Neil Young, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Steve Earle, Brian Eno, Mike Oldfield, Nick Drake, Janis Joplin, King Crimson, Tom Petty, J.J.Cale, The Byrds, The Rolling Stones, Gram Parsons, Lucinda Williams and more to be added.
Since 2003 I have lived in Japan and have been involved in various music making projects initiated through the purchase of an AW16G 16 Track recording module. So far, eleven CDs have been produced by myself through an organization known as Nexist Productions. Four of these recordings have been solo efforts by myself, generally recorded with layers of overdubs in a method similar to Mike Oldfield's. Three CDs have been group efforts with Gavin Palmer under the name Blue Avenue, the most recent one featuring the drumming of Ken O'Keefe. Two more are "Let's Be Reasonable About This" and "Cause and Effect" by Guru Monkey, featuring mainly original songs by by the expatriate singer/songwriter J.P. Walker. A collaborative CD of Bob Dylan songs entitled "You Know Something's Happening Here" featuring myself and J.P. Walker was completed in 2006. Also. in the same year, a CD entitled "Not For Sale"by the Tokyo based group Boogie Sue was completed. In the coming months, a new Boogie Sue CD will be produced, featuring original material by Sparky, the lead guitarist and singer.
The four songs posted here are from my latest solo CD "Regine." This record is a kind of rock opera consisting of songs based on the romance between Soren Kierkegaard and Regine Olsen that took place in the 19th century. Most guitars, keyboards, and lead vocals are by myself, but I was also fortunate to be able to get backing musicians on this effort. These people are: Ken O'Keefe on drums, Bruno Shakir on bass and percussion, J.P. Walker on backing vocals, Sparky on lead guitar (track 7), Rocky on bass (track 7), Gavin Palmer on acoustic guitar (track 7) and Sleepy on drums (track 7). You can check out most of these people on Myspace. Please write to my Myspace inbox if you are interested in purchasing a copy of "Regine."
Hi Joel, just got your email. Will reply asap. In the meantime, I'm to pass this message on from my friend Sue, she really digs Regine -
"Hi Joel, this album was a pressie from a very dear friend that has REALLY grown on me, the music seems to flow on a gentle n mellow breeze - am not 100% familiar with all your musical influences, although I have heard of them, but from my misspent youth I feel one could also add a trace of Knopfler too (well i think it is a good thing!), anyway, just wanted to say i really enjoy listening to it."
Joel, these are extremely fine songs my friend. If you don't mind the comaparison 'In White' is RIGHT up there with the best of Gordon Lightfoot's - gorgeous and bittersweet.
Actually... upon listening once again ... I take back what I said about the vocals being a little too far back .. Think they're perfect as they are ... so that's it. No quibbles with 'Seems To Me' at all.
How's it feel to have written one of my all time favourite songs?? :o) lol
