Embedded Files
In 50 years as a working musician, Joe has played with too many bands to mention. Working in both London and Los Angeles, and touring multiple continents introduced him to a broad network of musicians who have helped shape both his musical style and his production career. Highlights include:
Touring & Recording
Touring & Recording
2019 Textones: Tom Jr. Morgan, Rick Hemmert, Carla Olson, George Callins, Joe Read
THE TEXTONES
THE TEXTONES
In 2019 Joe celebrated 30 years as a member of the Los Angeles-based band, The Textones, with whom he released three albums in the 1980s, and toured both the USA and Europe. Old Stone Gang, the latest album for which Joe wrote the title track, was released in 2019. Joe and lead singer, Carla Olson, have begun to write the follow-up album.
1984 Textones: George Callins, Phil Seymour, Carla Olson, Tom Jr. Morgan, Joe Read
THE CALL
Joe joined The Call in 1983 and recorded the album Scene Beyond Dreams, promoting it in the USA and Europe on a tour with Peter Gabriel.
CODE BLUE
Living in Los Angeles during the 1980s, Joe toured with Code Blue to promote its eponymous first album, then wrote for and recorded the second album, True Story.
STRAPPS
Joe was a founding member of the UK rock band Strapps in the 1970s. The band recorded four albums for EMI, touring with Deep Purple, whose bassist Roger Glover produced the first album. The band's success was primarily in Japan.
Solo Albums
Solo Albums
Since 2010 Joe has written, recorded and produced five solo albums -- most recently Northern Songs in 2023 and Community in 2019. The first three -- Intimacy, The State We’re In and California or Bust -- were released by indie label Tiger Sun Records in 2015.
Producing
Producing
N8 Recording, Joe's London-based production studio, has been busy throughout the 2000s, working with singer/songwriters and bands on their tracks and albums. Highlights include:
NIGHT FLIGHT
Singer Larry Mindel’s second album, Night Flight, was produced with Joe playing organ, fretless and double bass. Night Flight's pianist, Bernard Gabony and Joe have since collaborated at live events.
STEVE SILVERTON
Joe produced Steve's first solo album, Rivers and Roads, an album of Americana music featuring Joe on bass and piano.
GEOF PEARSON
More than 50 songs by prolific singer-songwriter Geof Pearson have been recorded and produced by Joe, featuring Joe on all instruments.
Composing
Composing
In 1995, Joe composed and recorded the musical soundtrack for The Discovery Channel series The Spanish American Wars.
Principal Edwards Magic Theatre
Principal Edwards Magic Theatre
Joe spent his formative years in London, where he was a member of the theatre/rock band, Principal Edwards Magic Theatre, produced by legendary DJ John Peel and Pink Floyd's Nick Mason.
Recording Sessions
Recording Sessions
Joe has recorded with numerous notable musicians over the decades including Gene Clarke of The Byrds, guitarist Ry Cooder, and Garth Hudson of The Band. Recording for the Monty Python album, Contractual Obligation, led to his appearance in the film, Time Bandits. Other standout session work included The Rubinoos and Bram Tchaikovsky.
Education & Teaching
Education & Teaching
Joe received a BA in music from Middlesex University in 1993, and has taught all aspects of musicianship both privately and at schools and universities.
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