ALBUM: TRAVELING SALESMAN (2008)

“Traveling Salesman” with songs by Joe Iadanza is a heart-opening (sometimes foot-stompin’) record that spans the genres of folk, rock, roots and americana, while exploring themes of Love, stepping out into the world, and learning to enjoy the ride.

The independent release features the talents of: Carolin Pook (violin), Craig Akin (double bass) and Joe Hertenstein (Drums/Percussion). “Gathering Time”, the CSN influenced trio of Glen Roethel, Hillary Foxsong & Stuart Markus, arranged and performed extensive backing vocals, and even took the lead on the albums final track. There’s also a guest slide-dobro appearance by David Mowry, of “Beaucoup Blue”.

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TRACK LIST: Traveling Salesman, Once Upon a Time, Lovers in the Park, In My Heart, Sunshine Blues, Night Light Lullaby, One More Lonesome Tune, Your Song, The Barn, Rainy Day

REVIEWS
Take one part James Taylor, add some John Prine, throw in a dollop of Harry Chapin, and you have the voice of Joe Iadanza. Joe brings a fresh perspective as well, to the storytelling prowess of all three of the aforementioned singer/songwriters. “Lovers in the Park” is a fast-breaking rush of observational cleverness, “…taking photoraphs for when they are apart / Like flowers in the rain, keeping tightly cupped until they’re free again…” The background vocals by Gathering Time (the depth of talent on Long Island can be staggering) are especially effective here. The outro has the group doing call and response with “Lovers in the park, I love…” It’s all absolutely delightful. I missed Joe at NERFA and hope I get a chance to see him in a live performance soon. (Reviewed by Richard Cuccaro at Acoustic Live!)

This album reminds me of both The Gypsy Kings and Madeline Peyreux in different ways! Even though this (male) singer songwriter is a native New Yorker there is a distinct European jazz feel to his sound. This is a set of mainly acoustic songs, that has a certain je ne sais quoi! All right - they are very French sounding. From the brushes intro of the title opening track, it is a set of songs that seem from a bygone time. The whole package is conveying a certain feel, from the monochrome photos on the C.D. cover to the arrangements themselves. Great finger picking guitar throughout, it is an atmospheric album that deserves repeated playing. (Reviewed by Steve O. at Leicester Bangs)

“Notice the striking (and ecological) packaging of this CD. Iadanza dedicates the record to his grandfather, Sam — a traveling salesman. Every detail reflects that this album is a labor of love. The songs bring to musical life the thoughts of the salesman as he drives from one place to another, sometimes late at night (”Night Light Lullaby”). The lyrics tend to jump like thought, from thing to thing (”And I’ve got this new pad, and you’re the first word I felt inspired to write. Hey, maybe you’re not feeling much different inside”). But the tendency toward disunity is more than offset by the consistency of the concept and the arrangements. One of Iadanza’s best moves was securing the trio “Gathering Time” to spice up the vocals (”Your Song”) and take the edge off his gritty voice. Thanks to them and Carolin Pook’s fiddle playing and arranging, many of the tunes really swing (”Lovers in the Park,” “The Barn”). Credit, as well, to Jon Castelli’s engineering for maintaining clarity throughout. As Joe the Traveling Salesman, Iadanza has surely made Sam proud.” (By David Kleiner - Minor7th.com)

“Joe. good job with the project. I love the artwork/packaging and the songs are well written. I am going to listen to it a couple more times. you have a unique voice, which is a good thing which should be one of the ways to separate you from every other songwriter out there.. rj” (Ralph Jaccodine - Manager)

“I think you have a great approach and the songwriting is strong.” (Neil Gillis - S1 Songs)

I’ve been listening to your CD in my car this week. You have a very distinctive voice and sound (and I mean that in a good way!). I’m hoping to get one of the cuts on the air the next time I’m on. I like it! (Betsi Meissner - KXCI Radio, AZ)

“A few comments to get the juices going: The vocal delivery surprised me. It’s very confident, it’s very professional and it’s highly original. Definitely not what I expected. The instrumentation is rich and full. This is anything but a spartan, acoustic folk record. All in all, it’s good work mn. Is this your debut release? I’m definitely pleased, if not surprised. Nice work. I think you are onto something with this record.” (Gregory Robson - RMP)

“Your CD has arrived … listening to it right now. We’ll certainly be scheduling tracks, with pleasure … starting next week.” (Eddie O’Strange - Radio New Zealand)

“The first couple of days after I received “Travelling Salesman” , it never left my turntable. I had to stop listening to it occasionally in order to listen to my wife. Many thanks i will be giving it airplay very soon.” (Menachem Vinegrad - Radio Free Galilee)

LYRICS
Lyrics coming soon.

CREDITS
Release Date: August 1, 2008
Format: CD, Digital Release
Produced by: Joe Iadanza & Jon Castelli
Mastered by: Nathan Dantzler