Joe Duraes & The Skills

June 27, 2017
Live interview by phone with Joe Duraes on the “Rise Up w/ Jim Killoran” radio show. - WVOX-AM 1460

Joe is interviewed live in-studio with CBS Morning Anchors, Dannika Lewis and Adam Schrager on August 11, 2016. - WISC-TV (CBS - Madison, WI)

Live in-studio interview with radio talk show host Mitch Henck in Madison, WI on August 12, 2016. - Mitch Henck

August 16, 2016
In-studio interview between Joe Duraes & The Skills and WSUM-FM's Station Manager, Evan Boyd, and Host of the weekly radio program "CRAzy For You". - WSUM-FM (91.7 FM) The University of Wisconsin-Madison

A Pleasant Hudson Valley Sunday With Gin Blossoms and Joe Duraes & The Skills At Paramount Hudson Valley

February 23, 2016 By Steve Malinski

A decent sized crowd gathered at Paramount Hudson Valley this past weekend for a Valentine’s Day pairing of rock acts from opposite ends of the United States. The Paramount has been building a record of supporting local music, this time inviting Peekskill-based Joe Duraes & The Skills to open the night following an open mic set they did at the theater Nov. 2015.

The Skills’ set was driven by the band’s enthusiasm for sharing the stage with a band they listened to throughout the 90s and undoubtedly for the first large show they’ve played. From start to finish the crowd was impressed by a band who made it clear that they were genuinely having fun on stage. After a set of all original tunes, The Skills broke out their own version of “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” which they recently recorded as a single. Though they were the opening act, their performance put them at a level where they could have been mistaken as a co-headliner instead.

Long-time Gin Blossoms fans cheered on as Robin Wilson led the band on stage but the energy was slow to build through their set. While Wilson was animated, the overall stage presence felt static to a degree. The music was solid and fun to hear but the disengaged crowd early on made it difficult to get excited about the show. The first portion of their set was filled mostly with songs off of their last two albums, No Chocolate Cake (2010) and Major Lodge Victory (2006), both of which charted though not as highly as their two albums released in the 90s.

The energy picked up a bit more as the set progressed and Gin Blossoms steered toward their earlier releases which the crowd seemed to have a greater familiarity with. It took some prompting from Wilson for the audience to get on their feet once they broke out “Til I Hear It From You,” but from that point until the end of the show there was a much greater connection between the stage and the audience. Gin Blossoms closed their two-song encore with “Until I Fall Away,” which fit well as a conclusion to the show. Despite the slow energy of their set, the upbeat nature of Gin Blossoms’ songwriting made the entire set enjoyable.

Setlists:

Joe Duraes and The Skills: Everybody Needs To Have Some Fun, Hudson River, Crash, Anything For You, Mixed About You, Ebb and Flow, Pleasant Valley Sunday

Gin Blossoms: Don’t Change, Somewhere, Allison Road, Lost Horizons, As Long As It Matters, Miss Disarray, 29, Dead or Alive on the 405, Hands Are Tied, Wave Bye Bye, I’m Ready, Til I Hear It From You, Found Out About You, Follow You Down. Encore: Hey Jealousy, Until I Fall Away - NYSMusic.com

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Name: Joe Duraes
Phone: 917-687-6419
Email: joe@joeduraes.com

JOE DURAES & THE SKILLS OPEN FOR GIN BLOSSOMS!
At Paramount Hudson Valley Theater in Peekskill on Valentine’s Day

CORTLANDT MANOR, NY, (January 5, 2016) – Joe Duraes (www.joeduraes.com), an independent musician from the Hudson Valley, is proud to announce that his band, Peekskill’s own, “Joe Duraes & The Skills” will open for Gin Blossoms at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater in Peekskill on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14, 2016 at 8pm.

This comes on the heels of Joe’s successful debut performance at the Paramount’s Open-Mic Night last November, which he headlined with a 45-minute set of his original songs. The historic theater supports local bands, like Joe Duraes & The Skills, and books them as openers for larger visiting acts.

“I am thrilled that the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater asked us to open for Gin Blossoms”, says Joe Duraes. “We’re big fans of their music and we look forward to supporting them with ours.”

Ticket prices are $35 (Tier 2) and $45 (Tier 1). Tickets can be purchased, in advance or day-of -show, at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater’s box office and online at http://paramounthudsonvalley.com/events/gin-blossoms/

About Joe Duraes: Joe Duraes is an independent artist from the lower Hudson Valley, NY. He released his debut album "Ebb and Flow" on November 26, 2013. Joe released a single on September 1, 2015 with The Skills, “Pleasant Valley Sunday, originally written by Carol King and Gerry Goffin in 1966 and made famous by The Monkees in 1967. Joe and his band currently perform live as "Joe Duraes & The Skills", honoring their home-base in Peekskill, NY. Joe plans to return to the studio in 2016 with The Skills to record the follow up to “Ebb and Flow”.

About “The Skills”:
Steve Geller (bass): A professional touring and recording bass player for over 25 years, Steve Geller is best-known for his work with ex-Monkee Davy Jones, and Chiller Theatre’s Dead Elvi. The list of musicians he has performed with include original Beatles’ drummer Pete Best, ex-Rolling Stone Mick Taylor, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, Taylor Dayne, and Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek.

Rodman del Castillo (lead guitar): Rodman got started in the early 90s on the NYC Hardcore scene signing and touring with Planet Hate on Energy Records. After several US tours and disbanding Rodman began performing locally as a solo artist and was subsequently asked to join his friend Janice Robinson to open for Tina Turner on her 2000 24/7 Tour. He later went on to do sessions with European artist Gala and can be seen on YouTube performing with other international acts such as Elisabeth Withers of Blue Note Records, African singer Iyadede and Jerry Gaskill of Kings X.

Joe Politi (drums): Joe’s been playing drums for over 30 years. He studied with world-renowned drummer and teacher, Mike Johnston. Joe joined “Joe Duraes & The Skills in April of 2015.

Joe’s official band website: www.joeduraes.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoeDuraesAndTheSkills


About Paramount Hudson Valley Theater: Originally built as a 1500-seat movie palace, the ‘Peekskill Paramount Theater’ first opened its doors with great fanfare in 1930. Today, Paramount Hudson Valley Theater is managed and operated by Red House Entertainment with a goal to making this landmark theater a destination for the very best of live music and performing arts. The theater has been designated a Westchester County Landmark and is on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places. Paramount Hudson Valley Theater is located at 1008 Brown Street, Peekskill, NY 10566. General Inquiries: 914-739-0039

About Gin Blossoms (source, Paramount Hudson Valley online): For more than two decades, Gin Blossoms have defined the sound of jangle pop. From their late 80s start as Arizona’s top indie rock outfit, the Tempe-based combo has drawn critical applause and massive popular success for their trademark brand of chiming guitars, introspective lyricism, and irresistible melodies. Gin Blossoms soon unfurled a chain of crossover favorites spanning five different formats, from “Hey Jealousy” and “Until I Fade Away” to “Follow You Down” and the Grammy®-nominated “As Long As It Matters”, earning the band sales in excess of 10 million in the US.


Praise about Joe’s Music:

About ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday’: “A break from the usual writers that you associate with The Monkees, specifically Neil Diamond."
– Coverville (podcast)

"'Ebb and Flow' is a passion project built upon decades of musical exploration and fascination."
– The Journal News (White Plains, NY)

“Joe’s rockin’ version of ‘Images of Heaven’ immediately caught my ear.”
– Chris Herrmann, Program Director/On-Air Personality, 107.1 The Peak (White Plains, NY)

About 'Images of Heaven': "Joe has an expressive voice! Really rockin' and muscular version. Glad you made it your own, even varying the melody here and there. Very nicely performed man. Bravo!"
– Peter Godwin ('Images of Heaven', singer with the 80s band 'Metro')

About 'Love Can Rule The World': "Its sounds great! The performances, production and sentiment…all really great! Keep on making music and good luck with it!”
– Kevin Haskins (drummer with the legendary 80s bands 'Bauhaus', and 'Love and Rockets')

### - PRESS RELEASE

Joe Duraes & The Skills, based in Peekskill, will open for Gin Blossoms at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater in Peekskill at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14.

This comes on the heels of Duraes’ successful debut performance at the Paramount’s Open-Mic Night last November, which he headlined with a 45-minute set of his original songs. The historic theater supports local bands, such as Joe Duraes & The Skills, and books them as openers for larger visiting acts.

“I am thrilled that the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater asked us to open for Gin Blossoms,” Duraes said. “We’re big fans of their music and we look forward to supporting them with ours.”

TICKETS
Ticket prices are $35 (Tier 2) and $45 (Tier 1). Tickets can be purchased, in advance or day-of-show, at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater’s box office and online at paramounthudsonvalley.com/events/gin-blossoms/About Joe Duraes

About Joe Duraes
Joe Duraes is an independent artist from the lower Hudson Valley. He released his debut album “Ebb and Flow” on Nov. 26, 2013. On Sept. 1, 2015, Joe Duraes & The Skills released the single, “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” originally written by Carol King and Gerry Goffin in 1966 and made famous by The Monkees in 1967. Joe and his band currently perform live as “Joe Duraes & The Skills,” honoring their home-base of Peekskill. Duraes plans to return to the studio in 2016 with The Skills to record the follow up to “Ebb and Flow.”

Visit joeduraes.com, facebook.com/JoeDuraesAndTheSkills, twitter.com/joeduraes and reverbnation.com/joeduraes

About The Skills
Steve Geller is a professional touring and recording bass player for the past 25 years. He is best-known for his work with former Monkee Davy Jones, and Chiller Theatre’s Dead Elvi. The list of musicians he has performed with includes original Beatles drummer Pete Best, ex-Rolling Stone Mick Taylor, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, Taylor Dayne, and Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek.

Rodman del Castillo, on lead guitar, got started in the early 90s on the NYC hardcore scene signing and touring with Planet Hate on Energy Records. After several U.S. tours, Rodman began performing locally as a solo artist and was subsequently asked to join his friend, Janice Robinson, to open for Tina Turner on her 2000 24/7 Tour. He later went on to do sessions with European artist Gala and can be seen on YouTube performing with other international acts such as Elisabeth Withers of Blue Note Records, African singer Iyadede and Jerry Gaskill of Kings X.

Joe Politi has been playing drums for over 30 years. He studied with world-renowned drummer and teacher Mike Johnston. Politi joined “Joe Duraes & The Skills in April of 2015. - The Peekskill Post

By Sandy Lundy, January 19, 2016

Joe Duraes, a musician from the Hudson Valley, is proud to announce that his band, “Joe Duraes & The Skills” will open for Gin Blossoms at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater in Peekskill on Sunday, February 14, 2016 at 8pm.

This comes on the heels of Joe’s successful debut performance at the Paramount’s Open-Mic Night last November, which he headlined with a 45-minute set of his original songs. The historic theater supports local bands, like Joe Duraes & The Skills, and often books them as openers for larger visiting acts.

“I am thrilled that the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater asked us to open for Gin Blossoms”, says Joe Duraes. “We’re big fans of their music and we look forward to supporting them with ours.”

Ticket prices are $35 (Tier 2) and $45 (Tier 1). Tickets can be purchased, in advance or day-of -show, at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater’s box office and online at http://paramounthudsonvalley.com/events/gin-blossoms/

About Joe Duraes: Joe Duraes is an independent artist from the lower Hudson Valley, NY. He released his debut album “Ebb and Flow” on November 26, 2013. Joe released a single on September 1, 2015 with The Skills, “Pleasant Valley Sunday, originally written by Carol King and Gerry Goffin in 1966 and made famous by The Monkees in 1967. Joe and his band currently perform live as “Joe Duraes & The Skills”, honoring their home-base in Peekskill, NY. Joe plans to return to the studio in 2016 with The Skills to record the follow up to “Ebb and Flow”.

About “The Skills”:

Steve Geller (bass): A professional touring and recording bass player for over 25 years, Steve Geller is best-known for his work with ex-Monkee Davy Jones, and Chiller Theatre’s Dead Elvi. The list of musicians he has performed with include original Beatles’ drummer Pete Best, ex-Rolling Stone Mick Taylor, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, Taylor Dayne, and Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek.

Rodman del Castillo (lead guitar): Rodman got started in the early 90s on the NYC Hardcore scene signing and touring with Planet Hate on Energy Records. After several US tours and disbanding Rodman began performing locally as a solo artist and was subsequently asked to join his friend Janice Robinson to open for Tina Turner on her 2000 24/7 Tour. He later went on to do sessions with European artist Gala and can be seen on YouTube performing with other international acts such as Elisabeth Withers of Blue Note Records, African singer Iyadede and Jerry Gaskill of Kings X.

Joe Politi (drums): Joe’s been playing drums for over 30 years. He studied with world-renowned drummer and teacher, Mike Johnston. Joe joined “Joe Duraes & The Skills in April of 2015.

About Paramount Hudson Valley Theater: Originally built as a 1500-seat movie palace, the ‘Peekskill Paramount Theater’ first opened its doors with great fanfare in 1930. Today, Paramount Hudson Valley Theater is managed and operated by Red House Entertainment with a goal to making this landmark theater a destination for the very best of live music and performing arts. The theater has been designated a Westchester County Landmark and is on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places. Paramount Hudson Valley Theater is located at 1008 Brown Street, Peekskill, NY 10566. (914) 739-0039

About Gin Blossoms (source, Paramount Hudson Valley online): For more than two decades, Gin Blossoms have defined the sound of jangle pop. From their late 80s start as Arizona’s top indie rock outfit, the Tempe-based combo has drawn critical applause and massive popular success for their trademark brand of chiming guitars, introspective lyricism, and irresistible melodies. Gin Blossoms soon unfurled a chain of crossover favorites spanning five different formats, from “Hey Jealousy” and “Until I Fade Away” to “Follow You Down” and the Grammy®-nominated “As Long As It Matters”, earning the band sales in excess of 10 million in the US.

Praise about Joe’s Music:

About ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday’: “A break from the usual writers that you associate with The Monkees, specifically Neil Diamond.”
– Coverville (podcast)

“‘Ebb and Flow’ is a passion project built upon decades of musical exploration and fascination.”
– The Journal News (White Plains, NY)

“Joe’s rockin’ version of ‘Images of Heaven’ immediately caught my ear.”
– Chris Herrmann, Program Director/On-Air Personality, 107.1 The Peak (White Plains, NY)

About ‘Images of Heaven’: “Joe has an expressive voice! Really rockin’ and muscular version. Glad you made it your own, even varying the melody here and there. Very nicely performed man. Bravo!”
– Peter Godwin (‘Images of Heaven’, singer with the 80s band ‘Metro’)

About ‘Love Can Rule The World’: “Its sounds great! The performances, production and sentiment…all really great! Keep on making music and good luck with it!”
– Kevin Haskins (drummer with the legendary 80s bands ‘Bauhaus’, and ‘Love and Rockets’)

- See more at: http://hudsonvalleynewsnetwork.com/2016/01/19/peekskills-joe-duraes-skills-open-gin-blossoms/ - HVNN (Hudson Valley News Network)

By Ken Davis January 13, 2016

PEEKSKILL, N.Y. -- Peekskill band Joe Duraes & The Skills will open for Gin Blossoms at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater in Peekskill on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, Feb. 14.

This comes on the heels of bandleader Duraes' successful debut performance at the Paramount’s Open-Mic Night last November, which he headlined with a 45-minute set of his original songs.

The historic theater supports local bands like Joe Duraes & The Skills and books them as openers for larger visiting acts.

“I am thrilled that the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater asked us to open for Gin Blossoms," said Duraes. “We’re big fans of their music, and we look forward to supporting them with ours.”

Duraes is an independent artist from the lower Hudson Valley. The guitarist/vocalist released his debut album, "Ebb and Flow," on Nov. 26, 2013. Duraes released a single on Sept. 1, 2015 with The Skills, “Pleasant Valley Sunday," originally written by Carol King and Gerry Goffin in 1966 and made famous by The Monkees in 1967.

He and his band currently perform live as Joe Duraes & The Skills, honoring their home-base in Peekskill. Duraes plans to return to the studio in 2016 with The Skills to record the follow-up to “Ebb and Flow."

The following are the Skills:

Steve Geller (bass): A professional touring and recording bass player for more than 25 years, Geller is best known for his work with ex-Monkee Davy Jones, and Chiller Theatre’s Dead Elvi.

Rodman del Castillo (lead guitar): Rodman got started in the early '90s on the NYC Hardcore scene signing and touring with Planet Hate on Energy Records.

Joe Politi (drums): Politi has been playing drums for more than 30 years. He studied with world-renowned drummer and teacher Mike Johnston. He joined Joe Duraes & The Skills in April of 2015.

Duraes's official band website is at www.joeduraes.com .

Ticket prices are $35 (Tier 2) and $45 (Tier 1). Tickets can be purchased in advance or day-of -show at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater’s box office and online at http://paramounthudsonvalley.com/events/gin-blossoms/ .

The show starts at 8 p.m.

The Paramount Hudson Valley Theater is at 1008 Brown St, Peekskill. - Peekskill Daily Voice

"A break from the usual writers that you associate with The Monkees, meaning Neil Diamond specifically." - Coverville (Podcast)

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Name: Joe Duraes
Phone: 914-293-0100
Email: joe@joeduraes.com

WORLD-CLASS DRUMMER, KEVIN HUPP, JOINS “JOE DURAES & THE SKILLS”
Making His Debut at The Winery at St. George in Mohegan Lake, NY on Saturday, June 13th

CORTLANDT MANOR, NY, (June 1, 2015) – Joe Duraes (www.joeduraes.com), an independent musician from the Hudson Valley, is proud to announce that award-winning drummer, Kevin Hupp has joined his band, “Joe Duraes & The Skills”. Kevin will make his live debut at The Winery at St. George in Mohegan Lake on Saturday, June 13, 2015.

For over 35 years, Kevin Hupp has had the pleasure to record on Gold and Platinum records, as well as tour worldwide with some of the best artists and musicians in the world, including Eddie Van Halen, Hall and Oates, John Oates, Joan Osbourne, Rick Derringer (with whom he worked with for 10 years), Edgar Winter, Johnny Winter, Alana Davis, Rufus Wainwright, Maceo Parker (saxophone player for James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic, Prince), and most recently Iggy Pop in his eclectic ensemble The Préliminaires.

Kevin is also an award-winning producer and engineer in which he recorded, produced and provided his drum skills on Joe’s first album ‘Ebb and Flow’ in 2013. Many of the albums he’s produced have received national and worldwide airplay, for example Iggy Pop (Préliminaires) and Richard Wyman (Factory).

“He masterfully shaped and developed my sound during the ‘Ebb and Flow’ sessions. It just makes sense for him to be the drummer in this band, it feels complete now”, says Duraes. I am thrilled that Kevin has joined the band.”

Joe Duraes & The Skills is planning to return to the studio soon to record a single in Kevin’s studio, “The Groove Room” in Brewster, NY. With Kevin on drums, of course!

“I’m looking forward to joining ‘The Skills’ because these guys are great musicians,” says Kevin Hupp. “When I first met Joe I enjoyed producing and playing the drums on his debut album. And as a result I became an instant fan. Joe not only writes great songs, he also gives 110% all the time whether it’s recording, performing live or on the business side.”

About Joe Duraes: Joe Duraes is an independent artist from the lower Hudson Valley, NY. He released his debut album "Ebb and Flow" on November 26, 2013. Joe and his band currently perform live as "Joe Duraes & The Skills", honoring their home base in Peekskill, NY.

“The Skills” also include:

Steve Geller (bass): A professional touring and recording bass player for over 25 years, Steve Geller is probably best known for his work with ex-Monkee Davy Jones, and Chiller Theatre’s Dead Elvi. The list of musicians he has performed with reads like a Who’s Who of Pop/Rock - original Beatles’ drummer Pete Best, ex-Rolling Stone Mick Taylor, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, Taylor Dayne, guitar ace Buckethead, and Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek, to name just a few. Blues fans may have seen him on tour with harmonica virtuoso Dennis Gruenling, or Blues legend Hubert Sumlin.

Rodman del Castillo (lead guitar): Rodman got started in the early 90s on the NYC Hardcore scene signing and touring with Planet Hate on Energy Records. After several US tours and disbanding Rodman began performing locally as a solo artist and was subsequently asked to join his friend Janice Robinson to open for Tina Turner on her 2000 24/7 Tour. He later went on to do sessions with European artist Gala and can be seen on YouTube performing with other international acts such as Elisabeth Withers of Blue Note Records, African singer Iyadede and Jerry Gaskill of Kings X.

Where to catch Joe Duraes & The Skills this summer:
• Saturday, June 13: The Winery at St. George, Mohegan Lake, NY
• Friday, June 19: The Peekskill Coffee House, Peekskill, NY
• Saturday, June 20: Wing's Castle, Millbrook, NY
• Friday, July 10: Gleason's, Peekskill, NY
• Friday, August 28: MTK Tavern, Mt. Kisco, NY
• Saturday, August 29: Birdsall House, Peekskill, NY
• Saturday, September 12: Town of Cortlandt 10th Annual Family Fun Day, Montrose, NY

For more dates and information please see the official band website: www.joeduraes.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoeDuraesAndTheSkills - Joe Duraes & The Skills

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Name: Joe Duraes
Email: joe@joeduraes.com

HUDSON VALLEY, NY MUSICIAN RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM “EBB AND FLOW”
Includes New York-focused songs about the Hudson River and 9/11

CORTLANDT MANOR, NY, (November 26, 2013) – Joe Duraes (www.joeduraes.com), an independent musician from the Hudson Valley, today releases his debut album Ebb and Flow. Copies of the new CD are available for review now. CDs and digital downloads will be available online through CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon, and dozens of the most popular download and streaming sites as of November 26.

With his warm tenor and electrified acoustic alt-rock groove, Joe’s personal, thoughtful and compassionate music has garnered many fans from NYC to Poughkeepsie to Connecticut, as he has performed at dozens of local venues over recent years. Ebb and Flow is long overdue.

The ten-song album was recorded between December 2009 and October 2013 at Woody’s House in Croton-on-Hudson, NY, Singleton Studios in Charlottesville, VA, and The Groove Room in Brewster, NY. It explores themes that range from love to the opposite of love, as well as the heartache of 9/11 to the beautiful Hudson Valley region. “It’s a collection of songs that capture the changes and experiences in my life over the last decade,” Joe says. “They reflect who I am and where I come from. They are experiences and feelings most of us can relate to.”

Joe touches on New York City with two songs: ‘Hudson River’, and ‘Eyes Upon the Skyline’, which commemorates September 11, 2001, and tells a story from Joe’s perspective as a New Yorker on that day and the days/weeks following.

Joe also covers ‘Images of Heaven’ by Peter Godwin, a new wave song from 1982 that became a cult favorite on new-wave radio stations and dance clubs. “Joe’s version of ‘Images of Heaven’ is really rockin' and muscular,” states Godwin. “Glad he made it his own, even varying the melody here and there. Bravo!"

Other songs on the CD are:
Ebb and Flow: (the album's title track), a blend of 12 and 6-string acoustic, and swelling electric guitar solo/riffs that drive the mood about the ebb and flow of life, with highs and lows, good days and bad, a natural part of everyone’s life; Anything For You: a catchy, yet quirky love song with lyrics that describe love isn’t necessarily a two-way street; Fall Back: a love letter professing love and devotion, while carrying out domestic chores and household duties just to win a girl’s heart. Perhaps men can be trained after all; Love Can Rule The World: an upbeat anthem with melodic hooks about love and peace – something we need more of these days; Everybody Needs To Have Some Fun: a high-energy song with a rockin’ guitar and bass riff/hook repeated throughout the song together with an enthusiastic sing-a-long chorus encouraging people to have fun in their everyday lives, no matter what it is – sure to be a live crowd pleaser.

Joe worked with award-winning drummer and producer Kevin Hupp at The Groove Room to produce Ebb and Flow. Kevin has recorded and produced with some of the world’s renowned artists, including Iggy Pop’s recent albums 'Apres’ (2012) and ‘Preliminaires’ (2009), both done at The Groove Room. Kevin provides his drum skills throughout the album. The album also includes the talents of various session musicians including: Hal Brigish (guitar, Charlottesville VA), Frank Gagliardi (bass, Nashville TN), Fred Gillen, Jr. (bass, Croton-on-Hudson NY), Stuart Gunter (drums, Charlottesville VA), Eric Puente (drums, Croton-on-Hudson NY), Alex Salzman (guitar, Brewster NY), Paul Silverman (piano, Mohegan Lake NY), Matt Singleton (guitar, bass, Charlottesville VA), and Marshall Toppo (bass, New York City).

Joe’s website is www.joeduraes.com.




Joe’s songs appear in the following:
• ‘Eyes Upon the Skyline’ appears in the book trailer for “Show Up, Look Good“, a novel by Mark Wisniewski (2011 Gival Press).
• ‘Love Can Rule the World’ appears in “Something To Tell” (promo DVD for “Tell Me Something” CD release by Paul D’Adamo) (2010 ELK One Productions, Inc.)


Recent Praise about Joe:

"'Ebb and Flow' is a passion project built upon decades of musical exploration and fascination."
– The Journal News (White Plains, NY)

“Joe’s rockin’ version of ‘Images of Heaven’ immediately caught my ear.”
– Chris Herrmann, Program Director/On-Air Personality, 107.1 The Peak (White Plains, NY)

“Joe has an expressive voice!”
– Peter Godwin ('Images of Heaven', singer with the 80s band 'Metro')

About 'Images of Heaven': "Really rockin' and muscular version. Glad you made it your own, even varying the melody here and there. Very nicely performed man. Bravo!"
– Peter Godwin ('Images of Heaven', singer with the 80s band 'Metro')

About 'Anything For You': “Joe tears up the highway of life with this sweet sardonic track."
– George Cheyne (drummer with the 80s band 'APB')

About 'Love Can Rule The World': "Its sounds great! The performances, production and sentiment…all really great! Keep on making music and good luck with it!”
– Kevin Haskins (drummer with the legendary 80s bands 'Bauhaus', and 'Love and Rockets')

### - Joe Duraes

"'Ebb and Flow' is a passion project built upon decades of musical exploration and fascination." - The Journal News (White Plains, NY)

"Joe’s rockin’ version of ‘Images of Heaven’ immediately caught my ear.” - 107.1 The Peak (White Plains, NY)

“Joe has an expressive voice!” - Peter Godwin ('Images of Heaven', singer with the 80s band 'Metro')

"Really rockin' and muscular version. Glad you made it your own, even varying the melody here and there. Very nicely performed man. Bravo!" - Peter Godwin ('Images of Heaven', singer with the 80s band 'Metro')

“Joe tears up the highway of life with this sweet sardonic track." - George Cheyne (drummer with the 80s band 'APB')

"Its sounds great! The performances, production and sentiment…all really great! Keep on making music and good luck with it!” - Kevin Haskins (drummer with the legendary 80s bands 'Bauhaus', and 'Love and Rockets')

World-Class Drummer Kevin Hupp Joins Joe Duraes & The Skills
by Carol Reif
June 9, 2015



CORTLANDT MANOR, NY – Award-winning drummer Kevin Hupp will make his live debut with Hudson Valley band Joe Duraes & The Skills Saturday, June 13, at The Winery at St. George in Mohegan Lake.

Hupp, who has recorded on gold and platinum records, has toured with Eddie Van Halen, Joan Osbourne, Rick Derringer, Iggy Pop and many other top artists. Also an award-winning producer and engineer, Hupp recorded, produced, and provided his drums on Duraes’ first album, “Ebb and Flow.”

Lead singer Duraes said he is “thrilled” Hupp has joined the band.

“He masterfully shaped and developed my sound during the ‘Ebb and Flow’ sessions,” he said. “It just makes sense for him to be the drummer in this band, it feels complete now.”

Other members of the band are Steve Geller, bass, and Rodman del Castillo, lead guitar.

For other places to catch the band this summer, go to: www.joeduraes.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoeDuraesAndTheSkills - Cortlandt Daily Voice

World-Class Drummer, Kevin Hupp, Joins “Joe Duraes & The Skills”

Making His Debut at The Winery at St. George in Mohegan Lake, NY on Saturday, June 13th

By Hezi Aris
June 1, 2015

CORTLANDT MANOR, NY — June 1, 2015 — Joe Duraes (www.joeduraes.com), an independent musician from the Hudson Valley, is proud to announce that award-winning drummer, Kevin Hupp has joined his band, “Joe Duraes & The Skills”. Kevin will make his live debut at The Winery at St. George in Mohegan Lake on Saturday, June 13, 2015.

For over 35 years, Kevin Hupp has had the pleasure to record on Gold and Platinum records, as well as tour worldwide with some of the best artists and musicians in the world, including Eddie Van Halen, Hall and Oates, John Oates, Joan Osbourne, Rick Derringer (with whom he worked with for 10 years), Edgar Winter, Johnny Winter, Alana Davis, Rufus Wainwright, Maceo Parker (saxophone player for James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic, Prince), and most recently Iggy Pop in his eclectic ensemble The Préliminaires.

Kevin HuppKevin is also an award-winning producer and engineer in which he recorded, produced and provided his drum skills on Joe’s first album ‘Ebb and Flow’ in 2013. Many of the albums he’s produced have received national and worldwide airplay, for example Iggy Pop (Préliminaires) and Richard Wyman (Factory).

“He masterfully shaped and developed my sound during the ‘Ebb and Flow’ sessions. It just makes sense for him to be the drummer in this band, it feels complete now”, says Duraes. I am thrilled that Kevin has joined the band.”

Joe DuraesJoe Duraes & The Skills is planning to return to the studio soon to record a single in Kevin’s studio, “The Groove Room” in Brewster, NY. With Kevin on drums, of course!

“I’m looking forward to joining ‘The Skills’ because these guys are great musicians,” says Kevin Hupp. “When I first met Joe I enjoyed producing and playing the drums on his debut album. And as a result I became an instant fan. Joe not only writes great songs, he also gives 110% all the time whether it’s recording, performing live or on the business side.”

About Joe Duraes: Joe Duraes is an independent artist from the lower Hudson Valley, NY. He released his debut album “Ebb and Flow” on November 26, 2013. Joe and his band currently perform live as “Joe Duraes & The Skills”, honoring their home base in Peekskill, NY.

"The Skills" also include:

Steve GellerSteve Geller (bass): A professional touring and recording bass player for over 25 years, Steve Geller is probably best known for his work with ex-Monkee Davy Jones, and Chiller Theatre’s Dead Elvi. The list of musicians he has performed with reads like a Who’s Who of Pop/Rock – original Beatles’ drummer Pete Best, ex-Rolling Stone Mick Taylor, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, Taylor Dayne, guitar ace Buckethead, and Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek, to name just a few. Blues fans may have seen him on tour with harmonica virtuoso Dennis Gruenling, or Blues legend Hubert Sumlin.

Rod del CastilloRodman del Castillo (lead guitar): Rodman got started in the early 90s on the NYC Hardcore seen signing and touring with Planet Hate on Energy Records. After several US tours and disbanding Rodman began performing locally as a solo artist and was subsequently asked to join his friend Janice Robinson to open for Tina Turner on her 2000 24/7 Tour. He later went on to do sessions with European artist Gala and can be seen on YouTube performing with other international acts such as Elisabeth Withers of Blue Note Records, African singer Iyadede and Jerry Gaskill of Kings X.

Where to catch Joe Duraes & The Skills this summer:

Saturday, June 13: The Winery at St. George, Mohegan Lake, NY
* Friday, June 19: The Peekskill Coffee House, Peekskill, NY
* Saturday, June 20: Wing’s Castle, Millbrook, NY
* Friday, July 10: Gleason’s, Peekskill, NY
* Friday, August 28: MTK Tavern, Mt. Kisco, NY
* Saturday, August 29: Birdsall House, Peekskill, NY
* Saturday, September 12: Town of Cortlandt 10th Annual Family Fun Day, Montrose, NY


For more dates and information please see the official band website: joeduraes.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoeDuraesAndTheSkills - Yonkers Tribune

LIVE INTERVIEW AIRDATE: November 28, 2014
Interview starts around 1 hour and 3 minutes.

At the top of the second hour, we welcome the members of the Joe Duraes Band, who released their debut album on Wednesday, November 26, 2013. The name of the Album, "Ebb and Flow" was written by songwriter Joe Duraes. We'll become acquainted with the band members, the music, the catalyst for their being written, and the celebration of their unique sound.

Hezi Aris is your host this Friday. - WHYT BlogTalkRadio

By Lauren Halligan, lhalligan@digitalfirstmedia.com,@TheWeekender518 on Twitter
October 30, 2014

TROY, NY -- The Collar City’s favorite record store is welcoming back an artist on the rise from just down the Hudson.

Joe Duraes is an independent artist from the lower Hudson Valley in Peekskill, New York. With some bandmates, his live act is Joe Duraes & The Skills, which will be hitting Troy at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, for a free in-store performance at River Street Beat Shop at 197 River St.

The morning-after-Halloween show will coincide with shopping at Troy Riverfront Farmers Market.

Joe Duraes & The Skills is an original indie rock band supporting Duraes’ first album, “Ebb and Flow,” with professional touring musicians. The band members have worked with the likes of Tina Turner, Davy Jones, Ray Manzarek and Pete Best, among others.

Recently, Duraes made it to the Top 3 on the ReverbNation Charts in New York City.

“We are wowing and building audiences everywhere we play locally, and would like to continue building our following in Troy,” he said.

Duraes said he’s drawn to Troy for its brownstones that remind him of Brooklyn, where he once lived for many years before moving to the Hudson Valley.

“Troy is a cool city with lots of history. The people are very cool. It has a great music and art scene, and it’s on the Hudson River,” he said. “Doesn’t get any better than that.”

Duraes also will be doing an WRPI-FM interview that will air at 3 p.m. Tuesday Nov. 4.

Leadman Joe Duraes caught up with Weekender before his Saturday visit to tell his story:

How did Joe Duraes & The Skills come to be?

I found my bandmates early this year through Craigslist, if you can believe it. Last November I released my debut album “Ebb and Flow” and I wanted to have a band to help me support the album. I met Chris (drums) and Steve (bass) in February and we played a few shows as a three-piece. Then we found Rodman (lead guitar) in May and it’s been bliss ever since. All through Craigslist ads.

What’s “Ebb and Flow?”

“Ebb and Flow” is my first album. It was released last year in November. This November marks the first anniversary. It’s a full-length rock album with 10 songs that explore themes that range from love to the opposite of love, as well as the heartache of 9/11 and the beautiful Hudson Valley, where I am from. It took me four years to record it. I wrote “Ebb and Flow” about eight years ago. It became my favorite song for a very long time. When I decided to release an album, “Ebb and Flow” was the perfect choice.

What was the inspiration for the album?

“Ebb and Flow” is a collection of songs that capture the changes and experience in my life over the last few years. The songs reflect who I am and where I come from, which are experiences we can all relate to. For example, “Eyes Upon The Skyline” is about 9/11 from my perspective as a New Yorker. “Hudson River” is a rocking love song and I live very close to it.

What’s your favorite song to play live and why?

I love playing “Crash” live. It’s very upbeat, catchy and fun. Audiences love it too!

What’s the ultimate goal for the band?

The ultimate goal is play for as many people as possible and cast our net as far as we can — to build our fan base. Troy is one example. We spent 2014 mostly playing locally to build our fan base there. Next year we’re planning to take our show out of state including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, and anywhere else we can go to.

What other artist would you love to share a stage with someday?

I’d love to jam live with Dave Grohl some day. But he’s a bit busy nowadays.

What’s the atmosphere like when you play at the beat shop?

The first and last time I played in Troy was April 2013 as a solo artist. It wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for Steve Malinski at WRPI-FM. Steve lives in Peekskill and I met him one night during one of my shows at The Peekskill Coffee House. He told me he does a weekend radio show in Troy and he invited me to come up. Steve introduced me to Jim Barrett who was very kind to book a show at his store. Jim’s a great guy and I love his store. There aren’t many of them around anymore — reminds me of the old record stores I used to hang out in as a kid. When Jim welcomed me back, I told him the next time I would have a band with me.

What’s next for Joe Duraes & The Skills?

We’ve been working on new material — almost enough for a new album. It’s been very exciting trying these new songs on people to get their reaction. There’s a good chance we’ll be in a studio in 2015 to record these songs.

For more information, visit www.joeduraes.com or www.facebook.com/JoeDuraesAndTheSkills - Troy Record & The Saratogian

By Lauren Halligan, lhalligan@digitalfirstmedia.com,@TheWeekender518 on Twitter
October 27, 2014

TROY, NY -- The Collar City’s favorite record store is welcoming back an artist on the rise from just down the Hudson.

Joe Duraes is an independent artist from the lower Hudson Valley in Peekskill, New York. With some bandmates, his live act is "Joe Duraes & The Skills," which will be hitting Troy at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1 for a free in-store performance at the River Street Beat Shop, at 197 River St. The morning-after-Halloween show will coincide with shopping at the Troy Riverfront Farmers Market.

Joe Duraes & The Skills is an original indie rock band supporting Duraes’ first album, Ebb and Flow, with professional touring musicians. The band members have worked with the likes of Tina Turner, Davy Jones, Ray Manzarek and Pete Best, among others.

Recently Duraes made it to the Top 3 on the ReverbNation Charts in New York City. “We are wowing and building audiences everywhere we play locally, and would like to continue building our following in Troy,” he said.

Duraes said he’s drawn to Troy for its Brownstones that remind him of Brooklyn, where he once lived for many years before moving to the Hudson Valley. “Troy is a cool city with lots of history. The people
Are very cool. It has a great music and art scene, and it's on the Hudson River,” he said. “Doesn't get any better than that.”

Duraes will also be doing an WRPI-FM interview that will air at 3 p.m. on Tuesday Nov. 4.

Leadman Joe Duraes caught up with The Weekender before his Saturday visit to tell his story:

Q: How did Joe Duraes & The Skills come to be?

I found my bandmates early this year through Craigslist, if you can believe it. Last November I released my debut album Ebb and Flow and I wanted to have a band to help me support the album. I met Chris (drums) and Steve (bass) in February and we played a few shows as a three-piece. Then we found Rodman (lead guitar) in May and it's been bliss ever since. All through Craigslist ads.

Q: Tell me about Ebb and Flow.

Ebb and Flow is my first album. It was released last year in November. This November marks the first year anniversary. It's a full-length rock album with 10 songs that explore themes that range from love to the opposite of love, as well as the heartache of 9/11 and the beautiful Hudson Valley where I am from. It took me four years to record it. I wrote Ebb and Flow about eight years ago. It became my favorite song for a very long time. When I decided to release an album, 'Ebb and Flow' was the perfect choice.

Q: What was the inspiration for the album? Ebb and Flow is a collection of songs that capture the changes and experience in my life over the last few years. The songs reflect who I am and where I come from, which are experiences we can all relate to. For example, "Eyes Upon The Skyline" is about 9/11 from my perspective as a New Yorker. "Hudson River" is a rocking love song and I live very close to it.

Q: What's your favorite song to play live and why? I love playing "Crash" live. It's very upbeat, catchy and fun. Audiences love it too!

Q: What's the ultimate goal for the band? The ultimate goal is play for as many people as possible and cast our net as far as we can - to build our fan base. Troy is one example. We spent 2014 mostly playing locally to build our fan base there. Next year we're planning to take our show out of state including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware Washington DC and Virginia, and anywhere else we can go to.

Q: What other artist would you love to share a stage with someday? I'd love to jam live with Dave Grohl some day. But he's a bit busy nowadays.

Q: What's the atmosphere like when you play at the beat shop? The first and last time I played in troy was April 2013 as a solo artist. It wouldn't have happened if it weren't for Steve Malinski at WRPI-FM. Steve lives in Peekskill and I met Him one night during one of my shows at The Peekskill Coffee House. He told me he does a weekend radio show in Troy and he invited me to come up. Steve introduced me to Jim Barrett who was very kind to book a show at his store. Jim's a great guy and I love his store. There aren't many of them around anymore. Reminds me of the old record stores I used to hang out in as a kid. When Jim welcomed me back, I told him the next time I would have a band with me

Q: What's next for Joe Duraes & The Skills? We've been working on new material - almost enough for a new album. It's been very exciting trying these new songs on people to get their reaction. There's a good chance we'll be in a studio in 2015 to record these songs.

For more information visit www.joeduraes.com or www.facebook.com/joeduraesband.

Lauren Halligan may be reached at 290-1443.

James Brooks photo credit. - The Record (Troy, NY)

The Joe Duraes Band appears in their first TV interview on the "Living Arts in Westchester" television program with host Jackie Suarez. Includes live performances of "Ebb and Flow" and "Hudson River".

Joe Duraes & The Skills:
• Joe Duraes (vocals and guitar)
• Steve Geller (bass)
• Rodman del Castillo (lead guitar)
• Chris Perna (drums)

Staff "Living Arts in Westchester":
• Jackie Suarez - Host
• Joe Pisano - Director
• Jim Brooks - Editor
• Michael Deluca - Producer
• Helen Pisano - Camera 1
• Steve Hedgus - Camera 2
• Millie Budddington Aka Sis - Camera 3

Air date: October 11, 2014 - Living Arts in Westchester

Skype interview with Joe Duraes and DJ Tree on WFCS New Britain and Hartford

Posted: September 29, 2014
Reporter: Theresa Ahearn (DJ Tree)
Camera, lights, audio, editing: Theresa Ahearn
Live Video B-Roll Footage: Joe Duraes - WFCS-FM New Britain and Hartford

Air date: March 07, 2014

Click this link to listen to the full interview:

http://www.whud.com/artist_spotlight/2014/3/Joe%20Duraes%20030714.mp3 - WHUD-FM 100.7FM

January

19, 2014

by Kevin Phelan

For Montrose-based musician Joe Duraes, the Lower Hudson Valley is more than just the place he calls home; it’s also sometimes his muse. So when he was asked to perform a tune for a 400th anniversary celebration of Henry Hudson’s voyage up the Hudson River, he knew a simple cover song wouldn’t do.

“I wanted to do my own song, an original song, and (the song) ‘Hudson River’ came out of that,” says Duraes, 46, a freelance public relations specialist. “It became kind of a narrative. It became a song about someone coming in from the city for a date with someone from the Hudson Valley. It’s a Hudson River love song.”

A self-professed “music geek” from the age of 8, Duraes’ lifelong passion recently came to fruition in the form of his debut album, “Ebb and Flow,” released Nov. 26. It’s a passion project built upon decades of musical exploration and fascination, a project that Duraes says speaks to the events, trials and tribulations he’s lived through the past 10 years.

“It’s a collection of songs that capture the changes and experiences in my life over the last decade,” he says. “They reflect who I am and where I come from.”

While he’s been a music aficionado almost his entire life, it wasn’t until eight years ago, when he began working freelance from home, that he experienced a sudden resurgence in his creativity. “I didn’t have that mental business and stress of working in a corporate environment. It allowed my brain space and time to work creatively again,” he says. “It was nothing for me to be working from home and doing the computer thing when all of a sudden a melody hits me and I just stop working for a second, put my guitar on, jingle-jangle for a little bit and next thing I know I’m working on a song.”

The newfound creative freedom allowed Duraes to refocus on his music and songwriting. The result was several of the songs now appearing on “Ebb and Flow.”

Duraes is hoping to build his fan base at local summer concert series like the Pleasantville Music Festival and the Take Me To The River Music and Arts Festival. “I want this year to be really busy,” he says.

The album is available on Duraes’ website, www.joeduraes.com, both to purchase and to stream in its entirety for free, a decision that was important to Duraes.

“If I did this for the money, I’d be kidding myself. I had no illusions of being the next Bono,” he says. “It’s not about the money. For me, it’s about people enjoying it. It’s a gift that I have that I want to share with people. … At the end of the day, it’s about enjoying what I’m doing, making people smile and having fun.”

Here’s 10 things you don’t know about Joe Duraes:

1. In 1977, after looking her up in the phone book, a 10-year-old Joe called Esther Frehley, mother of KISS guitarist Ace Frehley. After telling her how big of a fan of Ace’s he was, the two developed a relationship over the phone.

2. Nov. 26 was a big day for Joe. Not only was it the day his debut album was released, but also his 46th birthday.

3. Despite collaborating with a variety of other musicians on the album, Joe never met any of them in person, instead creating, sharing and mastering the tracks digitally from different studios across America.

4. He recorded the album over the course of four years and in three different studios: Woody’s House in Croton-on-Hudson, The Groove Room in Brewster and Singleton Studios in Charlottesville, Va.

5. When Peter Godwin, the artist who originally recorded “Images of Heaven,” heard Joe’s cover of the song for the album, he was impressed. “Joe’s version of ‘Images of Heaven’ is really rockin’ and muscular,” Godwin says. “Glad he made it his own, even varying the melody here and there. Bravo!”

6. The producer and drummer on the album, Kevin Hupp, is an award-winning percussionist who has worked in the past with the likes of Eddie Van Halen, Iggy Pop, Hall & Oates, Rufus Wainwright and more.

7. In early February, Duraes will be interviewed by Kathy Millar for WHUD 100.7’s Hudson Valley Artist Spotlight.

8. He grew up in a traditional Portuguese family, can speak the language fluently and would visit Portugal almost every year until the age of 20.

9. After teaching himself to play guitar at age 13, the first two songs he learned were Journey’s “Open Arms” and the Beatles classic “Hey Jude.”

10. Joe is an amateur photographer and will have his work displayed at the Hendrick Hudson Free Library this May.

### - The Journal News (White Plains, NY)

by Sam Barron

November 19, 2013

CORTLANDT, N.Y. -- Cortlandt resident Joe Duraes is living out his musical dream.

Duraes' new CD "Ebb and Flow" will be released on Tuesday, Nov. 26. Duraes recently had a release party at the Peekskill Coffeehouse where he regularly performs.

The album was recorded over four years in several locations, including Woody's House in Croton-on-Hudson.

True to his New York roots, Duraes has a song called "Hudson River", about meeting a girl on the train and spending a day with her and "Eyes Upon The Skyline" about 9/11. Duraes also covers "Images of Heaven". a 1980s Peter Goodwin song that has generated a cult following.

"The style is acoustic rock," Duraes said. "If you went to a record store and looked up the genre, it would be in the Pete Yorn or Bob Mould section. I couldn't put my finger on a specific genre."

Duraes said some of his songs sound like Foo Fighters or Husker Du. Duraes connected with Kevin Hupp, a renowned session drummer in upstate New York who connected him with some of the top session musicians in the area.

"I was fortunate to have them," Duraes said. "The album wouldn't have sounded the way it does if I didn't have the talent that I have on it."

Duraes has been into music since he was a kid, growing up listening to Elton John, Kiss and The Beatles and getting into all aspects of music including interviews and cover art.

In high school, he fell into the 80s new wave scene, becoming a big Duran Duran fan, and also listening to bands like Susie and the Banshees and Echo and the Bunnymen.

In his 20s, Duraes played in a goth band, performing at CBGB and Webster Hall.

"When that didn't pan out, I had to find a career and get a job," Duraes said.

The 46-year old said he got the itch and begin writing again which led to him performing at the Peekskill Coffee House and writing and performing.

"It's a collection of songs that capture the changes and experiences in my life over the last decade," Duraes said. "They reflect who I am and where I come from."

### - Peekskill Daily Voice (Peekskill, NY)

by Ashley Tarr (Editor)

November 15, 2013

When Montrose resident Joe Duraes turned 40, he "got the itch" to revisit a part of his life he thought he had left behind: Music.

Fast forward four years and he's on the verge of releasing his debut album, a dream Duraes thought he said goodbye to when he gave up writing and performing years ago.

"I had no plans of getting back into," he said.

When the big 4-0 arrived, he knew it was prime time for a mid-life crisis, Duraes recalled with a laugh. But buying a sports car was not the priority.

"My wife said, 'Start writing,'" said Duraes, a publicist by day and father-of-one. "She knew there was a skill there. The idea from the beginning was to write songs and make a CD."

Since then Duraes has poured time and energy—not to mention vocals— into writing and recording 10 songs for the album. It's called Ebb and Flow after a track that he said "always felt like a perfect song," and carries a lot of emotion.

A few of the tunes deal with love, while others focus on the Hudson Valley and New York City. "Eyes Upon the Skyline" is a tribute to those lost in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

"It’s a collection of songs that capture the changes and experiences in my life over the last decade,” Duraes said.“They reflect who I am and where I come from. They are experiences and feelings most of us can relate to.”

He worked with local musicians along the way and recorded at Woody’s House in Croton-on-Hudson and The Groove Room in Southeast. Some of the tracks were done at Singleton Studios in Charlottesville, Virginia.

"Joe's music and style is very clear and individualist," Kevin Hupp said. Hupp runs The Groove Room from his home in Southeast, and he's worked with Iggy Pop, Eddie Van Halen, Joan Osborne and other well-known artists. "He is who he is, and he doesn't try to be anyone else. I find that refreshing."

Hupp, who plays drums on many of the tracks, loves the album. He describes it as very alternative rock, and "not highly polished" or "overproduced."

Between the Nov. 26 release date and his experience playing at venues across the Hudson Valley in recent years, Duraes is hoping area radio stations like The Peak and WFUV will pick up his songs.

"It can go as far as Joe has the energy to take it, in my opinion," Hupp said.

And it looks like the energy is there. Duraes, a big fan of Led Zeppelin, KISS, Black Sabbath, Elton John and more, is already thinking about a second album.

"Those were my teachers; they taught me, inspired me," he said of the musicians whose work he fell in love with as a child and a teenager. "This album is a translation of that."

A CD release party is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday (Nov. 15) at the Peekskill Coffee House (101 South Division Street). The album will be available online through sites such as CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon. Learn more about Joe Duraes by www.joeduraes.com

### - The Peekskill-Cortlandt Patch (Peekskill, NY)

by Rick Pezzullo

November 14, 2013

Like many people, Joe Duraes’ day job as a publicist was paying the bills, but it wasn’t personally fulfilling. So, six years ago, Duraes returned to his passion, music, and began writing songs.

The feeback the Cortlandt resident received about his music was so positive that he decided to aim higher and create an entire album.

“I’ve been thinking about doing an album for quite a while. I thought it would be a cool idea,” Duraes said. “The reaction I got from people made me think I have something here.”

Working with some seasoned and well accomplished musicians and producers, Duraes was able to put together enough money to complete his debut album Ebb and Flow, which will be officially released on November 26 but can be purchased 11 days earlier this Friday, November 15 at a CD release party at The Peekskill Coffee House at 101 South Division Street at 7 p.m.

“It’s a collection of songs that capture the changes and experiences in my life over the last decade,” Duraes said about his 10-song album. “They reflect who I am and where I come from. They are experiences and feelings most of us can relate to.”

The album, which was recorded between December 2009 and October 2013 in Croton-on-Hudson, Brewster and Charlottesville, VA, explores themes that range from love to the beauty of the Hudson River region to the heartache of September 11, 2001.

One of the songs, ‘Eyes Upon the Skyline,’ tells a story about September 11, 2001 from the perspective of Duraes who lived in Brooklyn at the time and was riding the subway underground when the first plane struck the World Trade Center.

“I didn’t know what was going on,” he said. “It took me the longest to write that song because I knew it had to be done right.”

Duraes explained the name of the album was the first song he wrote and reflects, in part, his philosophy.

“The song is about life, the good and the bad. Stuff that happens and loss and how people deal with loss,” he said. “My attitude in life is stuff happens, but you have to get up and keep going.”

Duraes has lived in Cortlandt for 12 years and has performed monthly at The Peekskill Coffee House for about the last three years. After the CD is released on November 26 it will be available online through CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon and dozens of popular download and streaming sites. For further information, visit www.joeduraes.com.

### - Northern Westchester Examiner (Cortlandt Manor, NY)

by Brian Donnelly

November 13, 2013

MONTROSE, N.Y. – Joe Duraes wanted to put out a record that describes who he is, where he lives and where he comes from.

The publicist-turned rocker will do just that Friday at a release party at the Peekskill Coffee House for his debut album, “Ebb and Flow”. The Montrose musician, 44, was hungry to make it in the music business in his 20s, but found a career in publicity that gave him better stability. He worked at HarperCollins Publishers, Edelman and various agencies over the span of 18 years, which he described as his hibernation from rock.

“I want to change careers and do the rock and roll thing like I’ve always wanted to,” Duraes said. “That’s been my dream since I was a child.”

Duraes came out of hibernation in 2009 when he started recording the 10-track album at “Woody’s House” – named for Woody Guthrie – in Croton-on-Hudson, a recording studio run by his friend Fred Gillen Jr. He recorded the song, “Love Can Rule the World” at that studio.

The next three songs were recorded at Singleton Studios in Virginia. Duraes completed the album closer to home at the Groove Room in Brewster with Kevin Hupp, who produced Iggy Pop’s last two records – “Apres” in 2012 and “Preliminaries” in 2009.

“On the album, the songs just range from pure rock like AC/DC, Supersuckers kind of rock’n’roll, to Pete Yorn with a little bit more melodic groves,” said Duraes, who describes his sound as electrified acoustic alt-rock. “A couple of songs include some Hudson Valley, New York City themes.”

“Eyes Upon the Skyline” is a look back at the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Duraes said the song takes the listener from his morning commute into the city, to the manic scene when the first plane hit, to the aftermath of missing person posters littering the city streets.

The Bronx native named a song for the Hudson River, which he said he lives a “stone’s throw away from” and visits whenever he can.

“The Hudson is just one of my favorite places on the planet; it’s beautiful, it’s historic, it’s calming,” he said. “I drive down to it almost daily.”

Duraes collaborated with several award-winning musicians on the album, some from Croton-on-Hudson: Gillen on bass and Eric Puent on drums. Mohegan Lake resident Paul Silverman, a member of The YaYas, played piano and Brewster resident Alex Salzman.

“These guys are emitting talent from every pore,” Duraes said. “I was really lucky, through Kevin, to get these people. They basically took my songs and made them so much greater.”

Also on the album, the tenor covers “Images of Heaven” by Peter Godwin, who he reached out to on Facebook to get permission. The 1982 new-wave song became a cult favorite at dance clubs and new-wave radio stations. So, when Duraes heard it on the radio while driving one day, he felt compelled to record it.

“Joe’s version of ‘Images of Heaven’ is really rockin’ and muscular,” Godwin said in a statement. “Glad he made it his own, even varying the melody here and there. Bravo!”

A fun fact Duraes said he learned just recently is that the keytar – a lightweight piano worn like a guitar used by ‘80s bands with oversized clothes and funny hats – was first used by Godwin.

Duraes said he has become friends with Godwin since reaching out to him on Facebook. The advent of social media and Youtube have made artists much more accessible to fans. But, it wasn’t like that in the ‘70s when Duraes grew up.

“I would buy their records and just listen to them until they were worn out and look at album covers until my eyes starred holes into them,” he said. “That was just the way we listened to music back in those days.”

When Duraes was 13, he went to his first concert at Madison Square Garden to see Iron Maiden.

“My eyes couldn’t have been wider,” he said.

The singer and songwriter’s taste in music “runs the gamut from classic rock to ‘80s rock, to grunge and goth. As a child he said he studied his favorite bands, like the Beatles.

“Instead of being my inspirations, they’re my mentors, my teachers,” he said. “They’re the people I learned my craft from.”

After many years, Duraes has crafted his debut album, which will be released officially Nov. 26.

“The album itself is about experiences in my life in the last 10-or-so years,” he said.

In that time, Duraes moved from Brooklyn to Montrose with his wife, who grew up in Mahopac, and had a daughter, who is now 10.

People can pick up an advance copy of “Ebb and Flow” at Duraes’ album release party at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Peekskill Coffee House, where he has performed monthly for the last three years. He said he has even written a song call “Peekskill Coffee House” that may appear on a follow up album.

“I’ve got a nice little following, I’ve got an album coming out. I thought this wouldn’t get to this point and it has, and it’s an exciting ride so far,” he said.

### - The Hudson Valley Reporter

by Eric Gendron Neighbors

November 7, 2013

PEEKSKILL, N.Y.. -- Joe Duraes, an independent musician from Montrose, will release his debut album "Ebb and Flow" this month and will hold a release party at the Peekskill Coffee House on Nov. 15 at 7 p.m.

CDs and digital downloads will be available online through CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon, and dozens of the most popular download and streaming sites as of November 26.

The ten-song album was recorded between December 2009 and October 2013 at Woody’s House in Croton-on- Hudson, NY, Singleton Studios in Charlottesville, VA, and The Groove Room in Brewster, NY.

It explores themes that range from love to the opposite of love, as well as the heartache of 9/11 to the beautiful Hudson Valley region.

“It’s a collection of songs that capture the changes and experiences in my life over the last decade,” Duraes said in a statement. “They reflect who I am and where I come from. They are experiences and feelings most of us can relate to.”

The release party is free and open to the public. The Peekskill Coffee House is located at 101 S Division St. in Peekskill.

Check Joe’s website for other performances of Ebb and Flow over coming months.

### - The Daily Voice (Peekskill, NY)