JOE UVEGES: Promise of Portage

Joe Uveges

Promise of Portage

© 2004 Joseph Uveges (822880100140)

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If you crossed the yearning of Karla Bonoff with the story telling of Harry Chapin and the voice of a gentler Greg Brown, you would capture the essence of this magnificently produced (Chris Rosser) song centered masterpiece.

notes

GAZETTE GO! Choice for BEST CD of the Year 2004 "Uveges' tender songwriting and warm vocals have made him one of Colorado Springs' most beloved musicians. He gave his fans a treat this year with "Promise of Portage", his finest recording yet. The album is an emotional journey with plenty of musical rewards along the way."

This CD is a remarkably diverse, beautifully produced (Chris Rosser, Asheville, N.C.) collection of well-crafted songs that can best be described as songs of human longing. Bill Reed, music critic, says of this CD "Uveges' greatest strength is his songwrtiting. The CD is filled with depth and spritituality." Sounds like Yanni with lyric, doesn't it? It's not. The CD begins with a song ("Still Climbin") that speaks to both the personal as well as the greater human journey of growth and transformation. It is an anthemic song that you will hit repeat on again and again. The CD ends with the balance song entitled "Take Her In", which is the gentle, image driven acknowledgment that it is in the reclamation of the feminine that we find both personal as well as human wholeness. The journey between these two poles is a sometimes sweet, sometimes tangled tale told by a series of voices including: a Catholic Great Depression mother from Portage(coaltown), Pennsylvania, a "Bonnie and Clydesque" band robbing couple from San Antonio, a S.F. Taxi driver (cover of Harry Chapin's classic), a phone that talks("If She Picks Me Up"), the cripple at the pool of Bethsaida who tells the tale of his healing 30 years before by Jesus("Rise Up"), and a father searching for his drugged out daughter on Colfax Avenue("Lookin on Colfax").

This CD is about personal transformation. It is about "portage", the carrying of "cargo from one body of water to another". Kathryn Eastburn, Arts and Entertainment Editor of the INDY says, "'Promise of Portage' is a beautifully produced CD...rythmically sophisticated and emotionally complex."

What else separates this CD from the giant barrage of pop/folk/country that commercial radio bombards us with each day, typified by generic romantic ideals and Disneyish love stories? These songs speak the truth of the human condition: the convoluted and intricate inter-weaving of the exterior love story (man and woman) with the interior love story(masculine and feminine). These songs speak to both journeys in powerful and provocative ways. This isn't pop. It's not country. It's beyond folk. This is melody, poetry and myth entwined in a kama sutra of songs.
Joe Uveges is originally from Schoharie, NY but he currently resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado where he lives with his wife and 2 children. His songs have been featured on compilation discs including "Addiction Songs" from Goodnight Kiss Music, and the "Greater Than Life Collection" a Colorado based organization aimed at generating funds for Urban Peak, a homeless shelter for teens. His last 2 CD's have been awarded "Best Local Releases" from the Colorado Springs Gazette. (2002 and 2004)
Peace JOE

reviews

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  • My favorite of Joe's CDs... till the next one!
    author: Cathy Higgins

    Portage is an excellent and embracing work... listen to the stories and hear the beautiful guitar notes. This is truly my favorite of Joe's CDs to date -- I can't wait to hear the next one. "Don't Let Go" is probably my favorite cut on this CD. This album truly shows off Joe's incredible songwriting abilities.

  • This music moves me - it speaks to my soul
    author: Carol Riley

    This compilation sticks with me and I am drawn to it again and again. The songs hold up to many levels of examination - Joe's emotive voice, the tunes that stay with you throughout the day, the musician's skill, and the depth and soul of the lyrics themselves. It is music to be savoured and speaks to my condition every time I listen. I am hopeful that others will also discover this talented musician.

  • Once Again Joe Touches The Soul of His Listener
    author: Terri Grant

    So far everyone has commented about the obvious choices for best song's,but my choice is "Lookin On Colfax" Track#10,because it is a real street here where we live and I lived that song in real life with my own daughter. Joe never ceases to amaze me with his spirit,and just how he reaches in and touches you to the core of your being. Awesome.... Best one yet Joe!!

  • Joe is an artist with words and music. I was deeply moved this CD.
    author: Lee Walter

    This CD required no "warm up time" for me: I loved it right from the start. "Still Climbing" casts light to my inner life journey and "Promise of Portage" takes me back to my mid-west childhood and the beautiful people that help shape me. I was deeply moved by "Lookin on Colfax" and "Take Her In." Joe delicately brushes beautiful water colors with his music, to make paintings I love to return to over and over again, seeing something new each time. Thanks for the gift Joe.

  • a great story teller
    author: jan eddleston

    I bught the music initially because of the cover from Harry Chapin's taxi but this proved to be my least favourite .The words and music from track 4 are the most haunting I've heard for a long time,yes the songs are reminiscent of Harry Chapin but Joe has found his own unique style.The cd is well worth purchasing I am looking forward to his next album with great excitement.

  • Simple beauty and genious. Comes from and goes to the heart.
    author: george quick

    My first listen to Promise of Portage was over breakfast and the newspaper. Forget that idea! This is not background music. This is lying on the floor in the dark with the headphones on music! That first listen brought tears to my eyes with it's truth, beauty, and elegance.

  • Beautiful beyond measure
    author: Amanda

    A powerful, haunting album. Rarely have I heard a song so beautiful as "I am." It is stunning, spiritual truth for the rest of us.

  • superb CD - touches your soul
    author: Barbara

    Joe's best CD. Still climbin and don't let go touch the soul if you have experienced disappointments or losses in your life. Overall an excellent CD.

  • author: Kelvin Clark

    From the story telling to the telling of one's story, Joe Uveges has come of age with Promise of Portage. Joe invites the listener on a journey within the cocoon of his warm voice, insightful lyrics, clean moving original melodies, and arrangements that never go stale. When you step back into your world after Take Her In (the final track), you feel rejuvinated and inspired about the "process" of life. Promise of portage indeed. There is a style here that transcends genre, just good music. Folk rock yes..........but there are tasty elements of jazz in That's Not All, and the ooze of Steve Hoke's pedal steel guitar bringing a perfect country flavor to If She Picks Me Up. A stellar piece of work.

  • This was a great album which needs more publicity
    author: Gail

    I could not help but relize what a gifted voice this artist has. I enjoyed all of his songs,I especially enjoyed listening to Promise of Portage. For it touches so close to home, and in theses times this is what we need. I only hope that your company as big as it is will give it the proper air time as well as the publicity that it needs. Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on this CD, and artist.

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