JOAL KAMPS

“The best surprise of the festival for me was special guest JOAL KAMPS and his wife Lauren. Their appearance Sunday morning was a breath of fresh air. Joal is such a seasoned performer and knows exactly how to connect with an audience. My friend beside me and I were moved to tears more than once, the tune ‘Be Gentle’ had this tender edge that got me hook, line and sinker.” - Heather Adamson, Editor

“Artists like JOAL KAMPS keep my interest in music going. I was amazed at what a great storyteller he was, not to mention a great musician as well! He won over many new fans at the Jasper Folk Music Festival, me being #1! I would recommend Joal to play anywhere, anytime.” - Matthew Cushing, Music Coordinator

“Prepare for a good taste of the open wilderness with JOAL KAMPS’ second album Heads Is East, Tails Is West, which contains 11 songs rich with stories of life and love and the freedom of the great terrain … It put me in an exploring mood, and made me want to go out camping and get closer to the sweet offerings of nature, because that’s what this sounds like: sweet as honey, bright as the sun, and calm as a summer breeze. Definitely give this a listen and enjoy the groove.” - Demiera Harris, Writer

“Joal’s an artist who seems tailor-made for folk festivals – he has a sound that would work well on an outdoor stage, and rhythms that are going to work for the low-chair aficionados/tyrants as well as for people who want to get up on their feet and dance.” - Candace Shaw, Artistic Director

“Joal continues to carry that unique sound that can only be described as “Rocky Mountain Folk-Pop” that he has coined to explain his sound, which makes me believe that fans of all genres would be able to enjoy it … This album is far and above what I had hoped for. Each song follows the “Alberta inspired” theme. I can picture sitting out by a campfire and listening to these songs ― that would be a perfect, relaxing getaway from the stresses of daily life. Great job, Joal!” - Jenna Melanson, Writer

“JOAL KAMPS’ soulful lyrics seep into your bones and echo into your spirit. His performance is genuine. His storytelling ability makes the characters of his songs feel alive and full.” - Carmen Paterson, Artistic Director

“Great personality, a good teller of stories, and most of all a very accomplished musician – excellent finger picker, and tune writer, as well as being a songwriter with a particular interest in the history of the west. These attributes, combined in concert with able assistance of (his wife) Lauren on various instruments and vocals, add up to a delightful evening.” - Robert Gunn, Writer

“Serenity is honoured to have Joal and his beautiful wife Lauren as an annual special guests at Serenity Harvest Music Festival. JOAL KAMPS (creates) music that feels like a feathers touch upon your soul. Music that can make your heart cry and yet bring so much joy to the listener.” - Shirley de Vooght, Artistic Director

“JOAL KAMPS tells some beautiful stories and sings addictively beautiful melodies on his new CD … His voice is reminiscent of Toronto based folk-pop songwriters Peter Katz and Rob Szabo with a touch of classic rock band Styx’s lead singer Dennis DeYoung … There is a strong historical bent to much of his music. Especially on the hair raisingly catchy “Coal Miner” a song about the survivor of a mine disaster and one of many songs reflecting a wistfully nostalgic peek into the past.” - Richard Amery, Editor