I just found Joe Steels last week and I’m kind of glad I came in with no expectations. I put on his latest album “A Blue Patch” late at night and just wanted something easy in the background. It didn’t stay in the background for long.
This is an instrumental record, but it never sounds distant. Joe’s guitar leads the way and you can hear how much care he puts into every note. He doesn’t rush. He lets phrases stretch out, then shifts direction without making a big deal about it. There’s a mix of jazz and soul here with a touch of something older woven in. At times it hints at folk melodies and then it leans into warm jazz chords. It’s subtle, but it keeps things interesting.
Some tracks had me staring out the window longer than I meant to. The tone is clean and simple. But the way the band moved around him gave it depth. The drums are great. The bass keeps things grounded. It all feels thought through. like everyone knows when to speak and when to step back.
I like artists who care about sound design and you can tell Joe does. The album is carefully shaped. The quality is solid and the variety in mood and sounds keeps it from blending into one long jam session. Some moments are light and hopeful. Others slow things down and let you sit with them.
I actually replayed some tracks without thinking. That’s usually my sign. I’m honestly glad I found this record. Joe Steels is someone I’ll be keeping an eye on. because this is the start of something I want to follow.
