Let me start by letting everyone know that Joel Kosche, best known as the lead guitarist for the legendary rock band Collective Soul, is at long last releasing his very own solo album entitled Fight Years.
Take a listen to the first single "Always Dreaming":
More Joel Kosche music on iLike
You can also listen to a 30 second preview of each song by clicking the play button below:
The album boasts appearances from Ed Roland of Collective soul, who sings background on "The Passing", drums from Ryan Hoyle (former Collective Soul member and Paul Rodgers alumnus), and background vocals from Kansas singer Steve Walsh on "Always Dreaming" and "Firewalk" (Kosche tracked all of the guitar and bass parts on Walsh's 2005 release Shadowman). Former Steep members Monty Conner (bass) and Bryan Smith (guitar) even make special appearances as well as Joel's sister Tirza Kosche (violin).
I am a tremendous Collective Soul fan, and Joel Kosche is my favorite member for many reasons. I've seen the band live nearly a dozen times now, and Joel always gives it his all and demonstrates a profound amount of energy, drive, and skill on stage and in the studio. He truly seems to enjoy what he does while on that stage, and can often be seen professing a shy smile while front man Ed Roland leads the band through each stunning set on stage.
Joel is an amazing guitarist, and to go along with his superb musicianship - he is one of the friendliest people you could ever meet. I've met him several times at Collective Soul shows and he's always happy to take a picture, sign an autograph etc. And on his online accounts such as twitter or myspace, Joel will follow/friend you back - so be sure to send him a message letting him know you support his new album. All of the pictures on this website were taken by me live at collective soul shows!
Here is a great clip of Joel singing acoustic for his Collective Soul song, "I Don't Need Anymore Friends". Ed Roland gives a great introduction letting Joel know how much he is appreciated:
It's been a big year for Joel - with the release of a new Collective Soul album, a new solo album out in June, and the birth of his son Sefton back in December. Joel - your fans wish you the best and continued success throughout your career.
You can find out even more about the new album, Joel Koesche, and Collective Soul at the links below:
http://www.twitter.com/JoelKosche
http://www.joelkosche.com
http://www.myspace.com/joelkosche
http://www.collectivesoul.com
And as Joel is best known for his lead guitar position in Collective Soul, if you haven't already - please check out Collective Soul's music catalog below - they've been my favorite band since the first hit the mainstream music scene in 1993 with their Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid debut.
Before Collective Soul, Joel was also a member of the band Steep. They had some local success in the Atlanta Music scene, and Joel was a guitar tech for CS before eventually being picked up as their lead guitarist after Ross Childress left the band. Joel did both vocals and guitar for the band Steep.
Even before Steep, Joel performed in such bands as Jovian Storm, where he didn't do vocals but was a guitarist . A Rare album, "Magic Show" showcases this bands efforts and is long since out of print. The band Jovian Storm was formed largely from members of yet another band, Rhapsody.
