The Lucky Numbers

Australia really seems to agree with Josie Crosby. The former south county resident and part of the local music scene headed down under four years ago. She met a physicist from Oz, fell in love and decided to join the Aussie when he returned home. Josie was a big part of the community (solo performer, member of the band, Signs Of Life, worked at PM Recording Studios and South County Music Exchange) and when she left, she left many folks missing her, myself included. Fortunately, we have the internet and keeping in touch is fairly easy via e-mail, Skype and the occasional phone call.

The reason that I say that “Australia must agree with her” is because I was floored by her newest CD, For The Win. From the first notes I liked it, and the more I heard, the more I liked it. All of the time she has been in Australia Josie has been playing music. It took her a while to fit in and meet people, but it is clear she has met the right musicians. These musicians make up her current band, The Lucky Numbers. She says, “I got invited to play at a benefit for a wonderful lady by a fellow songwriter I met here. We rehearsed with a band a few times and that is how I met some of the guys I play with now. Through them and playing open mics and solo gigs, I met the others.” I always enjoyed Josie’s music when she was here, but since her “expatriotation,” her music has grown and developed into something that is distinctly Josie. To make it easier for you all to grasp her sound, imagine a vocal blend of Sinead O’ Connor and Dolores O’Riordan (Cranberries) with the backing of a solid, clean rhythm section. Add to that a bluesy, rock sound with a touch of Texas swing, country, folk and a very slight reggae edge. Layer in some great harmonica, violin/fiddle, keys, banjo and mandolin and you have the ingredients that make For The Win such an enjoyable listen. All of the songs were written or co-written by Crosby. She says, “Some of them are older, like ’Waiting On The Rain,’ ‘Blood on my Door,’ ‘Are you Happy.’ ‘Blue Light’ was one I wrote about PM Recording (remember the blue lights in there?) Some of them are Australian songs and some American.” Josie’s favorite songs from the CD are “Rise” and “Take Me Down.” “Rise” is my favorite. I am a sucker for those inspirational type songs that have hand claps. When I told Josie that “Rise” was my favorite, she said, “I’m glad you like that song. It’s kind of for you. I wrote it after talking with you once when you were a bit down and I was sending you good vibes.” I blushed and thanked her. The song starts out with, “The road you travel is littered with lies. You have friends at your side. Instead of sorrow, let hope be your guide … and you will rise.”

There is another RI connection to that CD: my band mate in Forever Young, Pete Vendettuoli. I met Pete through Josie and that is how he wound up in FY. Pete contributed a mandolin part to one of the songs. I asked Pete how he did that. “She sent me an mp3 and I loaded it into my recorder. I recorded my part as a .wav file and sent it back to her over Skype.”

The CD cover art was illustrated by Josie’s mom, Judy Bajus-Davis, who lives in Ohio. The woman on the cover looks a lot like Josie though according to Crosby, “It wasn’t supposed to, but she is my Mom after all!” She added, “It’s quite amazing how much we used the internet on this project.” The CD was produced, mixed and mastered by Josie’s beau, Matt Slivkoff, the Aussie who brought her there. In addition to being a physicist, he is quite the musician. For now Josie and the Lucky Numbers will be touring around the Perth/Freemantle region of Western Australia with hopes of branching out much farther. Possibly to the States. She says, “That’s all part of my master plan!”

Until that dream can be realized, I asked her if she had anything to say to her friends and fans here in RI. “I’d like to tell everyone back home that little Rhody still has a big place in my heart and will always be a part of me and the music I make. I really look forward to getting back there someday and sharing my experiences and songs with my friends. I can’t wait till we all get to play together again!” In the meantime, you all should definitely give the disc a listen and/or buy it online. For more about Josie Crosby and the Lucky Numbers, take a spin over to theluckynumbers.com.
- See more at: http://motifri.com/roots-report-graham-nash-review-and-music-from-the-world/#sthash.omRLe7fc.dpuf - Motif Magazine (John Fuzek)

Sweethearts of the Stage
by Jim Vickers (editor)

Women who bring grit & grace to Rhode Island's music scene.
Valentine’s Day is at at hand, and in case you haven’t guessed yet, this would be the hearts and roses issue, featuring some of Rhode Island’s favorite gals.

There are plenty more, but we have to save someone for next year.

These lovely ladies play our local night clubs, coffee houses and concert halls. They write songs about love, loss and elevate the cultural landscape of the greater Rhode Island area. Their songs – like their male counterparts – provide a sense of place and time to who we are as a community. In short, they are part of the ties that bind us, musically and as a community.

For those who haven’t had the pleasure to meet these “Sweethearts of the Stage,” allow me to make a meager introduction:

..............................................

Josie Crosby: If Rhode Island had a sweetheart contest, we’d be hard pressed to find a more positive, upbeat women than Josie Crosby. She plays because she loves music, enjoys entertaining people and being part of our music community. She collaborates, and volunteers non-stop, when not ‘ranging’ the banjo or strumming her guitar. She’s a big fan of Jason Kashtan’s The Shorebreak in Narragansett, the up-and-coming hipster hang out. My favorite Josie song, “Waiting on the Rain,” a peace song teaching patience. - Motif Magazine (http://www.motifmagazine.net)

Cincinnati's Josie Crosby has established quite a reputation for herself in the Southern New England music scene. Her self-proclaimed influences cover a wide range: Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Pink Floyd and The Moody Blues. She sounds old school folk, yet she isn’t. She will probably be compared to a multitude of performers, which is always the curse of every songsmith that tries to establish their own identity.

Not that Josie will have any problem with that. If you listen to “Love Survives,” you will hear something familiar yet paradoxically unique. It has a sparse arrangement: acoustic guitar, vocals and a banjo.(just enough to keep it interesting, but it never overcomes her sweet, raspy singing.) “Waiting On the Rain” brings out the traditional persuasion, but you don’t mind. (That’s how charming her voice is.) Josie’s strong lyrics enhance what could otherwise be just any other ballad: “Waiting on the Time/Waiting on the World to be just Fine / Waiting for the Hate to Fade/Waiting as the Sky's cascade.” Well said.
“Temperature is Time” manages to survive a less than ideal recording mainly because her spirit shines through and overcomes even that. Once again, the words speak volumes: “I Abandon…/ these Intentions / I Surrender... to this Dream / This Thirst.../ is Everlasting /This Aching... /Goes Unseen.”

Josie would make a perfect opening act for Melissa Etheridge, Joan Baez or Dar Williams. Let’s hope that she doesn’t get caught up in the politics of corporate radio and the major labels. But I have a feeling it will take more than that to dim the hopes of this rising star.

-By Mark Staudte - Northeast In-Tune

Breathing life into music with Josie Crosby

Born and raised in the Ohio River Valley, Josie Crosby has been playing music since the fourth grade. After starting with the flute, she moved on to the clarinet, saxophones and oboe before picking up the guitar at age 18. With her influences in check, which include Joni Mitchell and the Moody Blues, Crosby started writing her own music. She spent time studying to become a veterinarian at college, but her love for music took over.

After moving to Rhode Island, she began playing and writing more than ever. Since then, she has developed a unique finger style of guitar playing and written dozens of songs. Now, she's continuing her goal to have her music heard as she gears up to take the Festival Stage at the Sunset Music Festival.

Why did you move to Rhode Island?

"Simply put, the ocean! I grew up in Cincinnati and didn't see the ocean till I was 13. I always felt I was missing out. I used to have a CD I listened to that was just the sound of the waves and when I began to play guitar I would have that on in the background. When I got to spend some time in Narragansett I had the chance to play with the real thing as my backdrop so I stayed."

How does it feel to be playing at the same festival as Joan Jett, Joan Osborne and Brandi Carlile?

"It is very exciting and I feel honored! When I was a kid, I used to pretend to be Joan Jett and rock out on the air-guitar while singing along to her songs. Now I get to play at the same festival. I'm thrilled!"

Have you played Newport before?

"I have played in Newport before at Billy Goode's. I played the Open Mic there several times before graduating to a full set. I've also had the privilege of sitting in with The Tim Taylor Blues Band, who plays there regularly; They are one of my local favorites. I love Newport, it is charming."

What one artist can you compare yourself to for those hearing you for the time at the festival?

"This is a tough one. I don't really compare myself to anyone although I am influenced by many. My voice has been compared to Dolores O'Riordan (The Cranberries) and Neko Case. My style is my own."

I saw all the influences on your myspace, but which one is your biggest?

"My family because they have taught me to so much and that is reflected in my music. They have always provided me with the encouragement and support I need to confidently follow these sounds."

What can we expect to hear on your new album, "Chasing Yellow?"

"Songs that portray my emotional response to events in my life and in the world. Music is how I make sense of what I see, hear and feel. It is how I breathe."

Who: Josie Crosby

When: Sunday, July 1

Where: Festival Stage, Newport Yachting Center

Price: $35 in advance, $40 at the door; Headlining act is Joan Osborne and Brandi Carlile

More Info: www.newportfestivals.com

BY ANDREW MARTIN - Newport This Week

November 2007


Rhode Island-based folk artist Josie Crosby recently debuted her new line-up at a benefit for The Make a Wish Foundation at the Shorebreak on September 22. Also performing that night were other local artists The Water Project and Daniel Chase. "I have spent many night rehearsing with a wonderfully talented group of musicians and we are shaping into a new and original band," Crosby recently told Performer, referring to her new ensemble of musicians including Tom Champlin, Bill Lawing, and Chris Hackett - Northeast Performer Magazine

November 2007


Rhode Island-based folk artist Josie Crosby recently debuted her new line-up at a benefit for The Make a Wish Foundation at the Shorebreak on September 22. Also performing that night were other local artists The Water Project and Daniel Chase. "I have spent many night rehearsing with a wonderfully talented group of musicians and we are shaping into a new and original band," Crosby recently told Performer, referring to her new ensemble of musicians including Tom Champlin, Bill Lawing, and Chris Hackett - Northeast Performer Magazine

Where did you all come from? I felt like I was listening to an undiscovered band from the 70's (I mean that in a very complimentary way). Strong lead vocals, and really, great guitar breaks - the tone of the production is very "traditional" and honest sounding - good work there! - TAXI

Where did you all come from? I felt like I was listening to an undiscovered band from the 70's (I mean that in a very complimentary way). Strong lead vocals, and really, great guitar breaks - the tone of the production is very "traditional" and honest sounding - good work there! - TAXI

by Bob Gulla

Onstage, Josie Crosby used to be, well, Josie Crosby. Now she’s ditched her own name and gone with SIGNS OF LIFE, the name of her newish band, with lead guitarist Tom Champlin, formerly of local legends the Jungle Dogs (WBRU Rock Hunt champions way back in 1990), drummer Bill Lawing (formerly of Superbug), and Chris Hackett, the owner of Mojo Music in Westerly, on bass. And, of course, Josie’s on guitar and vocals. Her voice, strong like Grace Slick’s with warbly flecks of Neil Young and Janis, heads up a tough rootsy, rockin’ mix. When the band first came together, chemistry appeared in healthy supply; Signs clicked immediately, prompting a deluge of new material. On their self-titled demo, Crosby and company come across as loose and passionate, with some good singing, a lot of nice guitar work, and more than a passing similarity to Crazy Horse, especially on “Not For Me.”

On Tuesday, December 18, Signs of Life will play AS220 with Alexandra Scott at an all-ages show at 10 pm. Go to myspace.com/signsofliferi. - Providence Phoenix

Signs of Life has a tough live act to follow: their style lends itself to live performance where, as a band, they are as tight as a drum. Bands this tight can easily find themselves dropping a record that's been hopelessly overproduced: not the case here. "Waters Rise" is recorded live in the studio, and singer-guitarist Josie Crosby's voice, which swings from a menacing lilt to a breathless, stop-on-a-dime sway, drifts when the ears want it to carry and provides the tension on which the whole thing is built, wherein rich minor-key vamps, rolling grooves and post-roots power ballads mingle with Crosby's lyrics, which switch between minimalist ballads of confession and what could almost pass for lost texts of Lao Tzu. The live style of studio recording also brings out the performance of drummer Bill Lawing, who drives the band with an urgency that would likely be absent in a dubbed performance.
Among other things, "Waters Rise" is a masterpiece of pacing: it sounds as though it was recorded in one swoop, soup to nuts, gutsy and genuine.
There is barely a breath between tracks. The first half of the disc is dedicated to straight-up stompers that wouldn't be out of place in any bands repertoire: 'Peace Breathes' introduces Signs of Life as a band that never met a minor key they couldn't play the heck out of. 'Porcelain Bride' is the best song on the album, as relevant an example of songwriting as it is as a crawling bar-band groove, replete with an ominous harmonic minor scale that will stay in your head forever, but is only the second catchiest hook on the record.
On 'Six Strings,' an otherwise straightforward jam with a clever change or two, Crosby and co-singer Tom Champlin crank out a guitar feast worthy of Television or even the Allman Brothers.

'Little Faces' begins the thematic second half of the album, the focus moved from hooks and grooves to the band's ability to be the sum of its parts. Crosby's songwriting is never better than on 'Love Survives,' the shrewdly understated protest 'Wishing For,' and 'Earth's Fingers,' a restrained prayer on which the band reinvents the Pixies' soft/loud dynamic to suit their roots-inflected ethos.

The guitars are in charge again on ‘A Bet,’ the best full-out jam on an album full of them. Signs of Life is practically unplugged on 'The Road,' a delicate and introspective reflection on mortality and spirit.

Translating the best of a phenomenal live act to a studio is a difficult task with traps on all sides, but Signs of Life has done it with "Waters Rise," a rolling and tight collection of loaded grooves, minor key vamps and post-roots power ballads with a distinctive primal punch.


BY G.W. Mercure - Motif Magazine

Signs of Life has a tough live act to follow: their style lends itself to live performance where, as a band, they are as tight as a drum. Bands this tight can easily find themselves dropping a record that's been hopelessly overproduced: not the case here. "Waters Rise" is recorded live in the studio, and singer-guitarist Josie Crosby's voice, which swings from a menacing lilt to a breathless, stop-on-a-dime sway, drifts when the ears want it to carry and provides the tension on which the whole thing is built, wherein rich minor-key vamps, rolling grooves and post-roots power ballads mingle with Crosby's lyrics, which switch between minimalist ballads of confession and what could almost pass for lost texts of Lao Tzu. The live style of studio recording also brings out the performance of drummer Bill Lawing, who drives the band with an urgency that would likely be absent in a dubbed performance.
Among other things, "Waters Rise" is a masterpiece of pacing: it sounds as though it was recorded in one swoop, soup to nuts, gutsy and genuine.
There is barely a breath between tracks. The first half of the disc is dedicated to straight-up stompers that wouldn't be out of place in any bands repertoire: 'Peace Breathes' introduces Signs of Life as a band that never met a minor key they couldn't play the heck out of. 'Porcelain Bride' is the best song on the album, as relevant an example of songwriting as it is as a crawling bar-band groove, replete with an ominous harmonic minor scale that will stay in your head forever, but is only the second catchiest hook on the record.
On 'Six Strings,' an otherwise straightforward jam with a clever change or two, Crosby and co-singer Tom Champlin crank out a guitar feast worthy of Television or even the Allman Brothers.

'Little Faces' begins the thematic second half of the album, the focus moved from hooks and grooves to the band's ability to be the sum of its parts. Crosby's songwriting is never better than on 'Love Survives,' the shrewdly understated protest 'Wishing For,' and 'Earth's Fingers,' a restrained prayer on which the band reinvents the Pixies' soft/loud dynamic to suit their roots-inflected ethos.

The guitars are in charge again on ‘A Bet,’ the best full-out jam on an album full of them. Signs of Life is practically unplugged on 'The Road,' a delicate and introspective reflection on mortality and spirit.

Translating the best of a phenomenal live act to a studio is a difficult task with traps on all sides, but Signs of Life has done it with "Waters Rise," a rolling and tight collection of loaded grooves, minor key vamps and post-roots power ballads with a distinctive primal punch.


BY G.W. Mercure - Motif Magazine

Signs of Life

Waters Rise

Signs of Life’s organic and intense vibes don’t pull any punches. They are direct and visceral, with none of the pretense and few of the trimmings. At a time when gimmicks rule the day, SOL’s straight-on approach is a good thing. Led by Josie Crosby on voice/rhythm guitar and Tom Champlin on lead guitar, the band blazes with rootsy righteousness, ala Crazy Horse or early Jefferson Airplane. Crosby’s voice is a force of nature—growling with anger, then fluttering wispily—and Champlin’s leads, sublime for a few decades now, have retained their magic even after all these years. Beneath it all is the steady work of rhythm section of Chris Hackett and Bill Lawing, who approach their tasks with sparse but potent consistency. As a whole, the band smokes, with full mastery of their instruments and the knowledge of what makes a song move. The opening “Peace Breathes” kicks in with some gutty guitar and vocals;

Josie and Tom stretch out nicely on “Wishing For,” and the closer “The Road,” starts out as a trot and finishes up six minutes later with a Skynyrd-esque solo from Champlin. As it fades out, and Champlin continues to rip, you get the sense that he and the band can and will play on into the sunset. Forget the pop hooks … Forget any pretense of commercial rock. These are tough, taut, triumphant songs, with passion pouring from each groove and sweat from every note.

- by Bob Gulla

Signs of Life

Waters Rise

Signs of Life’s organic and intense vibes don’t pull any punches. They are direct and visceral, with none of the pretense and few of the trimmings. At a time when gimmicks rule the day, SOL’s straight-on approach is a good thing. Led by Josie Crosby on voice/rhythm guitar and Tom Champlin on lead guitar, the band blazes with rootsy righteousness, ala Crazy Horse or early Jefferson Airplane. Crosby’s voice is a force of nature—growling with anger, then fluttering wispily—and Champlin’s leads, sublime for a few decades now, have retained their magic even after all these years. Beneath it all is the steady work of rhythm section of Chris Hackett and Bill Lawing, who approach their tasks with sparse but potent consistency. As a whole, the band smokes, with full mastery of their instruments and the knowledge of what makes a song move. The opening “Peace Breathes” kicks in with some gutty guitar and vocals;

Josie and Tom stretch out nicely on “Wishing For,” and the closer “The Road,” starts out as a trot and finishes up six minutes later with a Skynyrd-esque solo from Champlin. As it fades out, and Champlin continues to rip, you get the sense that he and the band can and will play on into the sunset. Forget the pop hooks … Forget any pretense of commercial rock. These are tough, taut, triumphant songs, with passion pouring from each groove and sweat from every note.

- by Bob Gulla

by John Fuzek

Okee dokee folks… the world of the young singer-songwriters…those under 30.

These are some of the folks who are, or will be, the recognized names on the local circuit. Some of them may already be familiar to you, some not. Either way, I hope that you will check them.

I think young singer-songwriters have it a bit (ok, maybe a lot) easier these days than even 15 or so years ago. The Internet and computers have made getting music out there much easier. When I first started, I had no clue what to do, where to play or who to talk to about it. Now, you can do a quick search on the Internet and find it all. If you want your music out there, you upload it to your website or Myspace where anyone in the world can hear it or download to their iPod. No more LPs or cassettes to lug to gigs and sell. Hell, CDs are even becoming obsolete. When you want to announce a gig, you can send an announcement to your entire mailing list in seconds. No late nights at the copy store making postcards, no postage fees, no need to label the hundreds of these cards and then run back out to the post office to get them in the mail in time. As easy as it is today, it still takes a lot of energy and drive for singer-songwriters to get themselves known. And, of course, it takes talent. Though some folks do get better as they get older. Remember Johnny Cash? Being a real, hard working singer-songwriter is for the young. These are the young singer-songwriters to watch (in random order). They all have recordings and websites to augment what is written below. Read on…

------------------------------------------

Josie Crosby
She is a young, cool 29-year-old and lives in Narragansett. Josie began to play the guitar at the age of 18 and felt that music was a way she could truly best express herself. Her song, “Battle in Baghdad,” is featured on Neil Young's website, 'Songs of the Times.' She has released a solo CD and is currently working on an album with her new band Signs of Life. In Josie's own words: “I have been performing around New England regularly for the last five years. I cut my teeth playing at various Open Mics. This was where I really learned to be on stage as well as collaborate with other musicians. I'd like to continue creating. I aim to always allow music a major role in my life. My goal for this band is to harbor an environment where songs develop from every member’s experiences and to share that energy beyond the group whenever possible."Visit josiecrosby.com or myspace.com/signsofliferi - Motif Magazine - Nov 7, 2007

by John Fuzek

Okee dokee folks… the world of the young singer-songwriters…those under 30.

These are some of the folks who are, or will be, the recognized names on the local circuit. Some of them may already be familiar to you, some not. Either way, I hope that you will check them.

I think young singer-songwriters have it a bit (ok, maybe a lot) easier these days than even 15 or so years ago. The Internet and computers have made getting music out there much easier. When I first started, I had no clue what to do, where to play or who to talk to about it. Now, you can do a quick search on the Internet and find it all. If you want your music out there, you upload it to your website or Myspace where anyone in the world can hear it or download to their iPod. No more LPs or cassettes to lug to gigs and sell. Hell, CDs are even becoming obsolete. When you want to announce a gig, you can send an announcement to your entire mailing list in seconds. No late nights at the copy store making postcards, no postage fees, no need to label the hundreds of these cards and then run back out to the post office to get them in the mail in time. As easy as it is today, it still takes a lot of energy and drive for singer-songwriters to get themselves known. And, of course, it takes talent. Though some folks do get better as they get older. Remember Johnny Cash? Being a real, hard working singer-songwriter is for the young. These are the young singer-songwriters to watch (in random order). They all have recordings and websites to augment what is written below. Read on…

------------------------------------------

Josie Crosby
She is a young, cool 29-year-old and lives in Narragansett. Josie began to play the guitar at the age of 18 and felt that music was a way she could truly best express herself. Her song, “Battle in Baghdad,” is featured on Neil Young's website, 'Songs of the Times.' She has released a solo CD and is currently working on an album with her new band Signs of Life. In Josie's own words: “I have been performing around New England regularly for the last five years. I cut my teeth playing at various Open Mics. This was where I really learned to be on stage as well as collaborate with other musicians. I'd like to continue creating. I aim to always allow music a major role in my life. My goal for this band is to harbor an environment where songs develop from every member’s experiences and to share that energy beyond the group whenever possible."Visit josiecrosby.com or myspace.com/signsofliferi - Motif Magazine - Nov 7, 2007