. He was a big part of my KC Facebook group but I never see him anymore. It’s rather quiet, too, these days. 🤷🏻‍♀️ C’est la vie. Will always think the world of Boz.. he never got to use his voice as much as he should have. It really was a beautiful and very intimate way of singing that he possessed.

[@Isabelle1962best]

Love it !

[@tenzinsmith]

You may not like Jakko Indiscipline But you gotta admit Jakko Islands is pretty damn good

[@progrockplaylists]

perfect song great execution

[@dg4145]

great song.

[@psicodance.uxio.noceda.musica]

John Wetton, la mejor voz del rock progresivo y del post rock... the best voice of post rock

[@karmentolable]

Bellísimo

[@ronaldriosarriagada7684]

Beautiful version...

[@GenerElectro]

This is great! Thanks.

[@OcracokeC]

The image is Roger Dean, taken from the Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe LP... also used on the live ABWH.

[@Narada57]

Immortal.....

[@janillodrum]

Recuerdo el momento en que mi alma salió del estadio y viajo a un lugar muy bello. Fue mágico, pura belleza. Viernes 12 de octubre del 2019.

[@janillodrum]

Santiago de Chile

[@ai.201]

Mesmerising

[@artyommca]

Bravo !

[@uphollandlatic]

Everyone should walk the Pembrokeshire Cliff Path from Abereiddy to Porthgain and have this or the original playing in their head.

[@lucianoabbatangelo8254]

Wondrous

[@celsocruzjr1738]

As melodias do King Crimson são maravilhosas!

[@adam872]

The whole album of Jakko's is great, but this is one of the best tracks on it. Catley's Ashes is another fantastic song (an original too). The covers half of the disc is at times outrageously good. And as an added bonus, you get to hear Dave Stewart playing prog, which can't be a bad thing.

[@Marctull66]

Which Dave Stewart are you thinking about ? Not the one of Eurythmics fame ? It's not the same musician...

[@Crimsonking3]

Absolutely beautiful arrangement which I heard at the KC gig last night in Birmingham! This guy is very talented and adds so much to the band. Many of the classics such as Starless and In the Court of the Crimson King were flawlessly performed, and Islands was actually better that the original IMHO. The last time I saw them before last night was 37 years ago, I thought they were better this time! Long may they go on with Jakko.

[@beckylink]

Cambridge Alpha Better than the originals ?????? Right!!!!! 😂 This guy comes along and is copying/covering the others, and it is not even in the stratosphere with Boz or Lake or John W!! Please. He seems very nice but....

[@garyhshiproad6549]

Fantastic. I always thought this was Frips best composition and I still do. It seems Jakszyk "gets it" as well. Personally I can't stand all of these new Prog bands-they don't get it and I haven't heard a single one worth listening to who has ever gotten near any of those classic bands from the 1970's. I think UK (Eddie Jobson's band) was probably the last one that even got close and that was a long time ago now.

[@PeterGrenader]

Hate to be a type, but as a flautist I will tell you that's a bass flute he's playing, not just "flute" flute. Confused yet?

[@beckylink]

Peter Grenader Thanks for pointing that out. I knew it had a different sound but couldn't put my finger on it.!

[@kevave54]

@@beckylink and I would like to add that I think to hear a soprano saxophone, not alto or tenor..

[@PeterGrenader]

@@kevave54 yup

[@markharwood7573]

OK, it works, but the original has a magical simplicity.

[@beckylink]

Mark Harwood Totally. This is kind of elevator music to me. It isn’t magical... it’s almost corny. Which I never thought I’d say about a KC tune. I’ll stick with the original...

[@MarieAlice55]

Didn't know you, found you, like you. :)

[@zipix1960]

Everyone's interpretation is different and beautiful and this is very interesting...! Not the best but interesting...!

[@popmastergeneral6418]

Dave Stewart plays piano on this track, not Jakko.

[@beckylink]

Popmaster General Thank you. Some people have no idea what they’re talking about!

[@sm26801]

JAKKOOOOOOOO

[@maciejkucharski5703]

Better than original

[@jorgegonzalez-larramendi5491]

A 21st Cent Schizoid marure. Thanks. ❤❤ gave some lost humanity back to Fripp. Ps very Canterbury..

[@gurgisjones1120]

Title track of King Crimson's fourth album? I'm not as familiar with that album as their rest.

[@loekie64]

Listen carefully to the modest contribution (~20 sec.) from Robert Fripp himself @7.44 - 8.04...

[@Narada57]

immortal.....

[@miguepdvoraks]

buena version de la versión original de KC por uno de los projeckts

[@gallardoabel]

Esta versión de otro que no es KC es plácida y señal. Creo que es buena...

[@kaliman1959ify]

This one goes to Mr. Jaime Farre ...... best Crimson cover ever

[@CircunferenciaPunga]

beautiful, heavenly...but...no one like Boz, dude.

[@beckylink]

CircunferenciaPunga EXACTLY !!! The Bozzell blew this elevator version away... this singing is sadly mediocre.

[@beckylink]

MrLizardisle Sadly, Jakko is mediocre compared with all the rest of these world class musicians. He’s simply attempting to copy the originals. Which is fine but why not get a better singer...? He’s not that good. Very average. The mighty King Crimson deserves better. Excellent musician, but not vocalist. Cheesy.

[@beckylink]

Actually Boz wanted to stay in King Crimson. He went to Fripp and pleaded with him not to break up the band. It wasn’t Boz’ choice. His former girlfriend said his happiest days were with KC. I’ve spoken to her several times. I saw them do their last gig Apr 1, 1972, it was in Birmingham, Alabama. Boz made a lot of money in Bad Co but he was not really happy with it. He had some good times but he wasn’t musically satisfied. Later he became an expert jazz bassist.

[@beckylink]

MrLizardisle Well, that had to do with the fact that there were strains and “cracking at the seams” going on in the band. I love Fripp, I call him “our Genius” ;) but it’s well documented that he was hard to get along with back then. Ask Lake or Wetton (alas, but they’re gone.😢.) Not only Boz’ girlfriend but Ian Wallace said the same things, about Boz wanting the band to go on... all of them did, actually, including Mel Collins at the time. Ian Wallace and Mel said the band was really clicking live and that’s documented now by all the live performances that have surfaced by that lineup and by eyewitness accounts such as my own. :)

[@beckylink]

MrLizardisle I’m happy that Jakko does it for you. I hate to even disparage him because he seems like a very nice man. But I’m not alone, and I have to just say the truth, which is that, to me, he is not a world class singer. Boz has a cool voice, very elegant, intimate.. Lake, majestic , huge voice... Wetton, so much pathos. Haskell, a dark quality unlike the others. They were each so exceptional. For one thing Jakko doesn’t have enough low end. The others were all strong baritones. Jakko’s voice is very lightweight compared to the others. And frankly uncool. The opposite of cool! Plus it’s lacking emotional depth. But some love it. Hey, that’s fine. We shall just agree to politely disagree on that. Cheers and long live King Crimson. I’m old enough to have grown up on them, starting with the first album. When I saw them with Boz, I was 16.

*IVO`s MAGIC WORLD* presents *MUSIC HISTORY GUIDE - FAMOUS BIRTHS* - *MRL COLLINS* - *60th BIRTHDAY, TODAY!!! (SePtEmBeR 5th, 2017)*

[@OcracokeC]

OK... here it is... way out in front of the original. Jesus, I wish the original Crimson players (Collins, MacDonald) and Jakko would team up with Fripp and release a modern day KC based on the original sound. Now that, my friends, would be way cool.

[@diesis80]

Helena baciami ora!

[@gallardoabel]

Fripp is Robert Fripp...

[@Salzburgerstiegl]

Cover picture by James Dean, I guess ;)

[@DarkeningSkies1]

How about Mel's bass flute.... nice, no?

[@lughlongarm76]

What is this image?

[@fedewar96]

It is a painting by Roger Dean, google "Roger Dean Floating Islands"

[@leoramidox]

hermoso no, lo siguiente

[@stephenharperisgay]

"A Scarcity of Miracles" I dunno if you're trying to be funny or something. If not you should be pleased, only MacDonald is missing.

[@alexonezashvili554]

2 SUGARY

[@beckylink]

Alex Onezashvili EXACTLY!! Bordering on elevator version of KC! 😕 JJ is a mediocre singer at best. Hardly “world class” like the other musicians and lets not even try to compare him to Lake Boz or Wetton.!! Or Haskell for that matter!

[@juanalonsocarballo8402]

Bueno, nada que ver con el original. El original es perfecto y esto es otra cosa diferente... también bellísimo pero distinto... maravilloso, pero distinto... más jazzistico... o no, no sé...Gracias

[@kevinhay7073]

Generic voice wrong for Crimson.

[@xaviervermande933]

Booo!!!!! IT turns soup at the end.poor cover...too bad.

[@sergiozuccala7630]

Delicia total, escuchar esto es un camino de ida sin retorno...