June 20th 2025 sees the release of Joe’s second solo album “Fields Of Redemption”. Some four years in the making, it comprises 14 instrumentals plus one song featuring a guest appearance from Irish singer Glen Harkin. It will be available here on CD through our online shop, and on all streaming on all major platforms.
The first single, the double A-side “The Grass Is Greener / Shapeshifting” will be available from 28 March 2025.
…”Elsewhere we get as many moments of Americana-kissed distortion and confidence as we do the more thoughtful, emotive and contemplative outpourings. The arrangement is eclectic, and consistently showcases Hodgson as a faultlessly capable and passionate guitarist – never utilising quirks or volume to draw attention, but revelling naturally within the creative, expressive space; in a way that truly connects.”…
(album)
“It stands out as a truly amazing instrumental rock record, with such a diverse range of influences adding more flavor and feel to the album. Joe is the embodiment of all you could ever want from a guitar player: melody, energy, vibe, groove – you name it, he’s got it!”…
The One That Got Away(single)
…”This richly arranged instrumental track is a great insight into Joe’s skills as a musician and composer. It has a great balance of soaring lead tones and well-constructed harmonies, going for a distinctive twist”…
(single)
…”The sound of these tracks embodies the warmth and size of old-school rock and roll, tipping the hat off to iconic acts such as Led Zeppelin, as well as The Rolling Stones, Gary Moore and Rory Gallagher, only to mention a few. It’s all about taking those blues rock licks to the next level and spicing it all up with some zesty hot sauce!”…
The notoriously difficult second album syndrome, as it’s often known, sure is a real thing. But for me, this experience didn’t come from having to follow up something that was hugely successful. Instead, it emanated from the inner determination not to repeat what I’d done in the past and a ruthless execution of this promise to myself. However, this wasn’t the only reason for the four-year wait. There were the small matters of my elderly father’s death, a flood-ravaged house, and a whirlwind romance that led to an equally whirlwind marriage to a beautiful young lady from Dublin.
The last of those mitigating factors breathed much happiness into life, and it really gave a kickstart to the whole creative process. After scrapping a full album of material in 2021 for fear of self-plagiarism, an extended trip around Ireland with my new bride and my guitar seemed a plausible way to find the inspiration. While exploring the land of my birth, ideas began to flow and music began to trip from my fingers. My plan worked. It was time to hit the studio.
For this album, I called up my old friend, Philipp Groyssboeck, to play drums, along with his Austrian compatriot, Vinzenz Benjamin, on bass. The nucleus of the band was completed by Otger Garcia on hammond organ, Kelly O’Donohue on horns, João Paulo Drumond on percussion, and Paul McClure on bodhrán. Recording sessions took place in Ireland, England, Germany, Canada, USA, and the Czech Republic. There are too many other amazing musicians who played on the album to fully list here, but from a personal point of view, it was particularly cool to have my great friend, George De Angelis, guest on a few tracks. Perhaps the most memorable recording session, though, took place in Prague with the Czech Philharmonic, when they played on “You I Think Of”. That really was a spine-tingling moment.
However, one person deserves an extra special mention, and that is Chris James Ryan, my musical brother-in-arms, who co-produced and mixed the album. Chris dedicated an unbelievable amount of time and love to the music, and I will forever be indebted to him for helping me get my musical vision across what seemed like an ever-moving line.
All I can say is that it’s been an incredible journey, and I hope that you all enjoy the music as much as I enjoyed writing and performing it.
“The album is about the quest to right wrongs, the search for inner peace, and the determination to never settle for second best.”
