I am lucky to have a pool of amazing local musicians in the Boston area to tap into to bring my songs to life. Larry Scudder on Viola and keen ears, Steve Wilson, harmonies and piano, Michael Collins on percussion, Barry Oates on production, bass, acoustic lead guitar, harmonies and BS detector, James Wirth on Mandolin (Eliza) & Vincent McCarthy on harmonica (Barcelona Getaway), There are many more not yet on here... stay tuned or come to Boston and look us up.
I just say this: It's music. Either it's good or it's bad; either you like it or you don't" - Gram Parsons
Sounds Like
What strikes me is Foss's vocals, the phrasing and voicing is that of a natural singer, it is soft and vulnerable and conveys the emotion of a true folk story teller. This is one of those singers who could sing the ingredients off a corn flakes packet and perhaps make you see them in whole new light. I have to confess i dont listen to much folk accoustic music anymore,for no other reason than i dont get the time. Its on the up in the commercial rankings with the likes ray lamontagne and Damien rice et al. Eliza fits neatly into that category so the potential commercial viability of this band is pretty high.
I will certainly be checking out more of this bands material and i would reccommend anyone who reads this to do so aswell.
- MP3 unsigned review.
J.P. Foss - was born on Plum Island in the far north east corner of Massachusetts...The Ocean, waves and sand always in his nose, ears and hair..Mom a nurse, dad a salesman, He is the youngest of 3 siblings. He grew up in a small cape tattered by storms every year especially the blizzard of 78' until like everything it all washed away in later years. Elvis, the Stones, Pink Floyd, CSNY and the Beatles were on the record player and in the mix at all times in his house. Woody Guthrie and Dylan knocked him out early....Listening to the Joy Division, early REM and Uncle Tupelo, the Sex Pistols, and the Violent Femmes took him to another place and made him understand what Jimmy meant when he asked "are you experienced?" ;)
"I have been writing and playing music as long as I can remember. My first guitar came from my Uncle Shaker when I was sixteen working on his vegetable farm and stand in rural western MA in the 80's. He was happier with my music and playing than with my work ethic down on the Farm though..Shaker also had the most amazing record collection. I played his old Gibson and listened to his records and eventually I created sounds that I liked and wrote a songs instantly -- while not very good they made me feel good and to keep writing. After a college band or two I formed the Uncle Shaker Band with my favorite songwritier Barry Oates (Don't Lock Me Out) and some amazing musicians (Jeff Timperi on Trumpet and Vicent Mcarthy on harp, sax and clarinet) in the late 90's. It was an eclectic mix and the music was raw, real and at the root of well crafted Americana songwriting. The band dispersed in 2007 but we made a hell of an album You can purchase our one and only record at CD Baby or iTunes.
My songs are my words and music spat out mostly in a stream of conciousness. I make sure they have truth and tell a story, my story as I believe it in the instant I spit them out. Everything is in them; fear, anger, lust, love, sorrow wisdom, selfishness, compassion and sympathy, and all seem to come at times like rain during a monsoon. Sometimes the words surprise me, sometimes they reaffirm and other times they make no sense at all (or do they) but they are raw truth in the moment..this moment, my reality and experience. I find that people relate to them and that makes me smile...So i put music to these words, listen, note them and then move forward. But I try not to get caught up in this story I tell..mostly because I have learned the story has already changed while I am listening.
Most important I am a Dad and I am one lucky SOB with a great group of friends..
Hope you enjoy the songs and be on the look-out for an album in 2009. "
Any song by Jeff makes the World a better place. I PROMISE, there will be an album out by this guy THIS year that will be a classic for the ages! I'd be my life on it.
Foss, for a second there I thought I was looking at a close up shot of a carpenter bee! I'm glad it's just you.. I was freaking myself out... damn these shrooms! lol.. I hope all is well man. Talk soon
This summer will bring a brilliant J.P. Foss album on WildCat Records. I believe in this guy with a meteoric intensity. I love him like a son, a brother, a soul man. He's got something special.
MDR is offering 8 hours of free studio time to an up and coming New England artist via Sonicbids. I wanted to give you a heads up and send you over to our posting. If you're interested, you can submit your EPK for review.
Thank you Thank you Thank you!!! I'm having a GREAT DAY!! ;)
But...You'll never guessed what happened :( Some asshole stole my camera....with my memory card....and all those great Vegas pictures....and videos!! :( Damn him....oh damn.
:Don't Lock me out- is a great song my friend. Love the mix on this, the sound is so real and in your face. Love the writing. When's the CD coming out? I'd really like a copy or two.
FossMan.. I just got done checking out those 2 new tracks.. Great writing. The turnarounds and hooks are placed perfect! Perfectly placed like when you Spoon a female lemur. Not that I know..They fit, and they're warm and supple. Bottom line: I Like! Is NICE!
I just say this: It's music. Either it's good or it's bad; either you like it or you don't" - Gram Parsons
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