May 2, 2008

Portland

What a wonderful city! Rain alternates with sun to scribble colors across the grid of streets and sidewalks. I live a few blocks from Laurelhurst Park, where the pond offers solace and little noises of folding water.

Already I find myself in a few interesting projects. The first one came along as I listened to LP's in the livingroom of the grooviest couple I have ever met, Jonas and Ellen. Somewhere between eating pizza at their rococco golden coffeetable and doing a karoke version of Dancing Queen (for members of the local Elks Lodge) with Ellen out at the coast, we decided what the world really needs more of is harmony vocals. We're currently working up some covers and originals with Ellen on Bass, and myself on guitar. We're looking forward to our good friend Bill joining us on drums, and searching for a fourth member to play some keys or guitar, but mostly we want them to sing.

The next project appeared with a former Popsicle, Devon, who has been writing some dance/metal songs, and needed a guitarist. This project is called Vatican Sons/Ottoman Knives, and features Devon on lead vocals, something I had not heard before, and now love.

Devon and I have also begun a music production company together, Bright Fauna Productions, and are currently on the look out for film, commercial, or artistic projects to lend our talents and skills to.

As for my own songs, I'm still scribbling away, coming up with new songs I like very much, and will begin playing out more over the next few months, once my life settles more into a predictable state. Looking forward to seeing some of you out soon!

December 19th, 2007

BCR Concert

It has been a while since I've updated my website.. so much has happened in that time! The new year finds me moving to Portland, Oregon, where I plan to play and write as much music with as many people in as many places as humanly possible. I'm excited for the adventure, and the change of scene. However, Kansas City is so much a part of my heart, and I will miss everyone here dearly. I hope you all can make it out to my last proper performance the day after Christmas where I will open for the Kansas City legend BCR! I'm very excited to play with my some of my biggest heroes... we'll even play a couple songs all together! It's like a dream come true for me, and I know it will be a very special night. Come to Californo's in Westport at 9pm, December 26th, and bring $8. You will not be disappointed.

Also, if you're free on the night of the 22nd, I'll be playing synth on a few songs for the ACB's at the Brick.. these guys put out some beautiful energy, and the show will also feature two other great Kansas City Bands, It's Over and OK Jones.

Well, I hope to see you before I head off! Love, Joel

April 20th, 2007

CD Release: Computer Geniuses!

So the CD is finished, and the release party is set for May 11! Come to Bar Natasha for a show featuring some of Kansas City's finest musicians: Nick Baker, Eric McCann, Mark Lowrey, Joe Gameson, Emily Tummons, and more! I can't wait to share this new music with you. The record, as mentioned below, was engineered by none other than Mike West, and it might just be the best work I've done yet. Looking forward to seeing all of you again. Joel

October 14th, 2006

Autumn Recording

I've been a bit sparse on news lately because I've been working on a new recording with Mike West in Lawrence. Just as my current album, Big Ideas has been a departure from my first release, Gold in the Bargain Bin, so do I seem to be breaking some ground with this recording. I've had a lot of friends come in and do exceptional work on it, and I'm excited to bring it forth as it takes clearer and clearer shape in the coming months. Apart from that, I've been playing with a few bands lately, The Popsicles, and Bill Belzer and the Beauty Operators. I'm also beginning work on a children's album, inspired in part by my friend Dino O'dell who let me sing on his beautiful new CD--coming out this month. Hope you all are having a lovely autumn; drop me a line on myspace sometime, and let me know what you're up to! All the best, Joel

August 14th, 2006

Summer shows and Tour Blog

This summer's been a hot one! I just played at a beautiful send off for the Boon, my traveling partners on a tour to the east coast a few weeks ago. They had their Kansas City CD release party at Roger Ramjet's, pictured with numerous magical fairies and sparkly fairy dust here, where you will also find the beginnings of a tour blog. Coming up, don't miss Mr. Jeremy Harman play some smoking cello/elec. guitar at Prospero's this coming Sunday.. and as always, you can hear me in a cozy intimate setting down at Truman's every Wednesday at 8pm. Truman's is at 13th and Baltimore, in what used to be the Kansas City Club.

August 7th, 2006

Open Mic Night at Truman's

Every Wednesday night you can come down to Truman's at 1228 Baltimore and enjoy the comfiest, most elegant room in town for absolutely no cover charge! I'll be singing till someone kicks me off the microphone to do their version of "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright" after seeing the Bob Dylan special on TV.. And if anyone shouts out "Freebird" I may have to pull out the extended 15 minute acoustic version!

Summer Tour

We had a great time making our way out east and home again! Thank you to everyone who put us up for the night, came to our shows and especially all you who sang along even when you didn't know all the words. You may never know how good that feels. The Boon is about to release their CD to Kansas City! We will see you at the CD release party! Click here to find out more. I will be posting some travel diaries from the trip soon, and will let people know how to read them right here. All good things, Joel