You might have seen him at the Monday night blues jam at Tommys. He closes his eyes and his mouth starts mawking as he pulls slow leads off his Fender Stratocaster is he really talking to his guitar? Joe Nadeau is described by fellow musicians as a very real, very spiritual player. A song hes done -- say hes played it a million times -- he still feels it. He means it, bass player John Compton said.
Nadeau moved from his hometown of Boston to Dallas in 1990, because, he said, I loved Texas blues and I wanted to find out what this place was all about. There he met a very young Kenny Wayne Shepherd, who hired Nadeau to put together a band, which brought him to Shreveport. Nadeau was Kenny Waynes first vocalist and rhythm guitarist and shared lead for many years. With Shepherd, he co-wrote three songs on the gold-certified Ledbetter Heights album, including Shame, Shame and Let Me Up. He continued to work with Shepherd on the follow up, Trouble Is The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band took Nadeau on several tours, cross country and around the world. He has appeared on Austin City Limits and has performed with some of the great musicians of our time, including the Eagles, Bob Dylan, B.B. King, Jimmy Vaughan, the Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd and James Brown.
Nadeau vaulted to the next level of his musical career by releasing his debut album "Burning Sands". According to a spokesperson of Nadeaus label, Sukey Jump Records, Joe is finally stepped up to the plate. He's rightly secured his place at the top of the heap of blues guitarists. The album already comes with a high pedigree and features special guests, including Shepherd. It was recorded at 152 Beale Street Studios, mixed at the House of Blues Studios in Memphis and engineered by Greg Archilla, highly regarded for his work with Buckcherry, Matchbox 20 and Neil Young.
Its not all blues, Nadeau said of the album. Theres everything from a straight slow blues called Ill Help You Pack to a funk rock song, Raise Your Right Hand. Its 12 tracks of all original material. Ive lived here for seven or eight years and nobody has seen me do my thing. Nobody. I am stoked.
What he wants is to be on the road behind a successful record. But what about fame? Superstardom? What the hell is that? he said while making a contemptuous face. Then, with a grin, Nadeau said, Lets put it this way. Ill take as much as I can get. Hes also looking forward to touring with some of his heroes -- B.B King, Duke Robillard and Ronnie Earl.
As Nadeau enters this new chapter of his life, he feels good. I am playing, singing, performing better than I ever have, he said. And my songwriting is stronger than ever. After struggling with alcohol and drugs for over 15 years, Im clean and sober; December 1 was a year. If it wasnt for God getting me through that, then all this stuff getting a record deal, finding peace of mind -- none of this would be happening, if not for God.
Hey Partier! I wanted to check in on ya to see if you got your Macys Gift Card in the mail this week. I got mine!!! I'm going to put in a few more emails at that website to see how many they are going to send me. Check out this SICK Chanel purse that I ordered with the Macys Card I got for FREE!
Reminder: Christmas Party and Jam - you're invited! RSVP, if you don't mind
On December the 5th,
(Yes, it's next Tuesday)
We're having a party
A jammin' the blues day
We have all the gear
Drums, amps and guitars
We're serving up gumbo
So jump in your cars
Just plan to be here
At the Temple of Shirley
Bring your own bottle
Stay late, arrive early...
Starts at 6:00PM
410 Shirley Street, Marshall TX
Take Henly Perry Drive
off S. Washington, go 3 blocks
to Wingwood, take a right, go 1 block.
We're at the corner of Wingwood & Shirley.
Call 903-926-5482 if you have questions
Hey JOE!! Not only do I love your guitar playing skills I love the feeling that comes across in your music. I really miss seeing you play. Like Dawn said - Let us know when and where we can see you and we will come out. By the way - I love the way you sing too!
Joe is a fantabulous guitarist. If ever have the opportunity to hear him, do yourself the favor and do so. By the way Joe, do us all the favor and let us know where & when your shows are. Keep making beautiful music!
I would not be playing music today if it weren't for Joe Nadeau. One of the single most important people in my life, and always will be. Do yourself a favor and pickup a copy of "Burning Sands"...
