Posted: 08/10/2007 14:14:22
Author: Hannah Ravenor
Date of event: 30/09/2007
Location: Funktion Rooms
There’s no messing about with Joel; a quick sound check, a sip of his drink and he’s ready. With his cool, calm demeanour, casual chitchat with the crowd and sharuNp dress sense, this musician is clearly a professional and successfully and effortlessly woos his audience with superb vocals and funky blues guitar.
His set was a brilliant mix of beautiful original songs, in particular, one heart-warming love song that he wrote when he was fifteen, and fantastic covers including ‘I Feel Good’ by James Brown and ‘Superstition’ by Stevie Wonder.
It’s no surprise that he was crowned overall winner of Showcase 2007 earlier this year, and watching him perform one of his original songs ‘Get Me Some Money’, it’s clear to all how he beat the other sixty or so competitors. His original music is perfectly bluesy and full of soul, and he obviously loves the music he plays.
As always, Joel White was a joy to watch and I’m sure I’m not the only one who is wondering why this amazingly talented young man isn’t raking it already.
9/10
Posted: 06/07/2007 12:01:55
Author: Sara Humphrey
Date of event: 01/07/2007
Location: Mullens, Pressure Point
A dismal grey Sunday, the day that England goes smoke free, when few pubs seem worth going to, I managed to find at least one exception.
Mullen's in Eastbourne has become a temporary haven from the depressing sight of our British summertime, and is briefly home to some of the best blues music the town has to give.
Joel White and his band offer the crowd a medley of soul searching melodies to which it is hard to resist dancing despite the lack of available floor space and feelings of self consciousness. It is only 3pm.
Launching in to "Give Me Some Money" it is easy to see why people feel it hard to leave once they hear him; the ease with which Joel sings is captivating, so intimate when slow that the room melts away.
Accomplished on vocals, percussion, acoustic and bass guitar 22-year-old Joel has been making music since the age of seven with true dedication to the art he so obviously loves. Singing through his smile it's not hard to see why, he takes his music seriously, but not himself, making him all the more entertaining to watch. Today he is to treat us to a guest appearance friend by Diane Roberts, who takes to the stage with "Wade in the Water" giving a hesitant first performance, but already impressing the crowd.
With the afternoon over all too soon I need no persuasion to follow the band to their next gig at Brighton's Pressure Point, where they are playing alongside Miss Al Brown and Dani Wilde.
The line up starts at 8pm, and after taking our seats I am surprised to see Joel on stage already, as the band open with two of their songs, before handing over to the talented Al Brown.
With her unique look and laid back sound she floors the crowd with "Tell Me", her songs as catchy as Jack Johnson, but with an ethereal quality. With Joel on guitar they are good enough to send shivers down your spine.
As they wind up she throws into the audience that the demo is for sale, leaving hands reaching for wallets as she leaves the stage. The space beside Joel is quickly filled by Bruce Harding on guitar and Dave on drums as they kick in to "Superstitious" featuring a now more confident Diane on vocals.
This scene suits them more than Mullen's, although you get the feeling they would be comfortable playing anywhere. Furthermore, since this afternoon they have acquired a keyboard player and a lad on a harmonica, who I later discover is Dani Wilde's brother.
Giving yet another brilliant performance the opportunity for dancing arises and many take it. They start with the more up-tempo songs to contrast to Al Brown's bittersweet tones, and fade into a slow cover of "Summertime" which evokes images of the Deep South, or at least how I imagine it to be.
Having performed their second set of the day with all the enthusiasm of the first they pass the stage to the final artist, a slim redhead, holding a guitar that looks a little big, and adjusting the microphone to her height.
I worry that all will not work out, as she doesn't look that confident. I need not have worried, for as soon as Dani starts to sing you realise why it is she is playing last. A combination of blues, country and soul, she has natural energy on stage and fills the room with her voice; a kind of two tone sensation that you can't quite describe, and have to hear.
All in all it's been a great day. I've heard songs I've heard dozens of times before, but in a whole new light, and I can't wait to hear them again. I'm feeling the need to go home and start tapping keys myself - if only to find Joel's myspace so I can pass the music on.
Review of Madisons – August 2007
Set in Eastbourne, Madisons overlooks Sovereign Harbour. The bars warm glow and mellow music entices you to shrug off the cool night’s air and step inside
With a reputation for class it would be easy to feel self conscious about entering but the music of soloist Joel White combined with the congenial manner of the bar staff soon puts you at ease.
Forever willing a chance to show their skills the barmen twirl bottles with flair and produce intricate cocktails with provocative names such as Blue Viagra, Screaming Orgasm, and the more well known Sex on the Beach. They are a usually a medley of spirits, fruits and milk, but they also have highly refreshing non alcoholic versions such as Pretty Lady for those who are driving.
At the back of the room there is a raised platform, containing two curved booths for intimate dinners and the third containing two leather study chairs and a low table. The chairs have been pushed back to make way for resident artiste Joel White tonight.
Serenading the audience with acoustic blues Joel strums his way contentedly through a list of old favourites, and without pause dives passionately into his own much loved songs. A heady mixture of bittersweet tones and soulful lyrics Joel entertains even the most sceptical of diners, as many do not realise there is live music playing before booking. His feel good vibe infuses the air and feet start tapping. It is a shame he has to be constrained by the size of the space in the restaurant, as his voice is clearly powerful enough to fill a space four times the size. After recently winning the Showcase 2007, the only soloist to make the top 10 out of 300 artists Joel is much sought after in Eastbourne, and it is hard to tell if there are more people here to see him or sample the menu.
Posted: 13/08/2007 22:40:47
Author: Sara Humphrey
Date of event: 10/08/2007
Location: Winter Gardens
The only name I have so far failed to mention is that of the winner, Eastbourne’s own Joel White.
The only solo artist to make the finals, Joel put on an emotional performance, drawing by far the biggest and most generous crowd. Not only was his applause impressive, but the amount of money he had thrown at him whilst singing his signature tune ‘Get Me Some Money’ was too. Although I think some of his Purple Bubble band-mates were trying to hinder, not help, his performance!
To Joel singing seems to become an almost spiritual affair, but in the most unpretentious way possible. Having been making music since the age of seven, Joel barely goes a day now without a gig, and puts his all into every performance. Looking every inch the troubled artist in a black shirt and trousers, he strums his way through ballads and adds abandon to the blues. In doing so he secured himself a much-deserved win