JOE DRAPER: Press

Joe Draper's CD Release Party at Last Exit (Saturday)

Almost six weeks have passed since former Loveblisters manager Jack Maverik took over at Last Exit, and thing have never been better at the Tempe venue. Plenty of beers and booze is getting sold, there's plenty of bodies occupying it's many barstools, and new pinball machine is a blast to play. (And to think that as little as two months ago the place almost went teets up.) Plus the live musc schedule is filled with gigs by an eclectic selection of some of this town's best bands, like the talented Joe Draper Band, who are holding marking the release of their newly-released album with an evening of high-energy alt-rock. Random Karma, Haven James, and Phantom 55 guest star. One-buck PBRs will be served from 8 to 10 p.m., with $2 Last Exit shots and Bud Drafts available until last call. 9 p.m., $5. (1425 West Southern Avenue, Tempe, 480-557-6656)

REGARDING THE DEBUT ALBUM:

Very Impressed!
Reviewer: Andy Lewis, Pipeline Radio, UK
'JOE DRAPER'-it's GREAT, it really is! There's something there that will appeal to everyone, I can guarantee it.

Joe is an excellent musician.
Reviewer: Steve Eichele
As a fellow musician I am probably more critical than the average listener, however, I found this young new artist to be extremely talented, a one man band. His musical abilities are quite remarkable and I enjoyed his raw style. He certainly has the talent and ability to go quite far in the music industry.

Joe Rocks On His Debut!!!!
Reviewer: Rob Alvarado
Excellent songwriting and powerful musical arrangements make Draper's articulate vocals stand out on every one of the tracks on this CD. There are elements of Old School Rock and Roll, Blues, and Folk that are woven throughout. Draper showcases a diverse vocal and musical style with tracks ranging from slow, folksy ballads to more energetic power rock jams. You can hear the musical influences of the classics from the Beatles all the way to AC/DC. One thing is for sure, these power guitars and vocal elements mix well to make one great debut CD. Keep ROCKIN’ Joe!

Passion!
Reviewer: tmh
What an awesome collection. Listen to his words and hear his music. Joe draws inspiration for his songs from the world around him, and weaves that with his music. He plays with such passionate energy. Lately, my favorite is the blues-sounding Crying Shame, but they are all GREAT! Can't wait to hear more!

It's a cool breeze and a hot blast...
Reviewer: Rick J
Hot master guitarist Joe Draper's self-named debut CD is a perfect mix of understated vocals and staggering musicianship. Lovely lyrics, unforgettable tunes, and stunning guitar work have earned this CD an honored and timeless place in my music collection.

I don't want to stop listening!
Reviewer: Terri M
Each song is unique, but it's all rock n roll with a strong rolling beat and great melodies, true to blues/rock tradition. The lyrics are deceptively simple: they're all about love, but the emotions range from deep and honest to the tongue-in-cheek shrug. I hope to see more from this artist!

Great Sound
Reviewer: Mike S
No doubt this is a great album... from start to finish this album was enjoyable! The Blues and Rock N Roll mixture is awesome... Great Job!

This album bridges a little retro rock with x-generation feel
Reviewer: O. Sput Cutright
Joe manages to take a wide range of instrumental harmonics, cunning lyrics and make them into a sound that’s uniquely bad-ass.

Great Music!
Reviewer: Ever Ruiz
Fantastic music. This is what I call a real musician. With his talent I can see him going very far in his career. Awesome job.

Very impressed with this debut album. If you love to rock then you'll love this album.
Reviewer: Charlie M.
All the songs are great, you run the gambit of different styles of rock and folk, hearing bits of Beatles, Led Zep, Stones, and for me sounds of Ricky Nelson and Tom Petty. Definitely a must have for anyone's cd collection.

INCREDIBLE
Reviewer: Josue Alejandro
Joe Draper's CD reminds me why I fell in love with rock n roll to begin with. He has taken us back to the basics. It's an INCREDIBLE collection of songs. I enjoy it, every time I listen to it.

Every tune appeals to my love of Blues / Rock and Roll
Reviewer: Timothy McMahon
This is Rock / Blues for sophisticated taste, Rock and Roll with an edge that will cut to your heart and lead belly. I really love this stuff. When's the next cd coming out?

I Started Dancing!
Reviewer: Barb Gramm
Joe Draper is an accomplished musician who appears to "Have It All" in the music business. Joe's lyrics are great, he sings them well, and accompanies himself with a great beat; yet the sweetness of his soul radiates through. Dark Clouds Gatherin' got me dancing. Joe's CD has grown on me and I continue to play it again and again.

Fresh way of old style rock and roll
Reviewer: Sandra Boylan
Loved it, I want more. Can dance to this, or just enjoy.

ROCKIN CD!
Reviewer: ROGO
THIS CD TAKES YOU BACK TO THE ROOTS OF ROCK AND ROLL. JOE REALLY DID A GREAT JOB PRODUCING A CD THAT INCLUDES SOME OF THE BEST LEAD GUITAR LICKS I'VE HEARD. UNBELIEVABLE WORK, JOE. KEEP ON ROCKIN!!!!

Awesome.
Reviewer: Scott
This album is just GREAT rock and roll. Can't wait for the next.