Album Notes

...Schizophrenic it isn't, as all these styles are held together with carefully crafted lyrics and beautifully blended vocal harmonies.

Joel Palmer and Jeff Royer share in the songwriting duties to bring a diversity of backgrounds to the themes of love, life, sorrow and humor - with an occasional song about nothing in particular. Joel picks the dickens out of his old six string with a blazing fingerstyle but easily swaps over to the dobro, mandolin or banjo. Jeff coaxes a lyrical voice from his upright bass with a slap or gentle bow and then trades off to a hot alto sax for a complete change up. The duo has been writing and performing music together for over 9 years and it shows in their tight performances and easy going stage presence.

Wanderin' Wheel's collective list of influences includes Bruce Cockburn, Mississippi John Hurt, Chris Smither, Lucinda Williams,Guy Clark, Kelly Joe Phelps, Thelonius Monk, and The B-52's. These influences are reflected in the diversity in their personal musical expression. Internationally known harmonica virtuoso, Peter "Madcat" Ruth says of Wanderin' Wheel:
"Joel Palmer and Jeff Royer know that the borders between musical styles can, and should, be crossed. True musicality simply ignores the boundaries. Check these guys out!"

Other quotes to consider:
"This duo is sweet, sassy, smooth and satisfying. With a country blues folksy jazz sound that is uniquely their own, Wanderin' Wheel brings you home and takes you out on the town at the same time. Jeff Royer's definitively soulful jazz toned tunes along with his extraordinary ability on upright bass and alto sax combined with Joel Palmer's heart warming, thought provoking songwriting and glittering fingerstyle guitar bring an innovative and refreshingly new sound to acoustic music." - Maggie Ferguson, co-originator of "Live! From the Living Room" music venue, WXOU Radio Folk show host, and musician

"We love having Wanderin' Wheel play at Trinity House Theatre. Their wonderful harmonies and talented musicianship are crowd pleasers. Their music spans the boundaries of American Roots Music, and has found a place in the hearts of many friends of Trinity House" - Bill Keith, Trinity House Theatre booking www.trinityhouse.org

Jeff and Joel are also part of the founders of the non-profit group, Living Water Concerts, which raises money to dig fresh water wells in Malawi Africa through benefit concerts. Please check out the website at www.livingwaterconcerts.com