Joel has grown from his early community musical experiences in his hometown of Burlington, Ontario, and has progressed to playing with some of the finest jazz artists. Highlights include being nominated for a “National Jazz Award” in 2003 and two nominations in 2009 for CD of the Year and Drummer of the Year.
He has performed at many international jazz festivals in North America, Europe, China, Japan, South Korea, South America, Australia and the Caribbean.
Joel has also recorded over 30 recordings as a side man including artists such as; Seamus Blake, Russell Malone, Ray Anderson, David Braid, The Cookers and Denzel Sinclaire.
Joel’s debut CD, released in November 2005, (Cellar Live Records, Vancouver) is entitled “The Time is Now”, with special guest vocalist, Denzel Sinclaire.
In February 2008, Joel recorded his second CD, “Transitions”, live at the Cellar Jazz Club over three nights with special guest Seamus Blake.
His much anticipated 3rd recording after 15 years, The Return (Cellar records) was recorded in Vancouver on February 7th, 2023 and released on September 8th, 2023 with Seamus Blake, Tilden Webb and Neil Swainson.