Album review: JOSH TAERK – Josh
Absolute [Release date 14.10.13]
The latest release by young Canadian singer/songwriter Josh Taerk is something of a throwback. Even his mop of curls shouts ‘1980s’, although I’m guessing it’s not a perm!
The opening number – ‘I’ll Live For You’ – sets the tone sounding like an acoustic guitar armed Bruce Hornsby backed by a laid back Toto, with some of the rhythm guitar lines echoing Kim Carnes’ Betty Davis Eyes.
It’s little wonder therefore that on the other side of the pond Josh’s brand of melodic rock has attracted the support of fellow musicians like the E Street Band’s Max Weinberg (who invited him to open his own set), John Oates (who booked him for a songwriters festival) and producer Terry Brown.
Following extensive touring across Canada and North America, he’s serving a long apprenticeship in the UK with three national support tours, a run of headline dates in October, and a November/December Coffee House Session tour of University campus cafes.
In many ways, Josh’s easy on the ear material – that would sit happily next to masters of the genre like Andrew Gold, Don McLlean and Stephen Bishop - is the perfect accompaniment for a Frappuccino or Espresso, and ideally with a muffin on the side while sporting a loose fitting pair of corduroy slacks and a comfy pair of brogues.
Yes, there may be no ‘edge’ or ‘attitude’ here, but the froth on your latte will be safe with this supremely well crafted, radio friendly set. So if AOR is your bag, Josh Taerk may well be your man. ***
Review by Pete Whalley
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.
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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024
THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)
Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
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