| Joe Gee’s “Gee Joe” by Dana Jones, reviewer for www.misslana.com - “Texicana Music Central” Long awaited by friends and fans alike, Joe Gee’s new CD “Gee Joe” has finally arrived. I had known Joe for a while before I ever really heard him sing. This transplanted Texas musician walked up to the open mic at Pickin’ in the Pines in May of 2005, and boldly signed up on the blank space known as “first”. Fellow Fredheads (nickname of Fred Eaglesmith fans) had already told me he was good. It was here his songs blew me away for the first of many times to come. As he stepped onstage, he won the crowd over right away with his charming personality. Before I knew it, he had belted out three fantastic songs and left me wanting more! He entertained us at camp several times during the weekend, I suppose it was then I probably started nagging him about “when is the CD coming out”?? He was just too good not to have one. I can’t take full credit with my nagging, or maybe he did do it to shut me up, but another year and several wonderful shows later, it’s here. And what a sheer delight it is! I’m blown away again, just like the first time. I can honestly say, both musically and lyrically, there is something for everyone on this CD. It’s rare that an artist chooses to share when he can do just about any type of music you like, and do it well. Gee does it all very well. This one is in my top 5 for 2006! From his original tunes, to carefully selected covers, Joe’s unique singing voice comforts and excites the listener at the same time. Much like Joe’s personality, you never know what will happen next, and you’re never disappointed. He also decided to pull in some highly respected folks to join him in the studio. Legend Red Volkert, Noel McKay of The McKay Brothers and Dan Walsh, dobro, guitar, baritone guitar wizard and former member of Fred Eaglesmith's band are just a sampling of those who believed in Joe enough to play on this disc. Joe himself is a very talented musician, and he has an ear for what really works. My only regret is that we didn’t find him and his talents much sooner!! I’ve got some favorites on the CD. On the fun side, I’ve loved “Butter My Biscuit” since the first time I heard Joe sing it back at “The Pines”. And I can honestly say, the first time I heard Joe sing “Three Days”, I cried, but with laughter. Eaglesmith fans will catch and enjoy the many allusions to Fred’s tunes and career. He did a fantastic version of this song on the disc, for any Fred collector, this is a must have. And speaking of Eaglesmith, one of my favorite songs on the more serious side is Joe’s cover of “Mary Anne”. Joe makes it his own, and frankly, it’s my very favorite version of the song. His cover of Audrey Auld Mezera’s “One Eye” finds him taking yet another of my favorites, doing his own interpretation, and getting two thumbs up from someone who is picky about covers! Joe’s originals “I Got Nothin’ to Say” and “Starbright” are truly standouts, but perhaps my favorite track on the disc is his co-write with Paul Thorn “There Ain’t Nothing Wrong”. I’ve loved this song since the first time I heard it, and I’d love to see it get some radio play. It’s a song that plays in my head quite often, and I really like it. The production quality on the CD is very good. Occasionally the music seems to overpower Joe’s voice a little. And for me, although the music is fantastic throughout the CD, Joe’s soft, almost hoarse but clear voice is what I truly love to hear most of all. I must confess, my favorite way to hear this guy still is with his acoustic guitar (and maybe a friend on dobro occasionally). And if I can’t have that on a daily basis, I have a great CD to hold me over until my next LIVE Joe Gee fix. Touching, funny, beautiful, tongue-in-cheek, risks, diversity, class, and best of all, QUALITY, I highly recommend this CD for everyone. Joe’s CD is available at www.lonestarmusic.com and www.cdbaby.com . |
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