Joel Peskin

The Sax Man

JOEL C. PESKIN

Joel C. Peskin - Saxophones, Flutes, Clarinets and EWI

Joel started playing the clarinet at the age of nine in Brooklyn, N.Y. He is a graduate of the High School of the Performing Arts, made famous in the movie "Fame." He later studied Saxophone with teacher Joseph Allard of the Julliard School of Music and was a protege and very close friend of saxophonist Rahsaan Roland Kirk.

After co-leading his own jazz quintet the "New York Jazz Ensemble" with Trumpeter Donald Hahn and Drummer Randy Kaye and playing free-jazz gigs around New York for several years, with players;like Dave Izenson, Pharaoh Sanders, Randy Brecker, Bob Moses and Enrico Rava. In late 1968 Joel moved to Los Angeles and joined the Beach Boys touring with them for five years, leading their horn section, and as featured soloist. When not touring, he played many Blues gigs on the West Coast with artists like Albert Collins with whom he played for a year and cites as a major influnce on his musical conception, Charlie Musselwhite, Robben Ford, and the Johnny and Shuggie Otis Band, Etta James and his own group "Rockhouse" co-led by drummer Mike Kowalski featuring blues vocalist "Margie Evans". In the late 70's Joel toured with singer Shawn Phillips, Jerry LaCroix and Doc Severinson's group "Xebron".

Joel is featured on the release, Did You Feel That? by Joe Sample and the Soul Committee, the latest Manhattan Transfer album. Other artists with whom Joel has recorded include: Barbara Streisand (including 1994 tour & HBO t.v. special), Natalie Cole, Kim Carnes, Stevie Wonder, Frank Zappa, Dr.John, Marvin Gaye ("Midnite Love"), Smokey Robinson ("Being with You"), Joe Cocker ("You Can Leave Your Hat On") Beach Boys ("Kokomo ") Taylor Dayne ("Every Beat of My Heart "). Joel also can be heard soloing on the Academy Award-winning single "Beauty and the Beast" (Peabo Bryson and Celine Dion),Michael Bolton's album "Timeless." and a sax solo with singer "Steve Perry" on "We are the World", Elton John, and also Jack Jones, Bruce Willis, Gladys Night, Teddy Pendergrass, Little Richard, Tina Arena, BB King!!!

Joel's expertise on the all the woodwind instruments and EWI, attracted the attention of TV and Motion Picture composers. Some productions on which Joel has worked include: (TV) Entertainment Tonight (original alto sax theme), 65th.Academy Awards, Comic Relief, The Emmies, Knots Landing, The Simpsons, Murder She Wrote, Star Trek, Spencer, Home Improvement, Matlock, and countless others.. (Movies) Ace Ventura 1 & 2 Sneakers (playing with Branford Marsalis), Mambo Kings, When Harry Met Sally, Above the Law, The Hard Way, Married to the Mob, Naked Gun's 1,2,& 3., Space Jam, Police Academy, Sabrina, The Little Mermaid, Perfect, Loaded Weapon, Spy Hard, A League of their Own, First Wives Club, Forest Gump.Hercules, Conspiracy Theory,George of the Jungle, Mc Hales Navy, Nothing To Lose.!!!!

Joel is considered by many to be one of the world's foremost EWI (Electronic Woodwind Instrument) player. He has been a pioneer in establishing it as a respected instrument within the recording industry worldwide. Joel is a key figure in making the manufacturing and distribution deal for the EWI with Akai Electric Company,Tokyo Japan. Last year Joel shot three National Honda commercials playing the baritone sax on camera, and toured Japan with Joe Sample's "Soul Committee" featuring drummer Steve Gadd, trumpeter Oscar Brashear.At this Moment Joel co-produced a cable tv spot for the Backsters which will start airing on local Cable TV stations acrossthe Counrty in July of 97, which is very innovative for a new group, he has also scored the music for a TV pilot for Dreamworks TV..Which may air in the Fall of 97!!

Hey, come and visit Joel's Web Site too (See his roots!)