Joel Baker – a quality pop artist in the style of Ed Sheeran

Nottingham’s Joel Baker comes to Monroe’s Live on Thursday, April 4.  His most recent single is Worry About Me, a rewrite of The Roots song You Got Me. Whereas The Roots’ version was located in their native Philadelphia, Joel locates his version in his town.  The acoustic version recalls some of Ed Sheeran’s work and Baker’s songs may well appeal to fans of the red-haired singer.

Currently living in North London, Joel is touring around the UK to get his name out there. Last year, he released the Bag of Dreams mixtape. The title track has a fusion of a singer/songwriter style with an R&B sound. It’s not unlike James Blake or the earlier singles of Justin Timberlake.

Story is a toe-tapping number that brings to mind the work of the superb Jamie T, with Baker’s English accent flowing over a memorable hook. Joel also credits Bon Iver, Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix among his influences – although this listener found those hard to hear! This is commercial sounding stuff, with an eye on the pop market.

But you never know where Baker’s music might take him – it’s not that long since Ed Sheeran was selling CDs from a rucksack and sleeping on couches.

This could be a chance to see a rising superstar in a smaller venue! Doors 9pm, tickets €7.