“San Diego, CA, January 30, 2020- California singer-songwriter Joel Rafael’s tenth album, ROSE AVENUE, has been nominated for Best Country or Americana Album by the San Diego Music Awards. ROSE AVENUE gracefully defines Rafael 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.
“I was pleasantly surprised to learn my album ROSE AVENUE has been nominated for Best Country/Americana Album by the San Diego Music Awards,” said Rafael. “I didn’t expect it, but I am honored to be recognized by an organization that has dedicated itself to improving music programs for kids in schools throughout San Diego.”
Recorded and mixed by multi-instrumentalist Marty Rifkin, ROSE AVENUE is fresh, and radiates warmth and significance. Rafael does not stray from his roots in the songs he selected for this release, or in his choice of musical accompaniment, playing acoustic guitar and harmonica.
Social change has always been a topic prevalent in Rafael’s writing, and two beautiful examples found their way into the mix of ROSE AVENUE. The album’s first single “Strong (feat. Jason Mraz),” written by Rafael with Jason Mraz and Michael Natter, brings a message of solidarity. It was originally written and performed for the Water Protectors at Standing Rock, ND in 2016. “Glory Bound” references the shocking story of Emmett Till and his tragic murder. In the spirit of Woody Guthrie, Rafael gives the 1955 death of a fourteen-year-old boy its deserved respect and consideration. Rafael plays harmonica on both anthems.
Glory Bound- J. Rafael. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iw1msUWuHA
Rafael has been writing and performing since 1974 and over the past decades has released a stunning collection of nine Americana albums, including a two-disc Woody Guthrie collection with five Guthrie/Rafael co-writes. As a solo performer and with his band, he opened shows and shared stages with Arlo Guthrie, Bonnie Raitt, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Dar Williams, Emmylou Harris, Jackson Browne, Joan Baez, John Lee Hooker, John Trudell, Kris Kristofferson, Laura Nyro, Odetta, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, and Taj Mahal.
Released on June 21, 2019 worldwide on Inside Recordings, a label created by Jackson Browne and his management team, and distributed by Alternative Distribution Alliance, Rafael’s ROSE AVENUE reflects a lifetime’s insight; as well as a full measure of gratitude for what has been, and what lies ahead.Media Contact: Ryan Romenesko
Vice President
626-585-9575
ryan@jensencom.com