Search - Joe Val :: Diamond Joe

The best voice in bluegrass

L. Dotson | Pine Bush, NY United States | 08/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Diamond Joe" is just exactly that - a gem! If even remotely enjoy bluegrass, you owe it to yourself to buy this CD. There is no finer voice in bluegrass than Joe Val's, and the songs on this CD are well chosen to showcase it. Though the band is musically quite talented, the real treat is Joe's clear, soaring tenor and effortless vocal acrobatics. You may never have heard of the man before - although he and his band played around the world, Joe never became a household name outside the New England area because he chose not to pursue the music business on a full-time basis - but not for lack of musical talent. Highlights of the CD include "T for Texas" (yodeling never sounded so good before!), the title track, "When the Golden Leaves Begin to Fall", "Sparkling Brown Eyes", and of course, "Lonesome Road Blues." I was pleased to buy this CD, because (lucky me!) I grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts and was exposed to this talent from an early age. When I saw "O Brother, Where Art Thou?", I realized how much I missed this great Northern bluegrass - and these are timeless tunes, wonderfully performed. Don't miss this CD!"

A Gem!

Anthony Kaufman | 02/10/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album has to be in my top 5. Joe Val's strong tenor voice is unlike any other and the New England Bluegrass Boys pick with skill and authority. When Joe whips out a yodel, you can't help but take notice. I'm surprised that Joe and the boys don't receive more recognition as one of the all time bluegrass greats."