Joel Lightman Band
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Music
Press
A seismic presence in the room, the JLB have a performance style that draws the crowd - willingly - into their energetic live performances. You could see the other bands on the bill cringe - this is not an act ANYONE wants to follow . . . - Dose Magazine
. . . without a doubt, the most rocking piano band I have seen in a very long time. The sheer energy embodied by Joel Lightman pounding that piano got even the most dance-shy on the floor to firm fan favourites such as "Goodbye Good Luck" and "My Sweetest Vice". . . - NME
From the opening notes, you knew Jordan Knight had a challenge on his hands after plumping for Toronto's fiesty Joel Lightman Band as his support. They lit up the stage with a panache rarely seen in performing musicians these days, a truly sweat-breaking, pogoing affair, with the piano treated like a cheap toy in Lightmans quest to hammer even further rhythm out of his instrument. Watch these guys, their sound is unique, but to see them perform is to see them rock. - Now Magazine
Some bands are great live - but some bands are truly incendiary. The JLB shock every face in the crowd as they burst onto the stage - you simply don't expect this level of energy from behind a piano. Infectious melodies, well crafted lyrics and adept instrumentation delivered with an explosive punch that makes this reporter, for one, know we'll be hearing a lot more from them soon. - Now! Magazine
"Bend over, let me see you shake a tail feather" - not since Ray Charles sang these immortal lines has piano rock had it so good. You can't help but dance, you can't help but watch - nay - be entranced by this remarkable group of musicians, pounding their instruments and shaking the floor. - CBC
Discography
2005 - On A Plate (Ellipsis Records)
Singles:
Everybody Knows Someone They Don't Like
(Radio, Internet Release)
On A Plate
(Radio, Internet Release)
2007 - Every Street Corner (Boardroom Records)
Singles:
Walking Backwards
(Radio/Internet release)
These Feelings
(Radio/Internet release)
Photos
Bio
It started with singer/songwriter Joel, cranking out classics in the bar of London’s Savoy Hotel. The boy’s got class, they’d say, but the tedium of playing endless afternoon sets for the casually rich and shameless was beginning to take its toll. He wanted more. He wanted out.
Encouraged by some music industry contacts, Joel cut the Savoy gig, sold the case of stolen jewels he had buried in the garden and got the hell out of dodge. Arriving in Toronto, Joel began playing solo gigs immediately: honing his sound, sharpening his lyrics, pummelling the piano with a craftsman’s vengeance.
Joel’s influences range far and wide, from the composers of the roaring twenties through to Ben Folds Five. And as the songs developed – the warmth of his voice rising to match the casual elegance with which he hammers those keys – he knew his contemporary sound was becoming unique.
With a genius band, Joel honed the songs with endless hours of rehearsal, developing the on-stage telepathy that makes the three of them such a powerfully engaging live act,
And now, some serious quality time in the studio with acclaimed producer George Seara (50 Cent, Sting, Chris Robinson) brings you Every Street Corner, the extraordinary new album by the Joel Lightman band.
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