Palisade Peach
Self-Released, 2023
9/10
An artist with a penchant for many genres, Mark Joseph brings his guitar, bass and vocals to these rugged yet melodic 9 tracks that host many friends for the occasion.
The dense blues-rock of “Back-Water Blues” opens the listen with Stanley Behrens’ sax adding to the soulful climate, and “Whole World’s Got The Blues” follows with Jerry Jemmott’s agile bass playing and Michael Jerome’s lively drums alongside Joseph’s expressive pipes.
Moving along, “I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” welcomes Tony Austin’s thumping drums and Steve McCormick’s thick guitar to the infectious delivery, while the bouncy title track showcases Ricky Cortes’ playful upright bass and Jill Mikelson and Alex Steele’s soothing backing vocals for the rich album highlight.
“Venice Grind” and “Sad Mississippi Blues” exit the listen, where the former is a dance floor ready tune that makes great use of Toby Lee Marshall’s animated organ, and the latter finishes with a hazy display of spirited guitar, powerful singing and Marshall’s graceful piano via the emotive presence.
A listen that touches on Americana, country, psychedelic ideas, gospel and, of course, the blues, Joseph’s range is impressive, as is his sturdy guitar playing across this timeless affair.
Travels well with: Eli Gardiner- Live In Minneapolis; Scott Allen- My Own Grown Eyes