JOEL ZOSS

JOEL ZOSS
Joel Zoss has enjoyed a worldwide reputation as a songwriter and guitarist since Bonnie Raitt recorded his “Too Long at the Fair” and “I Gave My Love a Candle.” Featuring his own million-selling compositions and folk and blues classics by American masters such as Elizabeth Cotten, Leadbelly, and Big Bill Broonzy, Zoss’s unique fingerpicking style and moving vocals have entertained audiences from blues clubs and concert halls to the Philadelphia Folk Festival. From 2007-2009 he opened shows for B.B. King and Etta James in theaters across the country. He has performed and recorded with many highly regarded artists including David Bromberg, Taj Mahal, James Taylor, Paul Butterfield, and Howlin’ Wolf. Some of his songs, reflecting his years living in North Africa and Spain, are as at home in the “world music” category as they are in “roots.” Joel performs solo; as a duo with upright bass; and as a trio with bass and drums.

Joel cut his teeth in the 1960’s in Chicago with some of the world’s greatest bluesmen and began his recording career with Arista in the 1970’s. Check out his CD, LILA, produced by legendary guitarist and leader of the landmark group Fanny, June Millington. Joel’s songs have been recorded by artists from blues to bluegrass. In 2012, multi-platinum-selling UK diva Katie Melua released her version of “Too Long at the Fair.” Bonnie Raitt’s version of the song appears in the documentary film Troubadour, released in 2011.