MISSION:
JOSH OLMSTEAD BAND was formed in 2005 to perform the songs and musical works of Josh Olmstead, an independently owned & operated Philadelphia-based composer, performer, singer, and classically trained guitarist, as well as lead guitarist in another Philadelphia pop band, B.C. Camplight (One Little Indian Records, UK/US). Josh Olmstead's original material draws from various musical roots, including the blues, country, folk, gospel and rock and roll. Josh Olmstead Band has increasingly begun to introduce select covers and original instrumental explorations into its constantly evolving setlists as a way to preserve early and classic rock and roll's vast canon, and keep the band's music spontaneous for both the musicians and listeners. In anticipation of 2007/2008 concert tour dates of the Northeast, which included stops in Burlington, VT, Woodstock, NY, Northampton, MA, and New York City, Josh Olmstead Band intitiated field recordings of its performances with plans to eventually archive almost all future shows on the internet for streaming purposes. The band has since adopted a "taping policy" encouraging concertgoers to also record the band's performances for non-commercial purposes.
PERSONNEL:
Josh Olmstead Band's 2009 line up includes Josh Olmstead (vocals, guitar), Joseph Primavera (lead guitar), Kevin O'Neill (bass), Natalie Butts (backing vocals & percussion), and founding member Matt Scarano (drums).
PERFORMANCE HISTORY:
Josh Olmstead Band has performed in various venues in Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, sharing the stage with such bands as B.C. Camplight, Bitter, Bitter Weeks, Kenn Kweder, Hoots & Hellmouth, Lucero, Mural and The Mint, and The North Lawrence Midnight Singers. In 2006, the band was invited to perform at a special WXPN hosted Fringe Festival Event. And, most recently the band performed at Penn's Landing Great Plaza as part of the 6th Annual Art Star Craft Bazaar.
STUDIO ALBUMS:
Josh Olmstead's debut studio album "Josh Olmstead I: Charms" was recorded Jan - Mar 2006 at Miner Street Studios with Producer Brian McTear and Tape Operator/Engineer Amy Morrissey, who have worked with such notable artists as Apollo Sunshine, Meg Baird, Bardo Pond, BC Camplight, Danielson, Espers, Matt Pond PA, and Mazarin, among many others. Josh Olmstead's debut featured guest contributions by pedal steel guitarist Mike Brenner (Slo-Mo, Magnolia Electric Co, Marah) and pianist/organist Brian Christinzio (B.C. Camplight).
In late 2008, sessions began for "Josh Olmstead II: Purple Mountain Majesty in the Antler Hotel", an album of all new songs, some of which have been integrated into the band's live show over the years, and some which have yet to be debuted for audiences. More details and a release date to be confirmed.
PRESS:
Philadelphia press for "Josh Olmstead I: Charms" included:
"On Josh Olmstead's debut we hear not just him but his amazing friends--B.C. Camplight, Slo-Mo, Amy Morrissey and Brian McTear--each of whom imbues the proceedings with enough sprightly freshness to win over folks who usually avoid singer/songwriters. Olmstead is breathy and upbeat even when taking his subjects to task: "And oh, how you lie right through your pretty teeth/You must qualify for some statuette from the Academy." His country-kissed folk-pop resonates with honesty, from its flawed characters to true-to-life conflicts, and--as expected from any local musician worth their salt--there's the requisite Philly shout-out in the form of "40th and Baltimore." - Doug Wallen, PHILADELPIA WEEKLY
"Complex, lit-pop.... promises to be the tear in the beer of '06" - A.D. Amorosi, PHILADELPHIA'S CITY PAPER
"After an extended Adirondack adventure, Josh Olmstead has quickly developed into an integral part of the Philadelphia music community. From playing with BC Camplight to enlisting the talents of such local heroes as Slo-Mo and producer Brian McTear, Olmstead had readied himself to produce a terrific album. His debut solo release features unique, cheery and layered songwriting dubbed "complex lit-pop" by the City Paper. Olmstead and his ever-growing solo band continue to bombard the nation on tour, performing the album in it's entirety, and are currently planning an album release event." - Helen Leicht, WXPN RADIO
"Do the sit back thing, and enjoy some good vintage sounds and 70's revival rock" - PULSE WEEKLY
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Josh. it's been forever. how have things been going. I see you've been to the rough streets of reading pa. danger anyway hope all is well and we will have to catch up with each other soon.
Thanks for being a friend of the Mike Elrington Band. It is nice to be a part of your friend list. Please check our tour dates for both Australia and the USA. All the very best.
Great playing the last couple weeks! Had an especially good time saturday night! " One more cup of coffee for the road". Let's put together our own rolling. Thunder revue and hit the highway! NLMS
Hey dudes. Sorry I missed you here. I'm going to add you on my other jawn. I hope all is well. Even if we don't make a vid or if we do, we should grab coffee.
I'll def. try to get to your show tonight. I have to take care of some things first that may take up my night, but if that doesn't happen, I'll make my way over to ya. Either way, hope all is well with you and keep rawking!
Awesome thanks for letting me know!! I will try my best to go see your show!! I think by then I may have some free time! I hope all is well with you! :)
