Guitarist Joe Folan has been hailed by audiences across the east coast for his ability to play with emotional gravity for the music at hand.

Consistently in demand as a guitarist, Joe has played in local jazz combos and big bands such as “Compaq Big Band”, “Sounds of Swing”, and “Soft Touch Big Band”. He has also toured the northeast with his indie rock band “Sound Bandits”. He fronts his R&B rock group “Midnight Harvest”. He has recently taken his talents to Nashville, TN were he continues to work co-fronting “The Carpet Baggers” and hosting a Jazz Jam at The Villager Tavern. Joe has backed and fronted numerous classic and contemporary cover bands, played in many full musical productions, sang in coffee house showcases and more. Joe has always kept his ears open by consuming a wide variety of genres. He has played everywhere including (but not limited to) The Middle East Downstairs (MA), the TD Garden (MA), The Jungle (MA), the Woodstock Inn & Brewery (NH), Alley Taps (TN), Great Scott (MA), The Bitter End (NY), and many local restaurants & pubs. He is currently studying jazz harmony and improvisation rigorously by chasing the sounds of hard bop greats while gigging and teaching full time.

As a young man, Joe grew to love classic rock and blues music. This helped him cultivate a melodic foundation for his playing and writing. From there, through years of experience and study, he has cultivated a style of guitar playing that fuses elements of bebop, blues, gypsy jazz, psychedelic rock and Americana. His influences include Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, Duane Allman, Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane, The Flying Burrito Bros., Sonny Clark, Kenny Burrell, Jerry Reed, and George Benson. He also composes, arranges, and records his own music as a solo artist. His original music reflects his eclectic tastes by utilizing spacey textures, jangly rhythm guitars, and soulful lead lines.

Joe began teaching private music lessons when he was in high school and he hasn’t stopped since. With students ranging in age from 6-60, he believes in the value of using the student’s musical interests as a teaching tool in addition to traditional pedagogical practices. He longs to inspire the next generation of musicians just as his teachers inspired him.

Joe’s hobbies include fishing, writing, and hiking. For an overview of recording credits, visit the “Media” tab.