Joe Hughes
goldenseal2001@comcast.net

Press Release: The Band: Goldenseal

The strength of the original rock band Goldenseal is the experience and versatility of its players coupled with the desire to play live. Founded in 1999 by frontman Joe Hughes, the band has been building a loyal fan base by consistent and dynamic appearances in clubs all over New Jersey.

Goldenseal has appeared with the following national acts: Rick Springfield, Better Than Ezra and Bob Bandiera with Southside Johnny. The band has made appearances at: The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, The Surf Club, The Fernwood Resort in the Poconos, The Saint, The Brighton Bar,  The Old Bay and The Court Tavern in New Brunswick.  The band makes regular radio appearances on WRSU Rutgers radio with Geoff Pape on Friday nights from 10pm to 12pm.

Goldenseal has been nominated for a total of 6 Asbury Music Awards including: Top Pop Band, Top Rock Band, Top Local Release and Top Bass Player. The band has been  nominated for three straight years: 2003, 2004 and 2005. In addition, Goldenseal made it to the WDHA Best Unsigned Band in New Jersey competition in 2004 competing with over 500 bands for only 16 slots.

Lead singer and rhythm guitarist Joe Hughes writes the songs, which address issues and ideas that are sometimes simple and sometimes complex but always intended to touch the listener in a personal way. In his search for musical inspiration, he cites influences such as Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam and Peter Townsend. Joe is also an accomplished solo artist and has performed acoustically at numerous venues including: The Internet Café in Red Bank, Tumulty’s in New Brunswick, Hooligans in Long Branch and The Broadway Central Café in South Amboy. In June of 2004, Joe had the honor of playing at the "Writers in the Raw" concert series on a night when he shared the stage with acts such as Chris Barron of The Spin Doctors, Rod Picott, Amy Correa and on the local stage with Matt ORee. 

Drummer Pat Martucci has held together numerous bands all over the tri state area and has played BB King’s Blues Club. Pat is a professional session player with over 25 years experience and lays down driving percussion lines for all the Goldenseal songs. He is also very capable singer and lends his vocals in a back up capacity.

Jesse Kessler is the classically trained bass player for Goldenseal and also lends excellent backing vocals to the project. On stage, Jesse plays fretless as well as his own Telecaster bass that he created himself being a versatile instrument tech, recording engineer and music teacher. 

Since its formation, Goldenseal has developed a reputation as a high energy, high quality band and has received favorable reviews from music critics and journalists. On August 21, 2002 Al Muzer of The Aquarian described Goldenseal's music as a " sultry alternative pop groove" with " sticks to your ears hooks." On January 30, 2002 Chris Barry wrote in his regular column in The Aquarian called "Shoreworld" that his readers should catch the "slashing guitar and lyrical macho of Goldenseal frontman Joe Hughes" in upcoming gigs.

Goldenseal is a dedicated original band, but the members are also capable of playing cover material - especially music written by the pioneers of rock such as Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan and Chuck Berry. Accordingly, Goldenseal has the ability to play in clubs where covers are expected and, at the same time, interject its own brand of modern and powerful rock and roll.

It is important to note that Goldenseal has an e-mail list of fans which has steadily grown over its career. The venue, as well as the band’s performance there, is promoted in the e-mails. The fans are provided with the location, phone number and web address of the club or restaurant. Goldenseal can be reached for bookings through Mr. Hughes' e-mail address at: goldenseal2001@hotmail.com