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This is my story of  

Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan

I was on my first ever trip to America and it was to see Bruce Springsteen on his 1999 tour and I was staying at a hotel in Toms River, New Jersey.  It was on the evening of September 17th when  Joe Grushecky, John Eddie and Joe D'Urso and Stone Caravan were due to perform for us in the bar of our Hotel.  Out of all of them, the only group that I had heard of was Joe Grushecky, so I was looking forward to seeing these other bands.

I was sitting in the bar, waiting for  Joe D'Urso and Stone Caravan to come on the stage.  As soon as Joe started singing, I thought he was absolutely brilliant.  After they opened their set with 'Welcome Home' they worked their way through a  few of their other songs including, 'The Otherside Of Midnight', 'Deep End', Noisy Guitars' and a great alternative version of 'Badlands'.  The entire performance just blew me away.

I have to admit  that I was sitting down for most of the night (God knows why!!!) but I  had to get up when he starting singing a verse of  'Do You Wanna Dance' in the middle of his song, 'Tell Me Why'.  At the end of their performance, the crowd were shouting for more, which is when he finished off his set with a rocking version of 'Hippy Shakes'.  It was a fantastic night of music and from what I can remember,  it was the only time that I had heard him sing a  song called 'Adios Goodbye' :-)

Since then they have left an everlasting impression on me and I knew from that moment, there was no doubt in my mind I'd go and see them perform again.  Since then I have been a huge fan and have been very fortunate to have seen them play around eight times, mainly in the UK.  Maybe this doesn't sound like a lot, but for someone who lives in the UK and only seeing them for the first time in 1999, its pretty damn good. See below for the pictures that I took of Joe D'Urso and Stone Caravan on their first night in New Jersey.

Joe made such a good impression on his first night in Toms River, he came back again two days later.  On this occasion he came without his band and did an acoustic set which rounded off another brilliant night of music.  On this second night I asked Joe if I could have his set list and like the kind hearted person that he is, he signed it for me, (See Below)  Also, no one can ever say that Joe doesn't have time for his fans.  One thing that I have definitely noticed with him, is that he is always there for them either before or after his shows.  Whether they are wanting his autograph or just feel the need to chat with him, he always puts time aside for them to show his appreciation  for supporting him.   He's such a great guy :-)  

Each time I see him, his voice just gets better and better.  There was one time that this really showed and that was when I saw him perform at Desmonds Tavern, New York in June 2000.  He was doing an Album Release show for his latest album 'Rock and Roll Station'.  In the middle of singing one of his songs, there happened to be a power cut, but like a true professional he carried on to sing without his microphone.  (The picture below is from the night in New York)

If you ever get the chance to see Joe D'Urso and Stone Caravan perform live, don't hesitate.  I guarantee you won't be dissappointed.  Also make sure if you can, to collect his back catalogue of albums while your there as this will shine some light on what I have been saying about how talented he really is.  His music has changed over the years and as you listen to it, you will be amazed that he has only been singing for 11 years.  Listening to him, you would think that he had been around a lot longer than that.  For instance, who else could write such brilliant songs as 'Rock And Roll Call'  'The Key', ' The Otherside of Midnight'  and 'Numb'.  Only Joe could.   He's such a star, but then I'm just biased I guess!!!.

Don't take my word for it!!  Go and check him out for yourself if you haven't already.  When you do get to see him, let me know what you think and I will put your story on my Fan Page on this site.

I often think, that if I didn't go to America, I would never have had the chance to see Joe D'Urso' and Stone Caravan and maybe never have heard their music. What an awful thought that would be!!!  So I will be forever grateful  for that trip.  

I hope that all of the fans out there can enjoy Joe D'Urso and Stone Caravan's music like I have been able to.  I'm sure you will :-)

An everlasting fan

Jackie Jarvis

and, of course Shirley and Jim :-)

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