Jack Lukeman, more commonly known as Jack L is an Irish songwriter, musician, record producer, vocal artist and broadcaster. He has recently released a new live album, Streamed - The Best of the Lockdown Sessions - Vol 1.
The album features the single Somewhere in my Heart, a unique cover of the Aztec Camera classic, along with the recording debut of Jack's father, Sean Loughman Snr.
Here at Culture, we asked Jack L for his cultural picks...
FILM
The Lighthouse with Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson is a modern classic, without a doubt. Fantastically directed in black and white by Robert Eggers using old black and white camera techniques. It also has a memorable wonky soundtrack from Mark Korven. Though it's darkness and eeriness might not be to everyone’s favour, it sure captures the imagination; it being the tale of two lighthouse keepers losing their minds in the solitude of a small island makes it the perfect movie for Lockdown.
MUSIC
I'm currently enjoying the music of Eivør Pálsdóttir, known as Eivør, she is a Faroese Island singer-songwriter with a fantastic voice and a wide range of influences. Her musical roots are in the Faroese ballads. Her latest album Segl has a fantastic electronic pop-rock sound and her previous albums are equally as good. Check her out.
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BOOK
I just re-read Harpo Speaks by Harpo Marx. It's a fantastic and hilarious read. The Marx Brothers were way ahead of their time and the fact most of the gags still work it a testimony to their timelessness. They started out in vaudeville, and I'm always fascinated at how stage shows were put together years ago. They were also very rock and roll before it even existed.
PLAY
John B Keane's The Matchmaker is the last play I saw properly, starring the brilliant Jon Kenny and Mary McEvoy. Keane's writing combined with these two great actors makes for a funfair ride of double entendres and innuendo like no other. It's also fun to hear how sex was talked about in Catholic Ireland. Not sure if it's still running or will be in the future after the pandemic, but if you get a chance check it out.
TV PROGRAMME
I have loved watching the majesty of the latest Star Wars offering, The Mandalorian. Visually it is stunning. The new technology that they are shooting with is so otherworldly it really is the finest escapism. It also harps back to the Incredible illustrations by artist Ralph McQuarrie, whose drawings brought the Star Wars universe to life back in the seventies.
GIG
The last gig I attended was when I was opening for Jools Holland's Rhythm and Blues Orchestra in Brighton last December. Usually, the only gigs I see are ones where I'm opening for people or involved and hopefully the next one I attend will be the same. I was supposed to be opening for Jools in the Royal Albert Hall this week. Unfortunately, we will have to wait. Check his amazing live show out if you get a chance, some of the greatest musicians and singers in the world are part of his band.
ART
It's an obvious choice, but I’ve always loved Van Gogh A Starry Night. It was before its time, and new things can still be found in his ethereal vision. I've been to his museum in Amsterdam several times over the years and it’s always a magical experience.
RADIO/PODCAST
I'm a big fan of both radio and podcasts. I enjoy Dave Fanning's weekend shows - they always have interesting topics. Brendan O'Connor also is great to keep up to date with the goings-on in the world, and I am a fan of Eamon Dunphy's The Stand as I've always enjoyed his frank interviewing style. Jarlath Regan's Irishman Abroad is always full of great conversations also.
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TECH
Starwalk is an app that lets you map the stars with augmented reality. I am big into astronomy and could get lost looking at it for hours. Better than any tv programme.
THE NEXT BIG THING...
I think people are rediscovering the immense beauty and entertainment, both mental and spiritual, that nature can provide. It's great to see and hear people enjoying birdsong and hill walks and kids sowing vegetables. Humans are basically put here to be gardeners not destroyers of the planet. One of the good things to come from the lockdown was people opening their eyes and ears again to the mysterious beauty that surrounds us. So let’s hope that continues to be the next big thing.
Streamed - The Best of the Lockdown Sessions - Vol 1 is available now via www.Jacklukeman.com.
