Joe First is a songwriter in the Tampa Bay area. His love of songwriting is expressed through his stage persona, Jose Primero, the artist name used on his first solo CD release, "Portraits In The Sand: Songs From Pass-a-Grille." Recording original music since 1981, Joe has been involved with several original music projects including the bands "Us" and "The Pell-Mells" in Gainesville, "Black Hat Tribe" and most recently, "The No-see-ums" in the Tampa Bay area.
While working as a music teacher in both Alachua and Pinellas County public schools, Joe has produced four albums featuring his students -- the first, a vinyl recording in 1982. For the past 20 years, Joe has been writing mostly in children's genres. A recent move to the beaches has infused his songwriting, and is reflected in "Portraits...".
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Joe's songs have been described as strong and independent, each one standing on its own. When asked to define his style, Joe describes it as "Gulf of Mexico music", as he aspires to be eclectic in his writing. His songs suggest the varying flavors of Latin, Tejano, rock, country, blues, Caribbean and Cajun qualities: all part of the diverse cultures tracing the Gulf of Mexico.
"Portraits..." is currently available at The Nature of Art and Herman's, both on 8th Avenue in Passe-a-Grille as well as The Disc Exchange, Daddy Kool and Asylum Records, all located on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. The CD will be available soon at every Tampa Bay music store that features local artists.
Joe has also recently released his new EP CD featuring two new songs, Roll On Seminoles, and Look Away. FSU alumni will especially enjoy the lyrics of "Roll On Seminoles", a song that sounds like it could one day be performed by the Seminole Marching Band. "Look Away" is a beautiful Florida folk song infused with Joe First's masterful recording studio artistry. Samples of all his music can be heard on the 'Listen' page.
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