In his third album, Smoke Leaves Town, Joe Stickley has a story to tell.  The album starts easy, like you’ve know each other for years, even if this is your fist listen.  It is intimate, just Joe and his guitar—given a sense of motion with steady snare taps underneath.  By the fourth track, “Sittin by the Fire,” Stickley has welcomed you into a lively jam session with the whole family.  You can feel the warmth radiate, as if you’ve been home all along.  The arc of the album continues with a strong sense of storytelling as therapy, as the fire turns to embers, moving into reflective songs like “How’s It By You.”  Written as a lament for Woody Guthrie, whose daughter was lost in a tragic fire, the song captures the curiosity and comfort of love in a time of grief.  Perhaps that is Stickley’s strongest suit – his ability to capture the depth of intensity in the very raw struggles of life without losing a sense of hope.  Stickley eases the pain of these stories with songs like the surgery sweet lullaby, “La La Yee,” featuring Springfield’s twang beauty, Cindy Woolf. 
     Stickley channels a rare sense of selflessness and genuine connection in song.  He knows where he’s from, as the imagery of Missouri’s rivers and sycamore trees weave the whole album together in an intimate and amiable conversation about life and love in Midwestern America.  As the album closes, it’s just you and Joe again, but something within you has been soothed by the pure sound and profound authenticity found only in masterful fold music.  – Nelda Kerr

 

Joe Stickley on iLike - Add iLike to your MySpace

Joe Stickley examines this American life as only a Midwesterner can... (Read more)

Joe Stickley on iLike - Add iLike to your MySpace

This Friday, May 22! 

Smoke Leaves Town has arrived online at CD Baby and on iTunes!  Check it out!

Joe Stickley on iLike - Add iLike to your MySpace

We'd like to extend a special thank you to the Hipnecks, Ptarmigan, and everyone else who made our CD release show a night to remember.  We continue to be humbled by your love and support. 

All the best, always...

The Guys.

Joe Stickley on iLike - Add iLike to your MySpace

Joe Stickley and Sean Canan will visit with Tony Barbis on Acoustic Sunrise - live in studio on BXR 102.3 -  this Sunday morning!  Joe and Sean will be in Columbia, MO promoting the upcoming cd release concert being held at the Blue Note, Saturday May 2.  Tune in and hear Joe and Sean perform songs from the upcoming "Smoke Leaves Town!"

Joe Stickley on iLike - Add iLike to your MySpace

Joe Stickley on iLike - Add iLike to your MySpace