Album Profile: Joshua Van Ness - discovering the universe

Over the past few years, I’ve rapidly learned, unfortunately with casualties, of the do’s, don’ts, monstrosities, and enigmas of the Jersey indie music scene. At times, I’ve found myself to be intimidated and discouraged by a massive population of insecure, competitive, and less-than adequate singers and songwriters that have been the product of an undying contingent of regulars at a beer and shot joint somewhere off the Garden State Parkway. However, as discouraging as it can be for a young artist, the essential world of relativity has rendered the discovery of the true gems of the scene entirely worth the while. Although not always an easy pill to swallow, it quickly permeated and traveled through my core with such intensity, that all recognition delineated to the former, was and is truly wasted energy. As for the gems, my encounters with Joshua Van Ness and Souls' Release should be reasonably classified as such. Aside from simply being a humble group of guys, they truly wrote solid, well-structured, songs that seemingly gave me amnesia as per my prior experiences and interactions with some fellow artists on the scene.

Although I’m quite familiar with Souls' Release, “Discovering The Universe” is my first exposure to Joshua Van Ness’ solo project. I rightfully begin with this… Joshua can sing his ass off. From start to finish, I was absolutely pummeled by his soulful, bluesy delivery. Let’s be honest, this scene is seriously lacking in this department. I’ve heard some solid acts, but have been hard-pressed to find genuinely dynamic vocalists.

Some of you may know by now, that I’m an absolute sucker for strong lyrical content and, in all fairness, our music scene does not lack in this department. Further, I love this record for its sincerity. I applaud Joshua for leaving it all on the table.

The songs were very well-structured. If I had to isolate one song on this record as the identity, I would have to select, “Never Give Up.” The immediate association is Edwin McCain and, personally, I think that’s quite the heavy compliment. This album is a performance, rather than a recording. I think it's safe to assume that Joshua probably would not disappoint if you were to dedicate an evening and catch a live set.

- Matt Colligan

www.myspace.com/joshuavanness

Latest tracks by Men of Rock

MOR (aka Men of Rock) first convened in late 2008 at the behest of New Jersey singer-songwriter Joshua Van Ness to serve as his backing band at the release party for his album, DNA. Delighted by their instant chemistry and kinship, Van Ness, bassist Jonathan Andrew, drummer Joe Beninati, and guitarist Eric Blankenship decided to continue their one-off collaboration indefinitely. Now a regular live act, the band performs original compositions, penned by both Van Ness and Andrew, as well as a variety of songs by the rock, soul, and folk artists they love. Their goal is simple: to entertain and connect with each and every listener for whom they have the pleasure of performing.