Album review: JOSH TAERK – Josh

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

Single review


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

Next session: Sunday 19 January


Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio



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 1 December 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 3 December 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)



Popular (last 10 days)


This entry was posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS and tagged , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply