Joe Blows them away -both a survivor and innovator!

Wow! The Joe Galea band has re-surfaced as a pumping V8 cruiser! I have had the pleasure of watching the various incantations of Joe's offerings over the past 16 - 17 years and from those early days of the Cross the Boarder at the station so many great things have evolved over time. Joe's history goes back further than that playing in a number of line-up's from both International to home grown artists. The line up over those years has boasted a number of well versed players that represent and span the last 40+ years of rock, blues, and soul here in Oz, resulting in a fair slab of respect from other in the business over that time.
Joe's numerous CD's pay homage to the shifts from rock through blues to the soul-filled music that booms from every possible location in your stereo system. Whilst Joe and the guys are in action doing their stuff you are treated to a whole era of Australian music scene that makes you both glad to have caught the show and to have witnessed the evolution of the music on offer.
I was lucky enough to catch one of Joe's shows at Davey's in Frankston yesterday (Sunday 15th) and was completely blown out by the energy. I had a growing sense that in many ways that Joe had arrived... All those past band line-ups, the CD's and Festivals that had shown what he had achieved, and how he had belted out "that particular distinctive brand" of wholesome music that was unmistakably "Joe". Somehow were under threat! From a new bigger band sound.
Joe has reinvented what he has to offer and not only in terms of a slight shift from what was done in the past, but a substantial move to a markedly different level within the Australian music geography.
Sure we have seen newcomers on the block and many have notably assumed a place within the fabric that is the music industry.
Joe is both a survivor and an innovator who has seen Lobby, Thorpie, and Max together with many others as his contemporary peers within the Industry over a good few years, yet still willing to shake it with the cream of both Oz and international acts at most festival gigs around the country.
I simply couldn't believe the energy and at the same time an air of comfort as he wove a very powerful musical spell that left the audience crying out for more. I caught up with Joe at one of the breaks along with a bunch of other well wishers and life long fans, and was struck by his matter of fact down to earth manner together with his long standing sense of humour and eagerness to make sure that all the patrons had and/or was experiencing a real good time.
If you have never seen the Joe Galea experience in any of its former incantations, you simply must take the time out of your busy schedules to see and believe that Oz music still has its representative from past - present - and future, alive and well pumping out the best there is at a venue close by. Possibly just around the corner from where you live - both physically and mentally.

The answer my friend is no longer "blowing in the wind"! The answer is blowing out  of the Joe Galea band's horn section!

Johnno 11 Fingers

Rob Rowe -Way Out West Blues Club December 2005

The Joe Galea Band are one "serious kick arse" band who had the place jumping from their first salvo.  You must see them next time they are in town.