Curly Joe was originally a stage name used by singer & songwriter Neil Wise to play local cover gigs in his hometown around Melbourne to separate from his then main profession as a physiotherapist. In 2008 he began to write his own material with great veracity to the extent the covers gigs were soon superseded by a passion for playing at Open Mic nights & eventually more original gigs.
Neil’s first connection with music was in a high school band, The Fried Rice Band in the 1970’s, in an era of wide influences of US & UK artists and the eruption of the Australian Music Industry with Daddy Cool, Skyhooks, The Angels, Stars, The Dingoes, Jo Jo Zep & the Falcons, This band spawned members of ska band No Nonsense, Alice & the Alligators & The Frenetics. Neil like other members of FRB went on to university & professional life, whilst the music was ever present, it took a back seat for many years. A connection with renowned Producer, songwriter & artist Paul Norton stemmed from a Weekend Warriors program in 2005 reignited the passion. From this time on Neil continued with vocalist Lynda Jacobs in a duo Beauty & the Beast until the present time.
The songs were stories of his life and the world around him, through his eyes however distorted it appeared, with a distinct edge and style. Inspired by the success & style of the likes of Paul Kelly, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Neil Young, the ability to tell a story with intriguing lyrics and engaging and instantly memorable choruses, made a set with Curly Joe is not to be missed.
Progressing from playing acoustic guitar alone he took up harmonica, foot tambourine & stomp box and also learning Mandolin with the fabulous Gerry Hale. A entry into a “Storytellers” competition with MLG Presents in Melbourne led to offers to play supports for major Australian acts James Reyne, The Angels, Don Walker, Rose Tattoo & International acts Colin Hay (Men at Work) & Hugh Cornwell (The Stranglers). This also led to Curly Joe playing in Telstra “Road to Tamworth” heat @ 2009 Queenscliff Music Festival and also 2011 Tamworth CMF @ Australian Songwriters Showcase.
Neil presented his song demos to Paul Norton, who agreed to record & produce the songs. The song-writing continued throughout the process and the resultant album “Fight Fair” was finished over a 12 month period, and released in July 2010 to great acclaim at the Cornish Arms Hotel in the heart of Brunswick. From the haunting pulsing bass of opening track, “Save my soul,” to the deep darkness & reggae groove “The Happy Song” or the Beatlesque love song “Being with you”, exquisite production highlights the lyrical and melodic beauty of these tunes you won’t be able to get out of your head. Add to this blend the superb backing vocals from Paul Norton & the divine Miss Wendy Stapleton, you have an irresistible mix that will captivate from the first listen and for many more over time. Now playing with other musicians playing as duo, trio & occasionally a 4 piece band, Curly Joe has been playing regularly around Melbourne for the past 3 years.
In July 2011 he signed a media & press agreement with Blue Pie Records & on the back of that signing has been fortunate to come under the wing of acclaimed writer and producer Todd Smallwood www.toddsmallwood.com in Los Angeles and in August 2011 will be travelling to Todd’s Studio in California to write & record some demos. These tracks will be used to aid in the marketing and promotion of ‘Curly Joe’ in the Lucrative US Market.
Curly Joe is part of the Blue Pie Family of Artists. For More Information on Blue Pie Please Visit www.bluepie.com.au
