A singer/guitarist/songwriter based in the mountains of Asheville, NC, Joel has a sound with elements of folk, jazz, blues, and even a hint of country. Born and raised outside of Charlotte, he was exposed to the classics of the tradition in James Taylor, John Denver, etc. that can still be heard in his music today. Why did he eventually head for the bright lights of Chicago? "I hadn’t known we could leave," he simply says.

Several years strumming in and around the Windy City left the footprints of both Celtic and Chicago blues styles on his playing, creating a unique blend. Joel then headed for the Colorado Rockies, and put out his first cds locally in Denver, with the rock band Hank and the Hankstirs. "My favorite place is always the one I’ve never been to," he jokes, which explains his move into the Seattle music scene in the late 90s. While on the West Coast, Joel became the front man for The GHP, a band that was not only a live favorite, but also put out a self-titled cd that gained top40 Seattle-station airplay.

Previous Recordings:

The Jeroboams: Jeroboams 1989

Lila: Lila 1994

Hank and the Hankstirs: It Doesn’t Matter 1996

The GHP: The GHP* 2002