"First-year UI College of Dentistry student Uker unveils his debut disc "Speaking of Stars," an earnest, organic mix of original folk-rock and ballads co-produced with David Zollo (who adds his dependably gorgeous keys to the project) and engineered by Luke Tweedy at IC's Flat Black Studios. Phrasing and tune constructs often recall early James Taylor."
--Jim Musser, Iowa City Press Citizen
"If you are into Jack Johnson & Dave Matthews with a sprinkle of Tracy Chapman and a touch James Taylor, with some David Zollo for spice; then Joe Uker might just be your thing."
--Luke Tweedy, Flat Black Studios, Iowa City, IA
--------------ALBUM PURCHASE INFORMATION-----------------
Speaking of Stars, my debut album, is half acoustic guitar/harmonica and half band arrangements. I will be selling my albums at all upcoming shows. If you would like to buy an album directly, please send a check or money order for $10 per CD (plus $5 S&H/packaging per shipment) to: Joe Uker, 815 Oakcrest St Apt 1, Iowa City, IA 52246. Checks can be made out to Joe Uker.
These rates apply for orders made within the continental 48 United States. As soon as I receive your order, I will have your CD(s) in the mail within 2 days, for a quick turnaround. I am excited about the high quality of artwork and photography my designers put into Speaking of Stars. My graphic designer, Liegia Uker, photographer, Audrey Roof, and manufacturer, Noiseland Industries, did an excellent job of putting together a great looking album.
For persons living in or near my hometown of OSAGE, IA, I will be having a hometown album release show, June 7th at Teluwut Grille House & Pub at 7 pm. My parents also have copies for sale for those who are interested in obtaining one before or after that time.
------------------------BIOGRAPHY--------------------------
I started playing guitar about five years ago, when my brother, Ben, bought me my first guitar. Playing cover songs and trying to imitate my favorite bands and performers over the next few years, I developed a love for playing and performing for close friends and family. Although I wrote my first two songs shortly after I started playing, the rest of my music has come to me since October 2006. I started performing live in April of 2007, and--as a favor to my brother--Iowa City's legendary David Zollo came to one of my open mikes at The Mill and afterwards agreed to have me start opening up for his shows. I had my first opening act for Zollo at The Mill in September 2007. More opening acts followed, and after playing few shows together, he and I toyed with the notion of playing together for a couple of my songs. He ended up playing along to a number of my songs over the next few months. After receiving exposure in venues across the state, I started booking gigs of my own. Once I was consistently playing my own show, we needed to consider the next rational move concerning the progression of my music. That is when Zollo told me I was ready to record my first album, offering his studio production knowledge and musical majesty (as I put it) to the project. The outcome was my debut album--Speaking of Stars--which was released Thursday, May 8, 2008 at The Mill in Iowa City, IA. Before and since, I have performed a number of solo acts all across Iowa, and I am looking to expand much further. You should expect to see me in Cedar Falls, Davenport/Bettendorf, and Dubuque, as well as Iowa college campuses in the fall. After which, my goals and ambitions have no limitations...
Ukes...nice to see you'll be playing at KilKennys here in the Quad Cities. Hopefully I'll get a chance to make it downtown to see you one of those nights!!!
hey joe, i'm good. how are those finals going? sometime after this week we should get together so i can start writing that article i mentioned to you. let me know what your schedule is gonna be like.
Anytime my friend. I had a trip planned to Iowa, but then they sent me to Aberdeen. I will probably be up there sometime this summer, and hopefully you can plan a trip south. Keep me up to date on the latest and greatest.
Ukes man, what's going on? School is winding down and I'll be heading back to Iowa in about a month. You going to be around to hang out? How's the music industry treatin ya? Keep me updated. Stay cool
well tim just had surgery on his leg on monday..so i dont know if he will feel like doing much. He is going tobe on crutches for 2 months...:(BUt you know Kim and I will be there:) I am trying to get a bunch of people to come with us. Ill cya friday!:)
Yeah the weather can't make up it's mind here... It'll be in the 30's in the morning and the 70's in the afternoon. How's life been for you besides the chilly weather? Will you send me some snow sometime this winter?
Joe, Listened to all your songs...they all sound great. Let me know when you play in Iowa next. I would come up to MN and pack the house but that is state fair weekend. Chase is having a party August 31st, I'll pick you up if you want to sing at the party.
