Joe Jackson [ tickets ] plans to return to North America in March for another string of dates in support of last year’s “Night and Day II” (Sony Classics). The musician completed an initial leg of U.S. dates last December.

Released last October, “Night and Day II” is a sequel to Jackson’s most commercially successful release, 1982’s “Night and Day” (A&M). Jackson talked about how the new album ended up becoming a sequel in a statement posted to Sony’s official “Night and Day II” website:

“’Night and Day II’ didn't start off as a sequel--but I knew it would have things in common with ‘Night and Day’ because the main inspiration was New York,” Jackson said. “When something is so obviously related to something else, you know, so it has the same DNA, you really ultimately have to admit it. And I'm proud of that album, and a lot of people like it, so why not?"

According to Jackson’s official website, performances on his current outing are at least 2 hours long, feature no opening act and primarily comprise material from “Night and Day” and “Night and Day II.” Most of the shows are split into two parts with a 15-minute intermission.

Jackson’s early-‘80s “Night and Day” featured the singer’s Top 10 hit, “Steppin’ Out.” The album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in 1982.

“Look Sharp!,” Jackson’s 1979 debut, also went gold. That album featured the hit single “Is She Really Going Out with Him?”

In January, Jackson’s 1999 classical-pop composition, “Symphony No. 1,” was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Pop Instrumental Album category. The ceremony is scheduled to air on Feb. 21.

Jackson is currently in the midst of the European leg of his tour, which is scheduled to wrap up on Feb. 25 in Ireland.