Joel Zoss Electronic Press Kit

Joel Zoss

Joel Zoss has enjoyed an international reputation as a songwriter since Bonnie Raitt recorded his “Too Long at the Fair” in 1972. His songs have been recorded by many prominent artists, including Natalie Merchant, Albert Castiglia, and the UK’s Katie Melua.

Joel cut his teeth in Chicago in the 1960’s with some of the world’s greatest bluesmen and began his recording career with Arista in the 1970’s. Featuring his own songs and folk and blues classics by Americana masters Elizabeth Cotten, Lead Belly, and Big Bill Broonzy, Zoss’s unique fingerpicking style and moving vocals have entertained audiences in blues clubs, concert halls, and folk festivals throughout the US and Europe.

From 2007-2009 Joel opened shows for B.B. King and Etta James in theaters across the country. He has performed and recorded with David Bromberg, Taj Mahal, James Taylor, Paul Butterfield, and Howlin’ Wolf. In 2016-2017 Joel performed at the Teatro del Sale and venues in and around Florence, Italy.

Joel’s 2015 album Florida Blues, recorded and mixed by Grammy-Award-winning engineer Ron Taylor at Echo Beach Studios in Jupiter, Florida, was the Roots Music Reports Chart's Top Acoustic Blues Album for the Year 2015.

Joel’s 2009 album Lila was produced by legendary guitarist and founder of the group Fanny, June Millington. Bonnie Raitt’s original version of “Too Long at the Fair” appeared in the documentary film Troubadour, released in 2011.

Joel performs solo on amplified acoustic guitar and as a trio with upright bass and drums.

UPCOMING SHOWS

Booking: Media:

Blues & Folk Festivals and Clubs
Solo, Duo orio for 2016 - 2017

Joel Zoss Videos: May 5, 2017:

Have You Seen My Rider

Key To The Highway

Oh, Weeping Mary

" Florida Blues" was ranked the #1 RMR Top 50 Acoustic Blues Album of the year 2015. It is available on Amazon, Itunes, BMGI Direct and where ever quality music is streamed or sold.
Have You Seen My Rider
Vodka and Red Bull
Street Vet Chant
Two Fish
Goodnight Irene
	Listen To The Band / Radio Download

Press Photo Hi Res

Printable Press Kit

Biography

American dream songs called in
long-distance from an area code
as yet unspecified. —Rolling Stone

He has an uncanny knack for conjuring up gorgeous images that tap the most complex of human emotions. —Honolulu Times

A unique personality, with all the magic and mystery and mischievousness of the classic troubadour. The melodies will haunt you. His lyrics are first-rate poetry. —The Village Voice	It was a treat to see Zoss perform old blues numbers and songs from his forthcoming album…the audience was sent back out into the warm night knowing they had witnessed something special. —Dirty Linen

Pushing the River	The 41st
Cantina Bodega	Bend Down Low
Junkers Blues	Too Much Fighting on the River
Oh, Babe, It Ain't No Lie	Marimba
2016 Catalan Records	1975 Arista Records