“Songs that sound like they have always existed” - Bert Lee
— Village Troubador
“No one else is working in this lane right now” - Gabe McDonough
— Music and Strategy
Biography
Joel Zighel is a songwriter and performer with core audiences in NYC and Los Angeles. His 2017 debut record, "Down On Jones Street,” chronicled his formative years as a wine merchant in NYC's west village, where in addtion to “hawking juice,” he performed regularly at local clubs such as The Bitter End, Pianos, KGB Bar Red Room, Caffe Vivaldi, The Delancey, and others. Produced in 2017 by industry veteran Craig Dreyer at Mighty Toad Studios in Brooklyn, the album echoes the work of icons like Steely Dan, Boz Scaggs and Randy Newman. Recorded exclusively on tape, with horn arrangements by Jay Collins (Little Feat); and top session players such as Barry Danelian (Tower of Power), and Clark Gayton (Springsteen), the album captures a unique warmth and presence recalling the great recordings of the 1970s. One of its tracks — "Call It A Win" — will be used in the Apple TV+ show The Afterparty in July 2023. Beyond the recording studio and wine shop, Joel has established an engaging stage presence, drawing audiences in with witty lyrics, character-infused vocals and signature piano style.
Zighel recently finished production on his second record, “Vintner’s Blues.” Also recorded on tape at Mighty Toad Studios with producer Craig Dreyer, this forthcoming release promises to extend the intriguing catalog of the vintner-troubadour, featuring horn arrangements by Dreyer with contributions from A-list NYC sessions players. The first single “Be Cool, It’s LA,” will premiere on July 31, 2023. A full-band album release show is planned for September in NYC.
Press photos
The Bitter End, NYC
The Hotel Cafe, Los Angeles
Mighty Toad Studios, NYC