Meridian
This album follows a loose narrative of Spain, solitude, reflection, and travel. It is a summer record that connects the classical guitar tradition to the atmosphere and minimalism of French composer Erik Satie and Spanish composer Frederico Mompou. The songs are enigmatic, and arrangements are sparse, melodic, and exposed with gentle rolling chords that allow the notes to linger and decay. Born out of a desire to compose music using the most basic tools -- pencil, staff paper, and an acoustic instrument, it is a collection of pieces to be performed, added to over time, and one that travels well.
All music written, performed, and recorded by Joel Pickard
Mixed and mastered by Mark Orton at Camp Watertown
Image Casa Ugalde of Coderach and Valls, photographed by F. Catala-Roca © 1953
Design by Afternoon Inc.
All selections © 2023 Joel Pickard
Available at Bandcamp, Apple Music and Spotify
Satellite
The album is a continuation of my interest in the interplay between acoustic and electronic sounds. Across the ten tracks, Satellite explores themes of awareness and vulnerability within and how we orbit those around us. Dense cello harmonies and undulating synthesizer arpeggios interweave with sparse melodic lines and hushed drones.
All music written, performed, and recorded by Joel Pickard
Mastered by Jon Cohrs at Bear Call Mastering
Design by Afternoon Inc.
Cover image by Wally Krantz / Outside Order
All selections © 2022 Joel Pickard
Available at Bandcamp, Apple Music, and Spotify
Sunset Gun
Sunset Gun is an instrumental album formed around the sounds of pedal steel guitar and cello wrapped in warm analog synthesis. Conceived as an imaginary soundtrack to events unfolding in the American desert, it's expansive and mysterious with consideration to texture and unexpected sonic events.
All music written, performed, and recorded by Joel Pickard
Mastered by Jon Cohrs at Bear Call Mastering
Cover image by Joe Hubers
Edit, design, color correction and album layout by Afternoon Inc.
All selections © 2020 Joel Pickard
Available at Bandcamp, Apple Music, Spotify
Motel Chronicles
Motel Chronicles is a cinematic country-noir soundtrack. The album features pedal steel guitar and is loosely based on a series of writings by Sam Shepard.
All music written, performed, and recorded by Joel Pickard
Except “Blue Moon” which was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart
”Tulsa”, “Banyan”, and “The Violet Hour” were mixed by Myles Boisen at Guerrilla Studios, Oakland, CA
Mastered by Myles Boisen at The Headless Buddha Mastering Lab, Oakland, CA
All selections © 2010 Joel Pickard
Except “Blue Moon” © 1933 Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart
Available at Bandcamp, Apple Music, Spotify