Artist description I grew up in the American midwest during the 60s and 70s, and I grew up listening to the music of that era, people like Cat Stevens, Donovan, and Neil Young. The songs on this CD are inspired by the music of these artists, combined with many of my own experiences of life and death, war and peace, tragedy and comedy. The songs on the CD are brought to life by the musical and technical artistry of collaborator Michael Kelsey, who has released two independent CDs of his own. “given birth” is available through the internet, and has been featured on radio stations WBAA and WFHB in Indiana. I have also contributed six original songs to a 17-song compilation CD by six Indiana songwriters entitled “Collective Works from White River.”

Music Style Folk/Rock

Musical Influences Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, the Moody Blues, Poco, Dave Mason, John Prine, Johnny Clegg, Cat Stevens, Neil Young, Dan Fogelberg, Tom Petty, Bruce Cockburn, Pete Townshed, Bob Dylan, Mike Oldfield, Donovan

Similar Artists Cat Stevens, Neil Young, Dan Fogelberg, Tom Petty, Bruce Cockburn, Pete Townshed, Bob Dylan, Mike Oldfield, Donovan, Robert Mirabal, David Bowie

Artist History I learned guitar in the late 60s from high school friend and guitarist extraordinaire, Tim Stewart. Tim and I played in a number of short-lived rock bands, but he had all the talent. In 1975, I met Brent Wall in a garage band, and we became college roommates at Indiana University. I think Brent and I played guitars and sang about every day for two years, and I learned a lot of his songs. But I didn't learn how to write any songs myself. Over the years, though, Brent and I and others did a fair share of recording at Brent’s White River studio in Martinsville, Indiana. Then, in the summer of 1996, while living in Indonesia, I started writing songs. In the summer of 1998, I linked up with Michael Kelsey to record the CD “given birth” as the joedai warriors. Kelsey has played with numerous bands, and as a solo performer has opened for many national acts, including Blind Melon. He currently tours constantly throughout the midwest and the nation, plays a weekly gig at T.A. Tom’s in West Lafayette, Indiana, and has recorded two CDs (1996’s “Gruvency” and the self-titled “Michael Kelsey” in 1998) at his own recording studio, Kelsey’s Playground in West Lafayette, IN, USA..

Group Members Joe Peters and Michael Kelsey

Instruments Acoustic, Spanish, electric, slide and E-bow guitars, bass, six-string banjo, drums and other percussion, keyboards, didjeridu.

Albums "given birth" by the joedai warriors; Collective Works from White River 1998 & 1999

Press Reviews The Joedai Warriors - "Given Birth" CyberCity Magazine Music Reviewer Tammy Childs, February, 1999Byron in Don Juan XV, said: "There's music in the sighing of a reed; there's music in the gushing of a rill; there's music in all things if men had ears: their earth is but an echo of the spheres."The name Joedai Warriors is a play on words: first, it is a combination of two individuals' names Joe Peters and Dai Peters (a husband and wife team), and secondly, after seeing the moving "Star Wars" and having a fondness for the good guys, the Jedi Warriors, Joe and Dai gave the name a twist and the Joedai Warriors title came into existence. Joe Peters has put together 13 original songs. He has joined his writing talents with the musical talents of Michael Kelsey. Kelsey is a guitarist extraordinaire. He also engineered and mixed the entire production. The Joedai Warriors are adventurers in the musical realm. They, like Byron suggested, have found music in all things. They extract musical notes from the water, chords from the air, rhythms from the earth, lyrics from humankind. They use the power, the energy, the forces around them to influence and invigorate their music. "Malagasy Memories" is a pretty piece of music and begins our experience with this duo. Joe takes the vocals and Michael does the acoustic guitar, bass and percussion. It is beautifully written and performed equally well. This song is based on the experiences of husband and wife, Joe and Dai Peters. They lived among the villagers of the rainforest of Madagascar for two years while helping to establish a new national park. "Life is made to break your heart, over and over, back to the start" states "A Tear and a Smile". It has an exceptional beat with a haunting background. Were the Golden Rule the law of the land, we would know that it is "better to give than take. . .all around the world we can lend a hand". Unfortunately, life is not that easy nor that giving. When I asked Joe what influenced the writing of this song he related an experience his wife had with a young man in Hanoi, Vietnam. The teenager rode an old bicycle through the neighborhoods selling hot bread for a dime a loaf. For most, this everyday, all day from sun-up to long past midnight task would seem almost unbearable. But to him, it was away of life. When Dai looked into his eyes, he responded with a big smile. Joe states, "the second verse is directed toward an American audience that, like Vietnam, has some problems to deal with in terms of the lessons of life and love."Michael Kelsey performs on the Spanish guitar, which just happens to be one of my favorite instruments, on "The Tao of Healing". He does exceptional work. Once again, the lyrics are superb and provoke the conscience -"life is the teacher of wisdom it's trueconfronted with suffering what will you dowill you reach out a hand to your brother in needor just turn away while his soul starts to bleed."Joe challenges us to expend ourselves on the part of another, to "invite love in"."Just a Happy Song" is, indeed, jubilant. It celebrates the good things in life; singing in the rain and dancing in the nude. It is a particularly clever song and does bring on a happy mood. The six-string banjoes and whistles attribute to its jovial nature. "Make the best ofcircumstance" it says. This too, is often easier said than done. However, this tune can definitely energize you to try. So put on your smile, "take a little chance, go ahead and dance." "Sunrise at Bromo" concludes our musical tour. Kelsey and Dennis Leas add their talents on the didjeridu and an already interesting piece of music is enhanced. This unusual instrument promotes the mysterious feel of the song. This particular tune was the first written by Peters. Again, Joe drew on his personal experiences. Mt. Bromo is an activevolcano in the eastern highlands of the island of Java, Indonesia. Joe and a friend hiked into the Bromo area in 1996 and stayed in a little town on the edge of the large crater. Peters states, "I felt like a pilgrim on a spiritual journey". Thus, the inspiration for the song. It is difficult to categorize this music. In fact, it is impossible. It would appeal to almost any listener and is much too diverse to fit into a specific genre. If there was a category entitled "marvelous", that is where I would list this CD. This group's music has captivatedme. This is a truly outstanding collection of music. Peters builds very creative and expressive music out of personal experiences through his travels. While Joe's vocals are pleasant, the songs' true strength lies within the lyrics and in the music itself. I admire this man's ability to make music that not only speaks to your heart and your conscience with important life-lessons and messages, but also fulfills a need to be entertained. His lyrical writings are very honest, even brave at times, and extremely powerful in content and style. His musical compositions are passionate and alive. The music of The Joedai Warriors isinspirational and most of all, motivational.I anxiously look forward to hearing their next collaboration.Their CD can be ordered by contacting The Joedai Warriors personally at dpeters@fpt.vn

Location Hanoi - Vietnam

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