Album Notes

Joe Chaplain was born in Detroit Michigan, USA, about the time Elvis Presley started shakin' his boo-tay. Undaunted, Joe sang in the church choir for eight years and took piano lessons. During high school in the 1960s he picked up the harmonica, guitar and flute, and later learned bass and percussion. He played in many bands and had many day jobs.

Due to Joe's work as a prison chaplain and hospice chapain, a new stream of folk songs began to emerge in the Spring of 2004. His songwriting continued through the completion of Jump Your Heart in 2005. The songs reflect his experiences and gratitude.

Jump Your Heart is Joe's first solo album. He's just finished writing an album of new songs to be released in 2008, called "Crickets." Watch for it here on CD Baby!

Jump Your Heart is a tour de force of new folk music. Produced by Bond Bergland of Factix fame, the album features the very live, 3-dimensional stereo sounds of vintage acoustic Martin guitars. These fine instruments (bass, 6 & 12 string) have been made by hand in Pennsylvania since 1833 and are an inherent part of the American folk music tradition. Coupled with Joe's spare, intimate vocal style, the songs are fresh and atmospheric. Stir in some sweet percussion, reeds (harmonicas and concertina) and pipe organ, and you have a very tasty acoustic mix that is truly easy on the ears. Deluxe eco-friendly package designed by Perry Hoffman (www.magentaraven.com).

Folk medicine songs for today. Help Free Tibet.

Portions of the proceeds from the sale of this album go to The Surmang Foundation, The Konchok Foundation, The Chronicles of Chogyam Trunpga Rinpoche, and the Northern California Shambhala Land Center Project.

Today Joe plays live on the third Saturday of every month 6PM-8PM at the Barking Dog Headquarters, 18133 Sonoma Hwy, Sonoma CA 95476 (Across from Sonoma Mission Inn) 707.939.1905. Joe always invites special guest musicians to round out his sets (guitars, harmonicas, etc.). Run on by!