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Joel Straup - A Profile
Joel Straup's debut CD, Little Red Bus, embodies a musical journey written over the course of many personal expereiences. Straup, now delivers a collection of what he calls Garlic Rock --"strong to chew on, gets yoru attention and it's good for you." Straup's music speaks from both the heart and mind, while conjuring up a mix of Tom Waits, Randy Newman and Harry Chapin. Straup's earthy vocals and memorable lyrics and melodies create a musical patchwork that comment on the economy, politics and society, as well as the joy and pain of human relationships.
Originally, Straup performed mostly covers, but a debilitating wrist break in 1990 led him into hardcore songwriting. Not able to play the guitar during many years of rehabilitation, he turned to songwriting to cope emotionally and to keep his creativity intact. The experience changed his musical direction as well. Oddly enough, broken bones seem to determine his destiny. Years earlier, in the 10th grade, a severly broken ankle ended his dream of playing sports, which coincidentally led him to put his energy into music.
Some of Straup's songs echo the present social and economic crises and are written to provoke thought and dialogue. This One's For You is about the big guy using money and power to squash the little guy. Corporate America ( 1 by 1) iis dedicated to the victims of corporate greed. In addition, Johnnie & Josie reflects on the personal toll that the quest for the American Dream can take in these failing economic times.
Other songs resonate closer to the heart of human relationships such as The Old Man's Barn which is about taking responsiblitly for our lives and not blaming others, and 1 + 1 is 2 is 3 is a wrenching duet about rejected love. In a more optimistic light, My Shining Angel is a ballad, dedicated to his wife, Gabriele, that honors the unconditional love they share. Wrapping up the collection is the title track, Little Red Bus , an infectious sing-along tune that speaks to the journey we all must take
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" This CD Little Red Bus" is about each of us traveling down the road of life individually and collectively. The journey can get bumpy, the bus may break down, but we get it started again and we keep on trying. The "bus" is also a reminder to take the time in our lives to be adventurous, playful, and follow our dreams.".
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