Music

Albums

Departure

Joe Olnick Band

Comments from Joe Olnick: "The sessions ran over the course of a year, recording mostly improvised ideas that came together in the studio, with no overdubs. What you hear is the band working alongside each other, Read more
Comments from Joe Olnick: "The sessions ran over the course of a year, recording mostly improvised ideas that came together in the studio, with no overdubs. What you hear is the band working alongside each other, responding to what the group is creating in the moment."

The first track, "Freeway", is a tribute to the legendary guitarist Jeff Beck, who also frequented the jazz-rock world that the Joe Olnick Band works in. According to Joe, "We've been compared to what he was doing, but we also bring modern influences as well. I was thrilled with how well it came together."

Both the tracks "Departure" as well as "Departure 2" were worked on for a long time, in contrast to the rest of the album. "Those pieces evolved quite a bit over the many sessions, as we experimented with different tempos and eventually created different sections entirely. We eventually settled on a vibe that reminded me at times of Pink Floyd, with soundscapes that really gave some room to get the emotion across. It's definitely a prog-rock statement from the group."

The third track, "Slap 22b", showcases the rhythm section and in particular the technique of bass wizard Jamie Aston. "The popping and slapping of the bass while keeping the killer groove going and going is truly something that was magic captured in the studio. Jamie just took that one over, and I was just digging it so much at the time. I knew this would be on the album as soon as I heard it!"

Many of the tracks also feature new member Tyler Most on the keyboards, who brings textures and solos that create a rich world that inspired tracks like "Snorkel", "Lighthouse", "Stomp", and "Bridge". According to Joe, "It's amazing how well he has fit in with our vision of the group impovisations. He picks up details so quickly. 'Snorkel' is the very first time we recorded together with him, and it is so solid, a great mood. I knew right then that he would be perfect. He adds so much."

Drummer Jesse Edmunds is "a constant engine of new rhythms, driving the jams and building things up to a frenzy at times. And also providing space as needed. His ability to create massive grooves on demand provides the foundation for the band's adventures. He's always up for trying new musical ideas and seeing what works."

Guitarist & Producer Joe Olnick explores new directions in modern instrumental music. His band has played notable venues such as World Cafe Live and Dawson Street Pub in Philadelphia, among many others. He also has performed as a solo ambient artist, with albums such as Wink Of An Eye and Live At The Candy Factory combining drifting atmospheres from both live and studio sessions.

"I like to move back and forth from ambient to band projects all of the time. It keeps things fresh and interesting over the years as I work to create original material. I've looked up to folks like Brian Eno, Miles Davis, and Nels Cline, who also shift musical gears at times."
0:00/???
  1. 1
    0:00/2:42
  2. 2
    0:00/7:05
  3. 3
    0:00/5:59
  4. 4
    0:00/3:46
  5. 5
    0:00/6:10
  6. 6
    Stomp 2:16
    0:00/2:16
  7. 7
    0:00/2:31
  8. 8
    0:00/4:22
  9. 9
    0:00/5:38
  10. 10
    0:00/2:06
  11. 11
    0:00/5:27

Shadows

Joe Olnick Band

The album’s prevailing theme is around shadows, hence the title. The cover has an unusual perspective on shadows and the people who create them. In some ways, it’s a reflection of modern life. There are a lot of moments Read more
The album’s prevailing theme is around shadows, hence the title. The cover has an unusual perspective on shadows and the people who create them. In some ways, it’s a reflection of modern life. There are a lot of moments when things can be quite scary and foreboding, but that can be an illusion. It’s a way of pointing out how different things can look, and the importance of looking around our world with the right attitude. Life is full of surprises.

We spent a lot of time working on the album, with sessions taking place over the course of a year. After that, there were some overdubs and editing, but for the most part you hear the band once again creating spontaneous moments of magic! The band has always emphasized improvisation within the songs, and sometimes the group just gets monster grooves going out of nowhere. We have to wait until the music is ready.

The whole band is very grateful for all of the support from everybody! We have a lot of fun creating this music, and are glad you are part of it.
0:00/???
  1. 1
    0:00/4:44
  2. 2
    0:00/3:14
  3. 3
    0:00/4:34
  4. 4
    0:00/3:21
  5. 5
    0:00/7:27
  6. 6
    0:00/3:44
  7. 7
    0:00/3:51
  8. 8
    0:00/4:18

Nine Lives

Joe Olnick Band

The Joe Olnick Band's latest album, Nine Lives, is now out on all streaming platforms. They rock out for their ninth album, taking their jam-band vibes to new spaces.

Joe reflected on the making of the album: “Feelings Read more
The Joe Olnick Band's latest album, Nine Lives, is now out on all streaming platforms. They rock out for their ninth album, taking their jam-band vibes to new spaces.

Joe reflected on the making of the album: “Feelings of rebirth, resilience, and newfound strength inevitably made it into the music. How could it not, especially when working with old friends after having gone through such scary times? We just had so much fun working on all kinds of grooves and sonic moods, creating new musical worlds. This project was a very personal and emotional statement, for sure. After all that I had been through, the album named itself!”

Includes the band's first-ever official recording of a cover song, La Femme D'argent, by the French band Air.

Copyright 2023 Joe Olnick
All rights reserved
0:00/???
  1. 1
    0:00/6:22
  2. 2
    0:00/3:40
  3. 3
    0:00/3:16
  4. 4
    0:00/3:07
  5. 5
    0:00/4:09
  6. 6
    0:00/6:19
  7. 7
    0:00/5:46
  8. 8
    0:00/3:33
  9. 9
    0:00/2:17

Hipster

Joe Olnick Band

An artistic statement on night life in the modern world, with a slinky, searching vibe. Also includes a dub version, in tribute to the roots dub master, King Tubby.

With a similar vibe of other instrumental rock acts, Read more
An artistic statement on night life in the modern world, with a slinky, searching vibe. Also includes a dub version, in tribute to the roots dub master, King Tubby.

With a similar vibe of other instrumental rock acts, such as Khruangbin, Thievery Corporation, and New Mastersounds, the Joe Olnick Band continues to evolve and adapt to modern times.

"Sometimes in the studio the band is just on fire, and in this case it was recorded in very high quality," says Olnick. "The hipsters of the world have had to adapt to the modern age with all of its challenges, and with night life currently shuttered due to the pandemic, the music really reflects that vibe of cool people searching for somewhere to go where they can be seen and enjoy themselves. Yet, that funky groove is still within them, just a little subdued. It's a fundamental part of who they are, going from club to club in normal times. The surreal world we live in now is mirrored in the music and accompanying videos."
0:00/???
  1. 1
    0:00/3:35
  2. 2
    0:00/3:35

Iguana

Joe Olnick Band

The Joe Olnick Band has a rocking vibe of “avant-jam” and fusion like Medeski, Martin & Wood, New Mastersounds, Phish, and John Scofield. The band's latest release, Iguana, tells the musical story of a misunderstood Read more
The Joe Olnick Band has a rocking vibe of “avant-jam” and fusion like Medeski, Martin & Wood, New Mastersounds, Phish, and John Scofield. The band's latest release, Iguana, tells the musical story of a misunderstood hero who overcomes challenges to eventually get what he is looking for. It is their most rock-oriented recording project so far.

Vents Magazine drew comparisons to Ian Dury, James Brown, and Steve Howe. Andy Goldfinger at 92.7 KOCF FM also noted “Joe’s album has that feel of cool. It crosses the boundaries of genre and lets the listener just feel the music.” Finally, Jeff Collins at The Rock Jukebox called Iguana "A really wonderful album. One of the best of the year."

More info at https://www.joeolnick.com
0:00/???
  1. 1
    0:00/4:13
  2. 2
    0:00/4:40
  3. 3
    0:00/0:25
  4. 4
    0:00/3:22
  5. 5
    Why? 1:48
    0:00/1:48
  6. 6
    0:00/3:52