Good gravy, y’all! I am fired up and ready to sing my tail off to bring some good music and good times to you. We’re heading back into the studio in May to record the follow up to 2015’s “Unbroken” and I can’t wait for you to join us.
You and your support made the last album possible. I never could have expected the response that “Unbroken” would have. In the time since it’s release, I’ve spent sacred time with people from all manner of Jewish communities, heard the stories of those who have joined the tribe, and prayed with folks from every branch of Judaism and every walk of life. It has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life and to everyone who supported the last crowdfunding campaign or invited me out, thank you.
The journey home to Judaism was just the beginning and so many new songs have been written since our family started down this road. Songs about struggle, community, and this life that we’re all experiencing together. It’s going to absolutely rock and I am so proud to be working with producer, Saul Kaye, to bring this new collection of Jewish Americana to life.
Working again with the King of Jewish Blues!
Independent music can be expensive and this album will be a huge undertaking. We’re putting out a full-length collection of songs – 14 tracks of original Jewish Americana. Most will feature the full band and be recorded “off the floor” in Berkeley, CA. You’ll have access not only to the perk you select, but also behind the scenes pics and videos, exclusive recordings, and what amounts to a backstage pass for the whole endeavor.
We want you with us and can’t wait to get this music from the studio to your ears.
Thanks for the consideration! Feel free to pick a perk and let’s get rolling.
Folks, we did it. The album is mastered and the digital files are heading your way in the next few days!
You’ll receive an email from me (if you gave me an email address) with access to all 14 songs. This won’t be the official release or official distribution but a special release just for funders. That means you’ll have the album a few months before anyone else!
CDs, Stickers, T-Shirts, and other rewards are in the final stages of design and will be sent out as a single shipping or handed directly to you if you’re near me!
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the music. Thank you again for all that you’ve done to make this possible.
Shaaaaaalom!
Well, here it is. The final two weeks of our crowdfunding campaign and while we still have over $11,000 to go, I believe we can get there.
Since we’re here, I should tell you what will happen if this campaign is not fully funded. We’ll still make the album – that is happening without a doubt. We just won’t be able to release it until a later date. We have enough to pay for the studio time, the musicians, and some of the mixing. What we’ve raised unfortunately will not cover all the mixing, mastering, or any of the CD production.
So there’s the plain truth of it. I am absolutely hopeful that we can get there and get it done but I also want to be realistic about what is happening at the moment.
As it stands, the campaign has been shared over 300 times and we’ve had 150 donors so far. If all the folks who shared the campaign come back and donate – I really believe we can get there.
All of this music is inspired by the years since conversion and is full of lessons, stories, and celebration. We go into the studio in May to record an album that I believe will not only add chairs to the table but also create a whole slew of great dinner table conversations. I can’t wait to get it to you.
Good Gravy!
Our first week had a tremendous response and I want to personally thank each and every one of you for contributing to the campaign and joining us on getting this new music into the world.
I just got back from SLBC and aside from being spiritually filled up, I can tell you that it was the best one yet. The music was off the charts and the leadership training was phenomenal. It was a beautiful thing to see so many coming together to create new pathways and opportunities. Check them out at http://www.songleaderbootcamp.com.
After the conference, the incredibly talented Abbie Strauss and I gave a concert at United Hebrew Congregation and folks – it was a hoot! I’ll have some photos on the website and also on our Facebook page for anyone interested in checking it out. The livestream of that show is available for viewing right now at http://www.unitedhebrew.org/praying/livestream/
I hope that the Day of Rest beings you peace, warmth, and lots of connection. I want to leave you a piece of wisdom:
“Every blade of grass has its Angel that bends over it and whispers, Grow, Grow” – The Talmud
Thank you for being my Angels and constantly whispering, “Grow, grow”.
Be well, be kind, and remember to sing.
L’shalom,
Joe