I have been enthralled by the music, aura and vibe of Joe Grass for over 25 years. He is a musician of internal growth. It's a spiritual thing. Such a humble, magnetic and inspiring musician who has literally played with almost everyone in Montreal and more.

We met in Montreal, played music together and flowed in the same circles while my twin brother, Jeff, played a weekly jazz jam with him on Wednesdays at Grumpy's. It's an incredible thing, hearing Joe. That's why you don't want to miss Joe and his band at The Cove Inn on Friday, September 20 from 8-11 pm as they play Kick Off Party/Fundraiser for the 4th annual Westporch Festival the following day! Call (613) 273-3636 for reservations! Details here web link

Seamus Cowan: Joe, it's going to be so great to have you back here at The Cove. It's been since Jeff's wedding 15 years ago that you played here last! What keeps your internal well of creativity alive and flush?

Joe Grass: Thanks Seamo! We're looking forward to it. For me, curiosity is the main key to the creative process. It keeps me learning new things. That and trying not to let your perspective stagnate. Gotta keep trying to see things from different angles, right?

Q: Moving to Montreal was one of the greatest moves of my life, but I moved away over 15 years ago, and you are still there, creating and performing. How have things changed for you there over the years? Do you continue to find inspiration in the community?

Joe: Definitely! It's always changing here, especially when you see a place evolve over 25 years. But there's new blood and new ideas all the time. There's also a very strong community of musicians and artists I forged connections with some time ago. And we keep growing together. Rent aint what it used to be, but i feel very fortunate to be able to continue doing what i do. This city has definitely shaped me in a way, and it's fun to see some younger generation who are checking out the work you've done and being inspired by it. It's kinda cool to think that you can be part of shaping the musical landscape of a place, if even in a very slight way.

Q: You are so adept at so many styles of music and you have such a Joe way of synthesizing them into your own sound. Can you tell us about this and if there is a process or space that you get into?

Joe: I'm just interested in so many genres I guess. I will go through phases where all i want to listen to is old time fiddle music then others where ill just want to listen to noise rock or free jazz. Sometimes ill put on Sinatra or Count Basie. I like music in their more traditional forms, connected to the world they come from, but also love to hear elements taken out of their scene and put where they're not supposed to fit. Free jazz bluegrass? maybe. Classical pedal steel...of course! why not. There's a world of possibilities out there.

Q: Because you have such a signature sound, you have worked with so many people, adding to their sound in such a complimentary way. Who are some of those memorable acts that you have collaborated with?

Joe: Oh man, I've been lucky to play with some wonderful people that really helped me evolve. Lhasa de Sela was a big one. Playing with Patrick Watson and the Barr Brothers definitely gave me some room to work on some more far out sounds. I subbed for the Jimmy in Blue Rodeo for a few gigs. That was fun too.

Q: Your latest release has been a great listen! Putting together a record after growing your family and being busy as a parent is a different thing. I know! What is life like as a musician now with a child in your life? I'm sure you have found some more grounding.

Joe: A great balancing act! I used to tour a lot and I've tried to keep that to a minimum these days. Try to keep the work close to home and keep priorities in line. Not always easy but it's amazing to watch the kids grow and absorb like the little sponges they are. Just trying to give them good things to absorb. Posted: Sep 10, 2024 Originally Published: Sep 10, 2024