Meridian, Vol. II

This new release continues the minimal sonic atmosphere of the first volume and follows a loose narrative of Spain, solitude, reflection, and travel. After releasing the first volume last summer, I found myself writing more pieces that compliment this collection. The album draws connections between the classical guitar tradition and the ambience and minimalism of French composer Erik Satie and Spanish composer Federico Mompou. The intention was to evoke an emotional response through the sparest of musical means. For summer listening and beyond.

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 © 2024 Joel Pickard 

Available at Bandcamp, Apple Music and Spotify

 

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