Rose Avenue (2019), Joel Rafael’s latest work, gracefully defines him and his contribution to the American canon. The ten-song masterpiece includes nine originals that reflect the honest accounting of a man in Read more
Rose Avenue (2019), Joel Rafael’s latest work, gracefully defines him and his contribution to the American canon. The ten-song masterpiece includes nine originals that reflect the honest accounting of a man in his 70th year, with a lifetime’s insight into the songs he writes; as well as a full measure of gratitude for what has been, and what lies ahead.
Joel Rafael's ninth album, Baladista, recorded in his studio at his ranch in North San Diego County, California, accompanied by Greg Leisz, James "Hutch" Hutchinson, John Inmon and Terry "Buffalo" Ware, delivers ten essential ballads that embrace and celebrate the human spirit and reflect the half-century journey of an American Songwriter.
America Come Home, California songwriter Joel Rafael's eighth album, reflects his unique brand of Americana Folk Rock. The high energy version of "Dance Around My Atom Fire," a Woody Guthrie-Joel Rafael co-write, opens Read more
America Come Home, California songwriter Joel Rafael's eighth album, reflects his unique brand of Americana Folk Rock. The high energy version of "Dance Around My Atom Fire," a Woody Guthrie-Joel Rafael co-write, opens the album and sets the tone of social consciousness that permeates Rafael's writing, while the title track, "America Come Home" (with David Crosby and Graham Nash) conjures a longing to restore the American Dream.
Thirteen Stories High is a 2008 album by California-based folk singer-songwriter Joel Rafael. The album's political tone is set by the first track, "This Is My Country", which features David Crosby and Graham Nash on Read more
Thirteen Stories High is a 2008 album by California-based folk singer-songwriter Joel Rafael. The album's political tone is set by the first track, "This Is My Country", which features David Crosby and Graham Nash on background vocals. Political themes continue throughout the album both in Rafael's own songs and in two covers: Steve Earle's "Rich Man's War" and Jack Hardy's "I Oughta Know".
This is the first album in which Rafael is billed as a solo artist and here he records with a few talented session players rather than with the members of his Joel Rafael band. Rafael does spend a bit of time covering old territory, re-recording his own songs, "Time Stands Still" and "Reluctant Angel". Rafael has announced plans to tour in support of the new record.[1]
HOPPER - The Joel Rafael Band Released in 2000, making this the 25th anniversary year. HOPPER, named for the painting by John Cooper on the cover, was the final and most innovative recording released by The Joel Rafael Band.
Woodeye, theJoel Rafael Band's fourth disc, is the first to be wholly dedicated to Woody Guthrie. The fourteen beautifully played and recorded cuts include a dozen Woody compositions, another (“Dance A Little Longer”) Read more
Woodeye, theJoel Rafael Band's fourth disc, is the first to be wholly dedicated to Woody Guthrie. The fourteen beautifully played and recorded cuts include a dozen Woody compositions, another (“Dance A Little Longer”) that marries a ‘found’ Guthrie lyric to a Rafael tune, and the moving closer (“Talking Oklahoma Hills”), which Joel wrote for the project.
WOODY SUNG WELL -Joel Rafael performs the music of Woody Guthrie with both authenticity and skill. One hears the great songwriter's voice and instrumentation but it is more harmonic, more pleasing. One of my favorite CDs of all time. (Kenneth Weene, author of "Memoirs From the Asylum" and "Tales From the Dew Drop Inne".)
The 1995 winner of the Kerrville Folk Festival 'New Folk Emerging Songwriter' award, Joel Rafael and his band make folk music for the 21st century. Considered to be San Diego's premier acoustic band, they have Read more
The 1995 winner of the Kerrville Folk Festival 'New Folk Emerging Songwriter' award, Joel Rafael and his band make folk music for the 21st century. Considered to be San Diego's premier acoustic band, they have successfully blended contemporary folk music with heartfelt songwriting and a world beat. With Rafael's daughter, Jamaica, on violin and viola, Carl Johnson on acoustic lead guitar, and Jeff Berkley on ethno-percussion, the band's collective musical energy builds bridges across generations.