Who Is Joel Plaskett & The Emergency?
You'll probably recognize the name as The Joel Plaskett Emergency better. Few people realize that the band is actually called Joel Plaskett & The EmergencyThe band consists of:
- Joel Plaskett (vocals, lead guitar) Plaskett's lyrics really show his love of Halifax. He still resides in Dartmouth, which is right across the harbour. He actually sings about his ventures into Halifax in the song "Nowhere With You".
I took the Dartmouth ferry into the town, where I spent all my time bummin' aroundHis wife, Rebecca Kraatz, designed the art on the cover and liners of Joel Plaskett & The Emergency album Ashtray Rock. She did the same for Joel's solo albums La De Da and In Need Of Medical Attention Joel also has his own label, New Scotland** Records. It doesn't get more Nova Scotian than that.
- Dave Marsh (drums, bass, background vocals)
Dave is another Halifax Native. His solo album The True Love Rules has debuted after twenty years of working in the music business. The album has been released under Plaskett's label, New Scotland Records.
- Chris Pennell (bass, background vocals)
Also a member of Yellow Jacket Avenger, Chris seems to enjoy staying out of the spot light. There's not much information around on him.
The History Of Joel Plasket & The Emergency
When Thrush Hermit broke up in 1999, Joel Plaskett embarked on his solo career. He saw a relative amount of success, but when 2001's album Down At The Khyber was released it was huge. Plaskett had a new backing band: The Emergency
All three members of the band have other projects on the go besides Joel Plaskett & The Emergency. It's amazing how they put on such a great show and bring us such great music.
Why They Make Halifax Proud
This is a musical tlaent that really strikes the chords of hometown pride when you listen to them. Nearly every song The Emergency has released refers to Halifax and it's beauty in some way, shape or form.
We should be proud to call Joel Plaskett & The Emergency fellow Haligonians for many reasons. First, those who live here will know how scarce how music industry is and how difficult it is to gain national success when you're trying to keep your roots well grounded. Considering that all three members of Joel Plaskett & The Emergency have been working at their musical careers for about twenty years apiece, these guys have really dedicated their lives to doing what they love.
Notable Moments
In 2009 Joel won Entertainer of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards. He was also awarded this honor in 2008 as well.
Joel Plaskett & The Emergency performed as the opening act for Sir Paul McCartney's Halifax concert on July 11, 2009. Plaskett and The Emergency were hand picked by McCartney himself.
There is an extremely long list of nominations and awards that Plaskett and his bandmates have received, far too many to recount here. Given their track record for an enjoyable performance since their inception, I expect we'll see many more great things from Plaskett and The Emergency.
Discography
Joel Plaskett (solo)
- 1999 - In Need Of Medical Attention
- 2005 - La De Da
- 2009 - Three
Joel Plaskett & The Emergency
- 2001 - Down At The Khber
- 2003 - Truthfully, Truthfully
- 2006 - Make A Little Noise (DVD)
- 2007 - Ashtray Rock
My Take On This Topic
I find Plaskett's tunes catchy and familiar. I remember living in Alberta, and listening to Nowhere With You really brought back little things about living in Halifax that really made me miss my seaside home. I've seen Plaskett perform live on a few occasions, and each time I couldn't help but be totallt immersed in the energy he exudes when he's on stage. I've heard a lot of people tell me they don't particularly care for Plaskett's music, but it's funny. They all sing along and sway with the music with Through and Through and Through plays on the radio.
Never heard of them before but will have to check them out. Thanks & pretty blog!
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