Jakko Jakszyk was born in London in 1958. At the age of 18 months he was officially adopted by a Polish émigré called Norbert Jakszyk and his French wife Camille. Their  intriguing, dramatic, and at times tragic personal story is chronicled on the album, 'The Road to Ballina.'

In the seventies Jakko was involved in several bands including The Spoons and Warren Harry who was signed to Bronze Records. At this time he was heavily influenced by English progressive rock and the Canterbury scene in particular. This led to a meeting with Dave Stewart of Hatfield And The North and Jakko subsequently sang on the original demo for Stewart's "What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted?" He eventually sang backup on the final version with Colin Blunstone on lead vocals.

Jakko continued to gig, forming Rapid Eye Movement with Stewart although attempts to put out a solo album were frustrated when the record label Chiswick went bankrupt.

He then signed with Stiff Records but his next album recorded in 1983/5 was shelved at the last minute. Material from this, and another projected album for MDM Records in 1986/7, appears on "Are My Ears On Wrong?"

In 1991 Jakko was asked to join Level 42 and stayed with them until their split in 1994. In that year, also, he released a 20-minute mini-album "Kingdom Of Dust" which featured three ex-members of Japan, Richard Barbieri, Mick Karn and Steve Jansen. This was followed in 1995 by " Mustard Gas And Roses", featuring Danny Thompson, Gavin Harrison, Sam Brown, B.J. Cole, Mick Karn and Steve Jansen.

Jakszyk then started work on a project based on his own family life's story , "The Road To Ballina", an almost classical work first aired on BBC Radio 3 in December 1996 and released a few months later. It featured his ex-Level 42 colleagues Mark King, Gary Barnacle and Gavin Harrison.

Jakko has featured on many sessions including work with Mica Paris, Swing Out Sister , Mick Karn among others.

JAKKO

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