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What's Up?

News From Joel...

Scroll down -- most current comes first.

Old news comes last! Last revised: March 12, 2013 .

(If you are looking for upcoming concerts click here)

OH THAT POST OFFICE!!!
In January of 2013, the post office raised their rates, again. Just a penny or two for letters and post cards. But for some packages the rate went up a lot.  Worst was international first class mail to Canada.  More than a 300% increase on small packages (that would mean a CD).  I used to offer mail order to Canada at the same price as US mail orders.  It would mean a dime or two difference, but now, for  package of one cd (3 or 4 ounces) the postage is $7.35 !!!  

So I had to redo my ordering prices.  I have kept domestic mail order at the same to-your-door price, by lowering the disc price and increasing the shipping and handling fee.  (Still $16, but the breakdown is $13 for the CD, and $3 for non-refundable S&H)

For Canada -- and all other countries outside the US -- contact me for a price before you order. I will figure the postage cost and add it to the $13 per CD, and send you a quote by email. 

BTW -- for orders within my own state, I pay the sales tax, so you don't have to.  All the details are at my How To Order page, recently updated.

NEW CHRISTMAS DISC 
Sept 25 -- Last April I went into the studio with Christmas on my mind.  I recorded a new collection of guitar instrumentals of hymns, carols and holiday songs of bygone times.  It is now a reality:  A PARLOR GUITAR CHRISTMAS.  I have not completely released it yet (still a little early for listening to carols) but it is available at CDbaby both as a physical disc and as downloads. Also at Apple iTunes and Amazon as downloads (album or singles).  And I do have copies here for sale at the usual mail order price of $16 which includes taxes and shipping costs.  So if you can't wait, you can order now.  I have a beta-version of the web page for the new disc -- http://joelmabus.com/a_parlor_guitar_christmas.htm   -- but it isn't integrated into the site entirely yet. It will be shortly. But you can click on the link here to read about it and listen to clips. More later... 

UPDATE:  A Parlor Guitar Christmas was the number one album in folk music airplay for December 2012, on the only radio chart that matters for folk music -- the FOLKDJ-L list that tracks folk and bluegrass airplay from thousands of djs airplay reports in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. 

AMERICAN ANONYMOUS is released!
As of July 4, 2011 my new cd is officially released. That means you can buy the album, or songs from it as download mp3 at Cdbaby (my preference) or Amazon, or Apple iTunes, and other reputable vendors. 

The airplay reports have been tabulated at Folkradio.org (aka Folkdj-L) and -- ta-da --
American Anonymous was number 1 played album for June
Joel Mabus was number 1 played artist for June

That made the fireworks look a little brighter for the fourth of July. Reviews are just starting to come in -- scroll down for more about the release:

NEW CD -- AMERICAN ANONYMOUS
I've been working this past winter/spring on a new album, and now it is here. The "official" release date is set for July 4, but it is available now (June 1) through this website. Other retailers will have it soon, and it will be available for download within a few weeks at CDBaby, Apple iTunes, Amazon, and other sites. 

You can visit my page by clicking here -- American Anonymous.  Music samples from each song are there, also lyrics, liner notes, and further un-published notes, as well.

As you will see at that CD page, this is a collection of folk songs. I've been wanting to do a cd like this for a long time, an album of folk songs, many of them familiar titles, the way I like them. No fancy production. Just me sitting there singing the songs & playing guitar, banjo or autoharp. Yes, this is my autoharp debut.  |

If this sounds appealing to you, check it out!

PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION -- May 7, 2011
I got a last minute call from the producers of Prairie Home Companion to come and sing THE LIGHTS ARE ON IN MICHIGAN on the show when it was broadcast from the Fox Theater in downtown Detroit on May 7.  As luck would have it, I was free, and did the show.  I sang that song and one other of mine, TWO CENTS PLAIN, from my No Worries Now CD.

I had a great time and the Michigan song went over like gangbusters. Garrison said it got longer applause than any other song ever sung on his show.  Without a stopwatch, I'm not sure of that, but let's just say it was well appreciated.  Last time I was on that show was in Minneapolis nearly 30 years ago. The show back then seemed to be run on cigarettes and manual a typewriter, and a chalkboard on a rickety easel.  Now there is a team of specialists each with a glowing laptop and a semi-truck full of gear. I must say, though, that in all my show-biz experience, I have never seen a smoother, well-oiled machine. It makes a show every week that runs on spontaneity but does so with a calm, friendly, efficiency.  

NEW SINGLE (MAY 25, 2010)
I wrote and recorded a new song entitled THE LIGHTS ARE ON IN MICHIGAN.  If you've seen me in concert these past 6 months in Michigan, I probably sang an early version of this for you. Well, I got it the way I wanted it, took it into the studio and recorded a single.  Then, what to do with it. I sent it out to some radio stations in Michigan and a few other places. And I put it up on the web for a cheap download (I have to recoup those recording costs somehow!) So you can buy it for a buck or so. It's $1 even at CDbaby. It will be up on Apple iTunes, Amazon, and lots of the other usual suspects too -- when they get around to processing it.

Here's the page for the song at this website, along with the links to lyrics, CDbaby, and the story behind the song: 
The Lights Are On In Michigan

Top 6 in 2009

The latest release, No Worries Now came in number one in airplay for September 09 -- the month it was released. That's according to folkradio.org and the playlists of world-wide folk deejays.

Pardon me as I polish my fingernails on my vest. 

As to overall airplay (including my older releases)  last year on folkdj-l I was the fourth most played artist on folk radio.  This year I came in at number 6, but still proud to join the company in the top 10, third year in a row:

For all the list and other lists, go to:

http://folkradio.org/ 

New CD -- NO WORRIES NOW

The latest Mabus CD is out there.  No Worries Now was officially released on September 15, 2009.  (these things must be done on a Tuesday, a mystic day of the week chosen by a cabal of Freemasons and Knights Templar -- see the latest Dan Brown book)

Right NOW, you can get copies from me.  I have 'em.  In early August, they went out to folk shows on radio stations across the globe -- well, all over the US and Canada and several to Australia, NZ, UK, Germany-- and one to a folk dj in Israel.  No Worries Now came in third in airplay for the month of August, according to the folk radio charts of "folkdj" and getting lots more play since. So don't be surprised to hear my voice on your local folk radio show.   

Click here to read more about it and hear some samples.  Of course this site is your most direct source (and best price!).  [how to order from this site]

But now that it has been released you might find it in better stores.  My favorite is Elderly Instruments ( www.elderly.com )   CDbaby has it for sale now and offers downloads at 99 cents per track.  www.cdbaby.com/cd/joelmabus  Apple iTunes, Amazon and other download sites will be added in coming weeks.

Here's an early review at F.A.M.E (Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange)
http://www.acousticmusic.com/fame/p05778.htm  

TOP 4 in 2008

FOLKDJ-L is a long-time email list of hundreds of disc jockeys all across the world (mostly North America, Australia & New Zealand, with a few others). Many post their playlists regularly.  Each month and at the end of each year, a compilation of these posts is made to see what was the most played disc, artist, song, etc.  

For 2008 it was determined I was the 4th most played artist!  I have good company -- here are the top ten:

For all the list and other lists, go to:

http://folkradio.org/ 

  OMNIBUS

Everybody likes a bargain.  I am reissuing recordings from earlier in my career, nearly all of the albums, FIRELAKE and SHORT STORIES on one very full CD, called Joel Mabus Omnibus.  I have had the cuts re-mastered, and the new disc was released date  Oct 21 2008, You can order it here from the website, of course. 

NEW CD IN 2008 -- RETOLD

I went into the studio and cut new versions of 12 of my older original songs.  Some of my most requested songs and ones that I do differently these days.  Included are studio versions of songs previously only available in "live" versions:  "Touch a Name on the Wall,"  "Duct Tape Blues," "Swing That Thing" and "The Naked Truth."  

This CD is available  at CDbaby for sale or download, and  at Apple iTunes and other popular download sites.  Also at efolkmusic.org and good old Elderly Instruments both in-store and online. 

NEWS -- #1 -- for the month of February, RETOLD was ranked #1 in airplay for folk music (North America, Australia, NZ and UK reporting too) according to playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L.  I was the #1 played artist for the month as well. 

KUDOS

NY Times -- My picture is on the front page of the arts section of the Sunday NY Times 2/10/08 -- however I am not named.  Not fit to print, I suppose was their thinking.  

CHART TOPPERS -- The Banjo Monologues placed in the top ten most played CDs in the year 2007, according to the compilation of more than a 100,000 airplays, according to FOLKDJ-L (that is mostly North American deejays who play mostly folk and bluegrass music on mostly non-commercial radio).  I was also in the top ten most played artists.  Highest ranking indy release, by the way.

NOMINATION -- Looks like I am nominated for the Traditional Artist of the Year to be awarded by the Folk Alliance in Memphis on 2/20/08.  I'll be sure to let you know if I win!
[update: Levon Helm won. Gosh darn those aging rock stars!]

The Banjo Monologues

I have recorded a new cd of banjo music and more, called The Banjo Monologues.  Tunes, songs and storytelling done to the clip of a clawhammer banjo.   Click here to read reviews!

This CD is also available at CDbaby.  
If that is how you would prefer to shop, click here.
NOTE: I just added "How Like The Holly" to sell at CDbaby, too, in advance of the Christmas Season.  That means the tunes from both cds are also available as downloads at Apple Itunes and other pod-fodder sites. 

ALSO -- BANJO TAB
I have added a number of banjo tabs to my list of sheet music for sale. Check out the 
sheet music page for details.

Golden oldies !

Selections on my MP3 page from my very first album, an LP entitled GRASSROOTS.
Early original songs, mandolin tunes, flatpick duets, and even bluegrass banjo. Featuring the mandolin playing of the legendary Frank Wakefield.

ALSO -- check out my new "download of the moment" selection at the MP3 page!

Parlor Guitar

The new CD in fall of '05 is called Parlor Guitar. Click HERE to read about it.  All fingerstlye instrumentals on a Larrivee parlor model guitar. 
The music is from early 1900's or late 1800's.  Eubie Blake, Gershwin, Jerome Kern, etc.  
I have had great response from fans on this one -- a lot of people remember their parents or grandparents playing this music on the piano!

Book is here, too!

I'm doing a book based on Parlor Guitar for Hal Leonard publishing.  Ten of the cuts from the album will be painstakingly transcribed note-for-note and a CD of those ten songs will be included.  It is available in music stores anywhere, including Amazon. Get your copy here for an autograph!

SHEET MUSIC AVAILABLE

A number of my guitar arrangements are available in full music and tab notation, including several of the numbers from Parlor  Guitar and a few from other albums. Also lead sheets to several of my more requested songs and the melodies to my many original fiddle tunes are available. Check out my new SHEET MUSIC page.
NOTE: Once the book is published, the tunes included in it will no longer be offered on the website, per agreement with the publisher, so be forewarned.

"Blue Jig" Published!

A little tune I wrote for contradancers, "The Blue Jig" has certainly been making the rounds. It has been recorded at least 6 times by contradance bands, and has been played around the world for dancers. The news now is that the music for it has been published in a great book of tunes for contra & square dancing, "The Portland Collection, Vol. 2" 

I'm honored to be included. The website for the book is www.theportlandcollection.com 
You can find "The Blue Jig" on Top Drawer String Band CD (fossil 1199)

Bad Audio Links? Bear with me...
There have been problems with some of the real audio links to listen to my songs online. It is because the audio files live somewhere else and a third party switched computers. I'll try to straighten  it all out as I get the chance. It is a time-consuming process. Meanwhile, the tunes on the actual CDs don't stop working -- no streaming involved, just a trip to your mail box.

Email list 
I have begun a more serious email list for letting folks know about my tours and new cds, etc. It is not a discussion list, just an occasional message from me -- I promise -- occasional. If you'd like to sign up click here.

FORTUNES in CD format

My early CD, Fortunes, came out in LP form in 1987, and a cassette tape followed. Last month, I finally had the original master digitized to a new CD master. For now, I am burning music CD-R's and selling them in slimline cases for the low price of $10, shipping included. click here for more info.

"You Can't Buy My Records at Wal-Mart"

I've been singing a short song of this title in concerts lately and many fans have been asking where they can get a copy. Well, I won't sell it to you but you can have it for free. Visit my MP3 page for a free and legal download.

PROMISED LAND IS BACK

After being out of print for a few months, I am now well-stocked with my CD, Promised Land of 1994. With such request favorites as "Alice & Ralph," "Holding To The Land" and "Sea Of Dreams" ("In the morning comes the sun / And it shines on everyone ...") I was persuaded to bring this back to the catalogue, and not be a "CD-R - only" item. Glass-mastered

CD-R FOR OUT-OF-STOCK TITLES

ONE of my older titles -- Western Passage -- is for the time being out-of-stock as a typical, mass replicated CDs.  However, I have plenty of the inserts (booklets and tray cards) and have the technology to burn Music CD-Rs one-at-a-time from the original masters. The sound is identical. Only the label on the disc itself will be slightly different.  So until further notice, that's what you would get if you order this  title. Not available at stores -- only through this website.

ONLINE PRESS KIT

I have always had promotional materials on this site, ready for download, but now I have a specific page for an easy starting place for all the materials in a full "press kit."  Go to PRESS KIT ONLINE (also in the menu on the left of every page) for a listing of all the tools you might need to promote a concert or other publicity.  It also includes a new page for all the folks I've shared a stage with -- quite a motley crew.

PAYPAL OPTION FOR CD PURCHASE

I have registered with Paypal ( www.paypal.com) to take payment for any CDs you may wish to purchase directly from me.  I am just as happy with a check in the mail, but if you would rather use your credit card, Paypal offers a method to send me your money instantly.  They do require you to go through a "sign up" procedure, which may or may not be to your liking. But many folks who do payments online are already signed up. If you want to use PAYPAL, click HERE for info, or drop me an email if you want further details.

300dpi PHOTOS ONLINE

A selection of promo shots are now available on this site scanned at the rate of 300 dots per inch, for high quality print applications.  Click HERE to check it out.

NEW PAGES --Folk Alliance Columns,  WORKSHOPS & SONG INDEX

I've been writing a column on performer's issues for the Folk Alliance newsletter since 1997.  I've archived the past and current columns here at my site. Click on Folk Alliance or go straight to the index of columns, for such topics as CD sales, royalties, touring and contract advice.  A few opinions too!

Check out the page on this site titled Workshops. I have been adding online copies of handouts I often use at festival and music camp workshops, music business conferences, etc.  

If you are looking for a song you heard at a concert or on the radio, but don't know which CD it's on, now you can check the Song Index page.  All songs and tunes are listed alphabetically followed with the title of its CD.

(c)  2001 - 2012  Joel Mabus
Last revised: March 12, 2013 .