The World Forgot

I thought it was only fair to post about a rather obscure artist I referenced during yesterday’s post about Alexi Murdoch. I first met Josh Garrels back when I was trundling through school on my way to a degree in architecture. Back then {in the early 2000’s} Josh was known for his intensely personal live shows that seemed to have a warmth that transcended mere musical performance. He played shows all around the Mid West and found a passionate following wherever he went, with some fans logging hours and miles in the car just to catch another concert. What I remember most about those shows is how unassuming Josh’s stage presence was. He was the epitome of the everyman; that is until he opened his mouth to sing and took to plucking his guitar. It was then that you realized you were truly witnessing something special, something that would keep you warm on many cold nights to come. His live performance felt less like we were watching someone perform and more like you were witnessing a sacred celebration of music.

Josh Garrels never signed a record deal, although he was rumoured to have been offered a few, choosing instead to take his time and release albums when he wanted. Taking a few years between studio sets to refine his live shows, start a family, and generally be best friends with everyone he met. {The most delicious rumour I’ve heard yet is that he’s working on a new disc}. In 2002 he self released Stone Tree, and it is a solid album that rambles from pure acoustic folk to an eclectic blend of hip hop based soundscapes. He later recorded a live album, Underquiet, and in 2006 he released his second proper full length with Over Oceans (iTunes). What I remember most, though, were the easy smiles, friendly hugs, and gregarious attitude that permeated the before and after of each of his songs. I truly hope he gets the music bug again, Josh Garrels really is something special.

mp3 : Josh Garrels - Fire by Night
mp3 : Josh Garrels - Going Home
mp3 : Josh Garrels - Restless Ones

Fire by Night hails from his most recent LP, Over Oceans, while the other two tracks are taken from his debut full length Stone Tree. I must note that it was largely Josh’s live shows {I must’ve seen him play at least a dozen times during my college days} that led me to pick up the guitar and begin playing myself {well, that and my endless pursuit of the ladies}.

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