"One day, Leon Redbone and Nat King Cole met up with Django Reinhardt and 'Doc' Watson for lunch at this little 'south of the border' restaurant owned by Antonio Carlos Jobim. Seated next to them were John Lennon, James Taylor and Paul Simon. Next thing you know, a jam session breaks out..."
In a musical career that has spanned over 30 years, Joseph Hasty has been influenced by all of those legendary artists, evidence of which can be heard on his new CD "Rhythm Changes". His extensive performing experience has carried him to stages in America, Australia and Europe - where he lived for seven years. A gifted performer who displays talents as a composer and arranger, Joseph studied jazz chord theory at the "Academy of Contemporary Music" in Zurich, Switzerland, but he credits the Mickey Baker Jazz Guitar book for his distinctive jazzy-rhythmic-guitar style. A three-time recipient of the "Regional Artist's Grant" award presented through the North Carolina Arts Council, Joseph currently plays guitar and/or upright bass and sings lead or harmony vocals with several regional acts in Western North Carolina including his own Jazz combo: "Centerpiece". Joseph's recently released CD of all original material: "Rhythm Changes", is an eclectic blend of Acoustic Jazz that is currently receiving substantial radio airplay on regional NPR stations. Featuring swing tunes, Latin rhythms and smooth vocals, "Rhythm Changes" has been described as 'cooler than the other side of the pillow'. Here's WHAT THEY'RE SAYING about Joseph and "Rhythm Changes": "Fantastic!" - Kim Clark; WNCW 88.7 FM "The recording/production quality is excellent, with each element clean and easy to hear. Strong timbral contrast makes for a satisfying ensemble sound". "Tons of great lines (in the Italian Restaurant Blues). I can't even count the number of clever rhymes... and the vocal delivery brings it home. Great job, Joseph!" - TAXI A&R Staff "To hear the polished acoustic jazz of Joseph Hasty's new album 'Rhythm Changes', you would never guess that music is not his full-time profession... the lyrics in many of the songs are amusing and light-hearted..." - Gina Smith: Charlotte Observer "I have selected cuts 5, 7 and 11 for inclusion in regular rotation on my program 'Heartstrings'. Thank you!" - Mel Lowe; WSGE 91.7 FM Joseph also performs regularly with: "Drive South" (Bluegrass) www.drivesouthband.com "Musica Nostra" (Italian Mandolin and Acoustic Swing) www.webpages.charter.net/dickhull/musica "The Euphoria String Band" (Contra Dance Band) And also with Singer-Songwriter "Bob Sinclair" (Indie-Americana) www.bobsinclairmusic.com. |
