projects
Joe has long contributed his tasteful approach to melodic playing and interpreting traditional music to his work with other acts, including Mr Sun, the Gibson Brothers, and Joy Kills Sorrow. With Sweet Loam, Joe has a project that puts his writing, playing, and reimaginations oftraditional music and forms in the focus. Along for the ride are three outstanding masters of acoustic music: the astonishing fiddler John Mailander and two leading lights of the New England folk/bluegrass world, guitarist Lincoln Meyers and bass player Steve Roy.
Mr Sun: a cross-generational adventurous stringband that features the legendary inspired fiddling of Darol Anger, the ferocious guitar artistry and humor of Grant Gordy, the “how does he do that”-style bass playing of Ethan Jodziewicz, and the melodic, driven mandolin playing of Joe K. Walsh.
In the words of fiddler, Darol Anger:
“What does it mean to inhabit American String Music, rather than re-invent it? Can we say we are innovating when we each simply play from a powerfully personal point of view? Does the inter-ensemble hebephrenic cross-explication of dominant structures imply a musico-cultural guffaw at diatonic modality? Does anyone care that an inter-generational acoustic string band can deploy every musical trope of the 20th century at the same time?
What the heck am I blithering about, anyway?… I'm coming around to the idea that there are no real music genres as such, only human beings who emanate musical presences of varying power, in unique combinations. This group of souls is one of the most generous, sparkiest and most engaging musical combinations I've ever had the honor to be a part of; to the point that I'm willing to end a clause with a preposition, and a sentence with an expostulation….dang!”
GRANT GORDY & JOE K. WALSH
The music of Grant Gordy and Joe K. Walsh arises from and expands upon the great tradition of guitar and mandolin duets. Drawing heavily from bluegrass and string band music while folding in sounds from influences as varied as Jerry Garcia, Bill Frisell, David Grisman, and Django Reinhardt, their sound is an exciting romp through many acoustic styles, all tied together with their deep improvisatory communication. In addition to touring as a duet, Grant and Joe play with Darol Anger and Ethan Jodziewicz in a band called Mr Sun, and have toured together all over North America and Europe.
THE PEREGRINES
The transatlantic string group “The Peregrines”, features Grant Gordy (guitar/vocals; NYC), Ben Somers (double bass/vocals/sax; London), Joe K. Walsh (mandolin/vocals Maine USA), and Bobby Britt (fiddle, Boston, USA). These four virtuosos are known internationally for their own work, as well as for their collaborations with such acts as David Grisman, Seal, the Gibson Brothers, Town Mountain, and Steve Martin. Their music, both original and traditional, draws influence from bluegrass, old time, jazz, folk music and more. Their performances are like an improvisational musical conversation between the members, stitching together diverse styles with a deep connection that makes every show a unique experience.