Nick Jackson bridges the Atlantic

Nick Jackson has an extensive musical history in his own tale of two cities.

Born in the UK and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Jackson fell into the grip of the buzzing music scene of London, England during a visit there some years ago.

Relationships were formed, gigs were played and a band was forged from a vast array of members on both sides of the ocean.

This band is the multi-media collaboration, IT (pronounced "it" not "eye tea").

"We have had several people involved in the project over the years including the Fixx's Rupert Greenall and Robert Archibald from London's death metal scene band Concept," says Jackson. "IT has always been flexible and keen on keeping doors open. We like to have lots of guests."

Currently there exists Canadian and UK versions of IT, resulting in a multi-dimensional style, sound and vision.

The core members are Jackson, Craig West, Andy Rowberry and Alex Inglis.

Filling in the gaps are Robert Archibald in the UK and Brian Holmes, Bryan Belleau, and Ed Young in Canada.

"The Bri/yans" as they're referred to, hail from local metal band Gates of Winter.

Both Craig West and Ed Young have been long-time friends of IT and comprise one half of Startlefish.

"IT and Startlefish have always been good friends and have worked together on previous shows.," explains Jackson. "Craig and I were always keen to work together at some point on a project. The original idea was to have this as a seperate band, which we started called Trauma. It became quite obvious, pretty quickly that Trauma was very similiar to IT."

This mash-up of cultures and genres has produced a truly unique experience for both the band and its audiences on both continents.

"At the end of the day in London, everyone is a 'music expert', so they are a harsher critic, which is good," Andy Rowberry observes. "With the new material from our forthcoming album Departure being very North American influenced, we're finding a whole new level of excitement here in Canada."

"The beauty of music is the fact it is so universal. Where ever you go, whoever you play with, the enjoyment is the same," he continues. " Audiences are different, but that is what makes coming here so much fun. The people here are always so nice to myself and Alex, and we rarely want to go home."

IT's fourth CD, Departure is scheduled for release late this fall and features appearances from numerous guest musicians, including Al Wood, Lindsay Pugh, Jay Case and Sheldon Jaaskelainen.

"We wanted to mix the 'traditional' elements from these musicians with our prog/metal sound," says Jackson. "I suppose the fact that we encompass so many different styles into the band's sound, we're almost more than 'progressive' to the original definition. The term 'progressive' has been used in many different cases over the years. We are simply using it to describe the broader sense of the band and the music we write and record."

Departure will be previewed at IT's Friday, August 31 performance at Algoma University, during which a live DVD will be filmed for inclusion in a double CD/DVD edition of the album to be released early next year.

"Our sets will feature the entire new album Departure bringing in all of its new musical directions inlcuding country, blues, metal, indie and progressive rock," Jackson notes.

The multi-media aspect of IT's live show will be expanded to spectacular heights for the occasion and Dicejar (from the UK) and the Gates of Winter will perform opening sets.

With the purchase of the $10 ticket for the show, fans will receive two EPs, one from the Gates of Winter and the other from IT.

Other upcoming performances by IT include:

Friday, August 24 - 10 p.m. - Foggy Notions

Saturday, August 25 - 11 a.m. - Hempfest

Saturday, August 25 - 10 p.m. - Trout Lake Musicfest

Tuesday, August 28 - 9:30 p.m. - Loplops Gallery-Lounge (acoustic set)

Wednesday, August 29 - 7 p.m. - Eargasm Records (acoustic set and CD signing)

For bookings and further information about IT, visit www.spacehouse.tv.

IT literally bridges cultures and continents, embracing everyone and everything under the sun.

But what would happen if all members, both Canadian and British united as one?

"The core of the British side is here now for this series of shows. It would be one bigger mother of a band and you never know. It may just happen at some point. That would give us two drummers, two keyboard players and three guitarists. Very prog."

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