soulstrum

When the Soul Aches

joeshoemaker — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:36:51 +0000

2011, by all accounts, was a trying year. Luckily we have sweet music to ease our pain and offer hope. That’s exactly why today’s Soul Strum hero is Martin Sexton. His story is amazing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Sexton) and he couldn’t be a sweeter guy. Not to mention his melodious tunes, which ushered me across the country 11 years ago. He’s one of the best at what he does and we should all be graced by his incredible voice.

Ramaya Soskin – A Diamond in the Rough

joeshoemaker — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:26:51 +0000

Ramaya is the consumate song writer, what with his lures, hooks and hits. Why he hasn’t been found, signed to a lucrative contract and sent away in a grandiose tour bus is really the marvel.

Just one listen and you’ll realize what type of soul we have on our hands – deeply passionate. This makes for a soundscape that’s familiar yet original, seething yet soothing.

Have a listen and enjoy the mental view.

http://www.myspace.com/ramayasoskin

Soul One – Shannon Hoon and Blind Melon

joeshoemaker — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 17:14:15 +0000

How appropriate an ode, thanks to Shannon Hoon. He was a dogged fighter, raspy melody-maker and an insightful soul. He single-handedly led me through transitions in life that wouldn’t have been the same without him. Forget for a moment that “No Rain” was popularized by the music media and instead, feel the rawness of his essence here. Soul One for Soul Strum.

Soul Strum – A Rebirth and an Ode

joeshoemaker — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 21:21:52 +0000

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to this little world I call Soul Strum. It’s where playing guitar has meaning beyond just the sound. Strumming for your soul – it’s an idea you’ve seen in action many times. A musician closes her eyes and completely loses herself in a moment. A beginner guitarist plays a C major chord with ease and his eyes widen. A songwriter knows what she’s just written is so much bigger than she can understand.

The soul speaks through the strum. That’s simple but the result is deep and far-reaching.

And I’m giving lessons (or, really, having “sessions”) with beginner and intermediate guitarists to achieve that reveling moment … and series of continuous moments even when the guitar’s in it’s case … although I don’t recommend doing that to your dear guitar!

Stick with me over the next months, year and beyond as Soul Strum evolves, as you evolve, and together we’ll create some beautiful music.

For today, I’ll leave you with a video that’s poignant. Gregory Alan Isakov epitomizes the soul strummer. Give him a try. Tell all your friends.