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Joe has been performing nationally since eighteen years old. He started his musical career at the age of nine in Frankfort, NY. Landing lead roles in his grade school operettas to making all state in chorus, he focused his energy on singing and song writing. Joe recorded his first piece with the former band Nine Ball which led him to a 1995 SAMY, (Syracuse Area Music Award) nomination for best male vocalist. Nine Ball was gaining momentum and received attention from both independent and major record labels.
Since then, Joe has played with Jomama and the Funkdaddys. The band recorded their first album, (Live at Tinys) in 1999 and it sold over 1000 CDs in a short time. In 2001 Joe went into the studio to record his first solo album titled “Sounds” with his band the Soultrane. While recording their album, Joe and the Soultrane were nominated for another SAMY. This time for best jam band.
Joe has performed with the likes of moe., Medeski, Martin, and Wood, The Violent Femmes, Galactic, DJ Logic, Keller Williams, Charlie Hunter, Tim Reynolds, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Soulive, Karl Densons Tiny Universe, Vince Welnic, Dark Star Orchestra, Max Creek, and The New Deal, The Legendary Wailers, Otiel and the Peacemakers, Al and the Transamericans, Donna the Buffalo, North Mississippi Allstars, and John Browns Body.
What’s going on now?
Joe finished his fourth solo album titled “The Greatest Gift.” He is touring acoustically, and playing with his band Brand New Sin. The new album is available for download at apollotunes.com. If you would like to listen to Joe with Brand New Sin please visit www.brandnewsin.com.
For booking info please contact: email: joe.sweet72@gmail.com
How do you describe your sound?
I like to describe my sound as a smooth mix of folk, jazz, and blues with an original voice and sound. Somewhere between Ben Harper and Paul Simon. The lyrics are comforting and nurture the soul. It’s also very relaxing and easy to listen to. It makes great driving music.
Where did you learn how to play?
I learned how to play chords by watching my friends. When it came to applying them I would sit in my room all day learning my favorite songs by ear. I usually stumbled across a chord I thought sounded good and write my own vocal line over it.
What are your musical influences?
My musical influences range from early rock and roll to jazz and funk. I really got into live music in the 80’s. They made it look so fun to be in a band. Prince has always been one of my favorites. As I got older I started listening to more artists like Paul Simon, the Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers and Phish.
What makes your act, your music unique?
What I think makes my music unique is the things I write about. I want to connect with people on a deeper level. I do my best to stay positive and look to the bright side of things. I’m really big on spirituality. I think it’s important to be grateful for what we have and to share it with others. I’m always thinking of ways to explain the different sides of love. Sometimes I do it through a story, and sometimes I do it by referring to a certain place or feeling. I also like when people get their own ideas of what my songs are about. It could make it more personal for them to have their own meaning. I like to write with that in mind. Some days I’m feeling one way about a song and the next day I think another.
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