Joe Lee

Born and raised in Chertsey, Surrey, UK, Joe has been playing piano since the age of 10. Initially classically trained, Joe self taught himself the Blues and early Rock 'n Roll. It was The Blues Brothers movie that inspired him to learn how to play by ear and discover the history and journey of modern music. It was during this time that he drew affinity to the musical products of Surrey including Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Genesis and the Rolling Stones. Joe was soon found playing in local jam nights in Kingston and surrounding areas playing mostly old Blues songs and 70s rock. After graduating from University with a Business and Law degree he decided not to become a barrister and instead played solo piano across the country and with his covers band, Jukebox. He also worked as a session musician recording at Abbey Road Studios in Studio 3 where the Beatles recorded The White Album.
Joe always wrote songs, but kept them under wraps until 2010 when he moved to Holland. Whilst touring across the country playing in various venues and even to 10,000 people at a football stadium, he started playing original songs in his covers sets. The other musicians liked the songs so much they persuaded Joe to record them and now Joe and his Dutch band are setting their sights on gigging here, there and everywhere. The Police were known to gig everywhere during their early years and after playing at one of The Police's first European venues in Groningen, Holland, Joe has the same philosophy and vision to take his band far and wide throughout 2011.
"My music really is an extension of me, my feelings and emotions which I keep locked up day to day. There's nothing more cathartic than having a good purge, especially to a crowd that's up for it."
On playing to large crowds, "I much prefer playing to a stadium or a few thousand people because you have more crowd to work and conquer. I regularly play in clubs and at events to a few hundred people though and enjoy the intimate interaction. It's easier to receive phone numbers from admiring fans too! Haha"