Photo by Bob Arrell

The show in Souderton last Sunday was a lot of fun and we were very thankful for such a great crowd. I got to play a few songs off my new record (a bit more info below) and as usual, had a blast with Derek. Thanks to the church for having us out and thanks a bunch to Derek for once again asking me to open for him.

Set list:
1. Nothing hurts like the truth
2. Careless
3. This great divide
4. Love still remains

You can find a review of the show here.

On the way home, we got a bit lost (thanks for nothing Mapquest!) and then got stuck in traffic for an hour or more due to road construction. I have no idea why I don’t own a GPS unit but come this birthday, one shall be mine! If you know of a good one that isn’t overly pricey, drop me a line and let me know.

In other news, I just got the rough mixes for the new EP and I think it sounds great. I’m hoping to get it all locked in and finished for a September/October release. I just need to get everything set up on this end for the free download… I’ll keep you updated on that. I’ll also put a song or two up on Myspace/Facebook/Socialnetworkingsiteofthemoment when they’re finished.

Till next time,
Joe

Hey all, just wanted to let you know that I’ll be opening for Derek Webb on Sunday (8/17) in Souderton, PA. It should be a fun show and it would be great to see all you PA folks out there!

You can find all the details right here.

Later!
Joe

Today my wife and I celebrated ten years of marriage. It’s kind of hard to believe that it’s been that long but here we are, ta-da! We took Callie to my brother’s house for him and his family (hi Brady!) to babysit while Rhonda and I went to dinner at a cool little seafood place. Maryland Crabcakes=Awesome. So it’s been a pretty amazing ten years, my wife is as lovely and awesome as ever (even moreso!) and all things considered I’m a pretty blessed guy. I thought it would be fun to look back over the last ten years and list a few things that have changed…

I’m now bald
I’m a few pounds heavier (give or take 30)
We now live in a nice, cozy house with a big yard instead of a little townhouse with no yard
I’ve recorded 3 records (the 3rd to be released this year)
Taz the dog has murdered at least 4 rabbits (more on this in a later post)
Rhonda now has better taste in music and movies
I still have great taste in music and movies ; )
I became an Apple fanboy
I learned to cook (sort of)
We joined a really great church
Made a LOT of new friends
and most importantly…

had a beautiful little girl who is now 9 1/2 months old.

Time flies and God is good. Talk to you later!

Humbled,
Joe

Hey all, quick note for you… I’ve had a personal Facebook page for a while but I just finally stopped being lazy and added a page for my music. If you have a Facebook page, it would be awesome if you would become a fan by clicking here. Thanks a bunch! Viva la Interweb!

Joe

Sorry it’s been a while since my last post, we’ve been a bit busy here on the home front and I guess I just lost track of time. If it’s any consolation, most everything around here the last few weeks would make for an awfully boring post… except for my legendary battle with a bumble bee. That was pretty awesome.

The new EP is still being worked on, I just got a couple of roughs the other day and it’s sounding great. I’ve been trying to spend some time with the tracks, figure out what works and what needs to be changed. It’s the part of the recording process that seems to take the longest but is probably the most rewarding. Everything starts coming together, like puzzle pieces finally clicking into place for the first time. There’s also a few exciting things on the horizon for this record so I’ll be sure to let you know as we get things locked down a little more. Until then, here’s a few things that I’ve been listening to lately…

Neil Diamond: Home Before Dark- I loved the last record (12 Songs) and just like that one, Rick Rubin is back in the producer’s chair. Really great stuff here and Rubin’s production just hits all the right marks. Plus, Neil Diamond is awesome!

The Weepies: Hideaway- I’m just now getting into this band and I’m really digging this record. A great one to kick back, relax and take in.

Once: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack- The movie was easily my favorite of last year and this record has been in steady rotation since we saw it. I also picked up this dvd which is pretty great… check it out.

Daniel Lanois: Here Is What Is- I finally got this one a few days ago and I like what I’ve heard so far. I’m a Lanois nerd so I’m just happy to have some new music. Can’t wait for that new U2 record he’s working on!

Counting Crows: Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings- I’m honestly really disappointed in this one. I’ve been a huge CC apologist but I’m just not feeling this album. While there’s a few great songs, it just starts to meander for me after a while. I’ll still defend the Crows any day though (I’m looking at you Aaron Melton!)

Radiohead: In Rainbows- Good grief this is a great record. I got it the day it was released online and I think it just might be their best yet… at the very least, it stands shoulder to shoulder with Ok Computer and Kid A. I keep finding more to love with every listen, brilliant stuff.

Ok, my Orioles just won an epic game against the Yankees in the 11th inning and I’m pretty pumped! Now it’s time for a little reading to wind down and then I’m off to bed… talk to you later.

Grace and peace,
Joe

(Thanks to my nephew Brady for reminding me that I have a couple of websites to update!)