Dr Joel (drjoelmusic)

"This guy is absolutely brilliant! You have got to go to this!"
(Decode Magazine, Bristol & Bath, UK)
"On a scale of one to ten ... eleven"
(Ronnie X, The Daily, Bombay)
"Dr Joel breaks nearly all of the established musical rules. But whatever he does it seems to work brilliantly. With killer songs"
(Larmer Tree Festival)
"Enthralling, it's music that could easily inspire you to contort your body in a wild jig"
(Chris Goodfellow, BBC Berkshire)
"Kula Shaker are preceded by Dr Joel, a south Indian vocal percussionist who must be seen to be believed, putting a packed Academy Two into incredibly high spirits "
(Laura Knight, musosguide.com, Manchester)
"I've said it before and I'll say it again: Dr Joel is a living legend.
How many solo musicians have you seen that grab the attention of absolutely everybody in a venue, make them participate in their songs and generally bring the fun?
There's not much more I can say, but if you ever have the chance of going to see him live, do it. You'll regret it if you don't."
(Jen Walker, Birmingham Mail)
Venue Magazine (Bristol & Bath):
"The exuberant charm on display is a challenge to any black-hearted hack. Then the Doctor reveals his secret weapon, South Indian Classical Vocal Percussion, a jaw-dropping display of impossibly fast verbal beat-boxing called Konnakol. Pretty soon, we're having a go ourselves, led phrase by phrase at walking pace. Dr Joel is without question a master practitioner. He taught Sheila Chandra, you know.
There's also a sly sense of humour at work. Noting that we had passed the watershed, he plays some of his racier songs such as "Sex" and "Human Viagra". Soon, his fingers are moving as fast as his tongue, racing up and down the keyboard with patterns as ornate as the filigree tissue box on a minicab's dashboard.
Has all the makings of a cult star. He also does shows for children and could well be the Ivor Cutler of the subcontinent."
(Kid Pensioner, Venue Magazine, Bristol & Bath)
"Entirely different. Actually, entirely different from ... possibly anything you've ever heard...
You will never be the same.
Dr Joel, if you're reading this, will you marry me?"
(Amy G., Shake Your Fist, Chicago, USA)
"a burst of inspired energy from Dr Joel ... Songs like "Ravenous Like A Tiger" were already excitedly anticipated by the crowd and the Doctor delivered perfectly. Irrepressible humour, great enthusiasm and tunes that sound like The Doors on Safari."
(Porter Reviews, Bath)
"Flabbergasting!"
(Mike Bourne, Downbeat, USA)
"legendary Dr Joel ... combines the traditional Indian vocal style of ‘Konnakol’ with witty, obscure lyrics, such as ‘I am Human Viagra’ ... used his incredible, unique style to build himself a cult status ... landed himself the support slot on Kula Shaker’s UK tour.
After wowing crowds all over England with his musical charms, Joel had the crowd at Koko lapping him up, roaring enthusiastically along to ‘Ravenous Like a Tiger’, and adding howling vocal accompaniment to the soon-to-be-classic-if-there's-any-justice-in-the-world ‘Howl Like a Wolf’. If you haven't seen Dr. Joel, you really should. He's immensely entertaining, and you'll probably learn plenty about Indian music during one of his informative interludes."
(Laura Silver, mychemicaltoilet.com, London)
"he's a very chilled out guy with a wide grin and a disarmingly pleasant selection of tracks.
Audience participation is his thing, and the varied age range in the crowd all get involved as he captivates more and more people with his hilarious songs and interesting music lesson interludes. Dr Joel sings traditional Indian 'Konnakol' half the time and daft lyrics like 'I am Human Viagra' the other half, as his hands move dextrously over his keyboard and his feet provide percussion. Crowd participation is a must and chanting "Thom" or "Eeek", howling to 'Howl Like a Wolf' or roaring along to 'Ravenous Like a Tiger' gets the audience relaxed and upbeat. The tabla drumming and Indian rhythms flow ..."
(Scott Williams, egigs, Exeter Great Hall/Lemon Grove)
"this chunk of his Dr Joel big-up was spot on: “watching him perform is like drinking bottled optimism”. After the first couple of numbers my mind was far from made up, like most I was still trying to work this guy out. Looking totally unassuming was he serious or daft? Naff, or cool as fuck? Quite possibly a mix of all four but as the set progressed there was a wave of smiles sweeping over the audience. This is clearly the main appeal of Dr Joel, his music is fun, uplifting and infectious. Not smiling is an impossibility.
This was surely the first time Paul Tucker (on sound) has been asked: “Can I have some more ankle bells?” Dr Joel had them strapped on tight, but it was his fingers that were the more capable body part. His keyboard skills were extremely impressive, though even they were outdone by his vocal ability, a freestyle gobbledygook rap interspersed his songs. “The stuff I do is Konnakol, South Indian Classical Vocal Percussion” he explained mid-set.
Lyrically this was a melting pot of innocent sexual referencing and a happy-go-lucky take on life. Dr Joel's ability to command the audiences attention and to use them as musical accompaniment became increasingly compelling, he used the Green Room as a place to inject his “human viagra”. Kings and politicians stand for Dr Joel - Grandmaster Flash meets Al Jarreau meets someone I have never ever seen or heard the like of before."
(Tony Foster, bhone reviews, Bournemouth)
"Each week we feature a different local band or artist, this week it's the amazing Dr Joel, the king of konnakol. Not our usual sort of thing and he'd be the first to admit he's not exactly rock'n'roll but when you see Dr Joel do his thing live, you'll understand why we love him."
(Bristol Uncovered Radio Show)
"Don't prescribe Prozac. Prescribe Dr Joel."
(Dr. Rutherford, Radio DJ, Word of Mouth show, BCFM 93.2, Bristol)
"I was jumping around with delight...
... the fast becoming cult anthem 'Ravenous like a Tiger'...
... Connections made to rock to rap to konnakol and it all sounded brilliant!"
(Miss Gardiner, Decode Magazine)
"By the time Dr Joel snuck onto stage there was a sizeable crowd and a definite buzz. ... the bells on his ankles are his percussion which he jangles to the beat like a deranged morris dancer! It works! His keyboard skills are quality, reminiscent of Stevie Wonder and The Doors albeit with bells! ... rapid scatting... Highly amusing but great lyrics keep the punters smiling and giggling like schoolchildren, and his command of the crowd was absolute. Before long we were clapping in time, howling like wolves and finally Roaring like ravenous tigers! Everyone had a broad smile on their face.
Its amazing how one guy with an electric keyboard, some bells on his legs and microphone can captivate a whole audience and entertain them. His lyrics are witty yet real so everyone can relate to them. Dr Joel delivers a full package that is so different yet accessible. Every song finished with well deserved rapturous applause and cheers."
(Evil-Ernie, SwindonMusic)
Venue magazine (main interview, front section):
What some others say about Dr Joel:"That's a hit!"
(Billy Cobham, legendary drummer, USA/Switzerland)
"Dig yo' stuff!"
(Bic Runga, songwriting legend, London & New Zealand)
"The hit of the festival, for me."
(Larry Coryell, jazz-rock legend, USA)
"Here a super group comprising of Bucky, Don Pecker and myself entertained a small crowd and were then blown off the stage by the charisma and musical prowess of Dr Joel. An Indian multi-instrumentalist and abstract raconteur."
(Paul Winterhart, Kula Shaker drummer)
"You are fantastic. I have never heard anything like it!"
(Judie Tzuke, songwriting legend, London)
"Your vocal percussion is still in my head!"
(Rivka Golani, classical viola superstar, Britain / Canada / Israel)
"i think you brought me back the smile i had lost"
(Lo Cor de La Plana, Marseille)
"Your music is like an orgasm to my brain."
(Matt Zerbe, Pensylvannia State College, USA)
"dude, you are great. very paul simon."
(Mike Pheasant, newspaper gig listings - Metro, Guardian, Independent)
"intelligent funky, funny songs ... whilst exposing his astonishing konnakol vocal percussion skills"
(AF Harrold, poet, Reading; guest, BBC Radio 4)
"i had the privelage of seeing you at Koko last night and I've never seen a support act have the crowd eating out if their hand as well as you.
Everyone loved you, myself included. Musically your material is great, however you are also a very talented, relaxed and briliant entertainer."
(Andy, London)
"J'étais au concert de Kula Shaker vendredi à Bruxelles. J'ai beaucoup aimé l'énergie de votre concert. "
(Hugues, Paris)
"saw this guy called Dr Joel who was totally mega-awesome"
(Max, Bristol)
"your AMAZING!! I love ur songs, i wana marry them!"
(Charlotte, Kent)
"I caught you last night and it was one of the most memorable, entertaining, uplifting things I have ever seen. Kudos."
(Andy, Bath)
"Dr Joel for President!"
(Scott, Halifax, UK)
"Gig was awsome dude. You Totally Rock, u gotta come back."
(Mikey, Birmingham)
"your set at venn festival- highlight of the day!"
(Alice, Bristol)
"Like drinking bottled optimism!"
(Dave/Betika, Bournemouth)
"dr joel stole my soul! For the love of all that is holy please oh please look up Dr joel on myspace search. He will blow your socks off and change they way you listen to music forever!!! guaranteed"
(Jack, Bath)
"Oh my god I L O V E D you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Went to see Kula Shaker at Sheffield last night and wished id have met you after the show to tell you how great you were!
I love your quirky piano sound! Im a massive Billy Joel fan and i wondered if he inspired you in any way?
I thought you were funny, honest and very charismatic! Oh and also extremely cute! Where are you playing next ...
LOVE YOU!!!!"
(J, Leeds)
"checking your myspace-presentation, i have to say, that i miss the sitarsound and the keyboards. they made so much magic and flair"
(Sille, Germany)
"I just wanted to tell you that I..ve been showing your songs to some friends of mine, and we..re all very happy to listen to them! they are very original and fun, they..re great! you make as howl and laugh a lot so thank you for that good times!!
I wish you and Kula Shaker come here to Buenos Aires next year!!!! "
(Belu, Buenos Aires)
"super cool ta musique, bizz de la parte de une mexique perdu en belgique"
(Belinda, Aguacalientes / Mexico)
"you were totally awsome! i must congratulate you because like a tiger is an ABSOLUTLY AMAZING song!!!! you are a genius!"
(J, Hastings)
"I was in Cambridge at the Junction and you opened Kula Shaker gig.. that was absolutely brilliant! I spent days singing "ravenous like a tiger" refrain..
The junction was full of positive energy, I'll never forget that night and the emotions I felt..
Ps: my father loved your music too.."
(Irene, Livorno, Italy)
"I saw you in Aberdeen. I must let you know that usually im quite a depressed person but your music is so uplifting, I have fallen in love with it.
I am a big fan of 'I can sing my song' which I listen to at least once a day to keep me going.
Love"
(Katharina, Aberdeen)
"I saw you on saturday, at the Carling Academy. :)
You were great! :D
It was my first gig and I couldn't have asked for anything better than you and Kula."
(Robin, Birmingham)
"just thought i would send you a message saying that i seen you supporting kula shaker in liverpool on monday and you were absolutely awesome "
(Petey, Liverpool)
"1,500 people crammed into a sold-out Koko ... he knows how to warm a crowd up. Unknown supports don't usually manage to get audiences to dance and sing around, but Dr Joel has got his act down to a tee, encouraging crowds to make animal noises, lift their arms in the air and experiment with some traditional Indian singing, he managed to put a smile on the face of everybody. His songs 'Ravenous Like A Tiger' and 'Howl Like A Wolf' may sound like a joke, but they will be stuck in your head for days to come."
(Jen, W. Midlands/London)
"In the fifteen minutes or so since I found your music my heart has healed a significant bit."
(Taylor, USA)
"When you emerged onto the stage, my first impression was that you would be a serious Indian who would do nothing but chant profound Sanskrit in a meditative way. My girlfriend had exactly the same expectations! It was then to our absolute joy that you turned out to be a happy-go-lucky and humorous man who sang lovely songs about tigers, wolves, bad bosses and unrequited love!
And even more impressive than your konnakol style was your ability to completely engage the crowd – you had them eating out of the palm of your hand! As a fellow musician who has also done a stint as a solo performing artist, I can appreciate just how difficult that can sometimes be to achieve and sustain. But you did it so effortlessly! I think it’s your combination of being naturally very charismatic, charming, funny, happy, and sooooo likeable!! Audience participation also helps immensely too! Everybody instantly warmed to you, and I’m certain there was a smile on everybody’s face!
Well, I just wish I could clone you, and put one of you in each and every household in the world. Then nobody would ever be depressed again and happiness would reign supreme!"
(DCS, Birmingham)
"I saw you at the Kula Shaker gig in Sheffield.
I was stood at the very front and saw the love and energy from you up close! Really enjoyed your set, you really know how to make a crowd fall in love with you!!"
(E, Sheffield)
"DR JOEL,
You are now my new favourite person! My friends and I saw you at the Kula Shaker show in Wolverhampton last night. We started off the chanting of your name.
We all thought you were brilliant, your charisma on stage was awesome and the connection between the crowd and yourself was superb! The audience participation was outstanding.
This world needs more people like yourself, your music is so light heart, yet serious, how can people not love you!"
(R, W. Midlands)
"wir waren im Grünspan. Es war wirklich ein toller Auftritt. Sie haben es geschafft, das Publikum richtig gut zu unterhalten.
Unser Lieblingslied ist "Ravenous Like a Tiger""
(S, Hamburg)
"Saw you last week - totally awesome!!"
(SR, Bristol)
"the highlight for me was your set. I've never seen someone live and not known any of there music but been singing and clapping along with in minutes.
You really know how to work a crowd (I was the one who shouted I'd buy you a beer and I wanted you as my real doctor).
Thanks for a great night out, I'm gonna be preaching the gospel of Dr Joel to all my friends until Ravenous like a Tiger is a number one hit.
Love your style, love your music, and love you."
(D, W. Midlands)
"saw you in Norwich at the waterfront, you were great, so unusual and brilliant!"
(J, Norwich)
"Dr joel!!!!
i love you!
i saw you at Cambridge junction when you supported Kula Shaker! i totally loved your music! please let me know if you are ever back in the area!
Unfortunately, i didnt get lucky doing the rooooar in ravenous like a tiger!"
(M, Cambridge)
"ich habe Sie im Grünspan erleben dürfen.
Ich war begeistert von Ihren Qualitäten als Animateur, was ja ziemlich schnell beim Publikum gezündet hat"
(Tom, Hamburg)
"I was amazed by both your konnakol vocal percussion and incredible keyboard playing"
(Ted, Bristol)
"a friend of mine saw you supporting kulashaker at coco the other day, and they came home raving!!!
so, i looked up your page, and heard your music...music which, i've gotta say, it would be impossible to feel down listening to! it sounds really uplifting...i really like it..."
(P, London)
"Dr Joel I was Roaring like a tiger and howling like a wolf last night!!!!
Man you're the best support act Sheffield has seen this decade, i f**king love you man!"
(Robert, Sheffield)
"your music kicks arse dude!!! You'll have to let me know the next time that youre up in the midlands, i can guarantee that you'll have a huge crowd to come and watch ya!"
(Oz, W. Midlands)
"I saw you when you opened for Kula Shaker in Hamburg one or two years ago. It was great how you got everyone (a crowd of Germans!) to rawwwwr like a tiger :D! Also, the mouth percussion live experience was great. Something that can hardly be relieved through the recordings.Alas, I hope you'll come to Germany again soon."
(Götz, Hamburg)
"it was a fantastic night! It still amazes me how you can bring round a crowd that has never heard your songs before, never heard konnakol(one day I will give this a go!) and get them singing and clapping along!
I will definitely be seeing more of you in 2007!"
(Mark, Swindon)
"Thought you were wicked, never seen anything like it."
(Sean, Birmingham)
"A most excellent gig last night, possibly the best I've ever seen"
(William, Somerset)
"this guy is f***ing immense!!! and better LIVE!
this amazing man goes by the name Dr Joel, and i highly recommend that you guys listen to his music.
its competely bizzare with makes it absolutly fab!!! this guy is a legend!
you need to listen to"human viagra" - the best!!"
(Kylie, Swindon)
"Dr Joel......you were awesome at the junction Tuesday night! Had to show my 15 year old son your site and now he can not stop singing your songs!!! You warmed the crowd up nicely ready for the kula boys!"
(J, Ipswich)
"Hi Dr Joel, came to the gig in Norwich last week,was the first time I heard you ever, you write beautiful music. Where can I get more of your music?"
(S, Norwich)
"i saw you at the roadhouse and immediately thought u were an ABSOLUTE LEGEND!"
(Oli, Birmingham)
"Dr Joel, you are my hero. Ravenous Like a Tiger is one of the greatest songs ever written."
(Mike, Southampton)
"On our epic journey through horrendous traffic back from Cornwall yesterday we were listening to BBC Radio Bristol. This guy was being interviewed as he was playing live at Bristols Organic Food Festival - why I do not know - only that the first song you must listen to is 'Ravenous Like a Tiger'. This is a major Meme. Sounds very silly at first but then grows on you - the other songs are also brilliant."
"Dr Joel you are bloody brilliant"
(Jay, Stourbridge, W. Midlands)
"humorous song lyrics... lyrical genius."
(William, Swindon)
"my friends and I think you are absolutely spectacular!"
(Lot, Bristol)
"This guy is awesome! saw him by chance in Cardiff the Gate. unforgettable"
(Robert, Cardiff)
"I just loved all the songs and how you got the crowd going was just brilliant. Wouldn..t be surprised to see you on the pyramid stage at Glastonbury next year. Keep it up, and be ravenous like a tiger, RRRAAAOOWWW !!!!!"
(M, W. Midlands)
"The songs are genius and your ability to engage the crowd is pure class".
(Dean, Bristol)
"Ravenous like a tiger is still in my head!
Great stuff
you have amazing fingers"
(C, Birmingham)
"man, you are such a good performer!!! Bath has never seen anything this good! "
(Josh, Bath)
"saw you play the roadhouse the other nite was awesome, me and my mates were blown away by it"
(Pat, Birmingham)
"I saw you play at The Gate, Cardiff earlier in the year. I've been seeing a lot of live acts recently, but nothing like you. I was entranced and amazed by your performance and couldn't get the smile off my face"
(Sue, Cardiff)
"OMG! Dr Joel is THE coolest piano playing bespectacled man in the world ever. Oh wait, Ben Folds wears glasses too. Bummer. Anyway, it's a close one!"
(Katherine Hewitt, Brighton)
"brilliant brilliant stuff on thursday... this guy needs to be seen!!! loved that tune you did as an encore."
(Al Bridges, Swindon)
"Dr Joel is OFFICIALLY a HERO in Xiraguay.SUPERB stuff man. Your set will live with me for a LONG time."
(Daz of Xi, Leeds)
"I want your baby!"
(Jimmy Mac, Bath)
"hey doctor joel youre so cool can't wait to see you again!!"
(Louisa, Reading)
"your blend of comedy, superb keyboard skills and indian influence really impressed me! I shall tell all my friends. You must play Cardiff again soon!"
(Rollo, Cardiff)
"I think Dr Joel is my new favourite thing. My face hurt from smiling. As I said last night I want to keep him in a little box and just take him out every time I need cheering up."
(Sally, Swindon)
"You truly are a legend. Never seen or will ever see anything like you"
(Rupert, Bath)
"Someone was saying how good you were on the Leeds Music Forum so I checked you out, and I actually think you are a genius."
(Dan, Leeds)
"I was at the gig in swindon yesterday and i thought you were AMAZING. actually really amazing!!!"
(Cecile, Swindon)
"My face was aching from smiling so much during your set"
(Matt, Swindon)
"Your sets are the stuff of legend among Bath Spa commercial music students."
(Owen, Bath)
"My good friend N saw you supporting Bic Runga, said you were the best support act she had ever seen!"
(Kelly, Leeds)
"You were awesome on monday night! I had some friends down from Cambridge who I introduced to the wonder that is Joel. They loved it!"
(Hali, Bath)
"Listen. Love. Possibly soil yourself laughing.
Just got back from seeing this guy support Bic Runga (BLOODY BRILLIANT btw)... and i actually can't get over the hilarity.
Perhaps you have to experience the bells on his ankles, the Ross Gellar keyboard and erm.. cat references to fully appreciate him but i am totally going to go and see him in Bath in November. He has pretty much made my life."
(Natalie, Wantage)
"I've listened to loads and loads of music since I've gotten myspace. Yours is the only one that has left me speechless. I will tell my friends about you."
(Josh, Derby)
"Always a joy to see you in action. You are the sunshine in a world of snow."
(Ben Hill, Bath)
"Your music was so happy and uplifting. It really inspired me to try and write songs on my guitar"
(Henry, Bristol)
"Are you playing next week?? If so I have a fan club waiting to hear the tiger song!!"
(Becky, Southampton)
"My boyfriend played me your music.It's so cool!Ha!I got so joyous listening to it!We danced in circles round the living room.You're on his top friends, he's my 1st one.He has a picture of you on his space, go see!Love to you Dr Joel, you bloody genius!"
(M, Holwell, UK)
"Your songs are really entertaining - and they are different from anything else that I've heard whilst surfing myspace during the past three weeks or so. They have a zest and an attitude that to me is part Noel Coward and part Bonzo Dog Band - it's as if Elton John has finally learnt how to play the piano properly whilst at the same time someone has stuck a rocket up his arse. That's meant as a compliment."
(Steve, Wales)
Some recent lyrics:
BEAUTIFUL LIKE A SNOWFLAKE
(copyright Dr Joel)
(chorus 1)
Beautiful like a snowflake, you are
Beautiful like the northern lights, you are
Beautiful like a snowflake, you are
Beautiful like the northern lights.
You are beautiful, you are
Beautiful, you are
Beautiful, you are
Beautiful.
(verse 1)
I met a woman at the station.
She was lying on a stretcher on wheels.
We had a little conversation.
I was enquiring how it feels.
She said, "I was born like this.
People would take the piss.
I even asked my parents to let me die,
But that just brought a strong reply:
They said 'You're
(chorus 2)
Beautiful like a snowflake, you are
Beautiful like the northern lights, you are
Beautiful like a snowflake, you are
Beautiful like the northern lights.
You are beautiful, you are
Beautiful, you are
Beautiful, you are
Beautiful.'
(verse 2)
She said, "I went to church in Clifton.
I met a great young chappie there.
He too had no limbs and
He was sitting in his own wheelchair.
He said, 'Do you like to sing?'
How embarrassing!
I thought that he was having a go.
But eventually, he was letting me know
I was
(chorus 3)
Beautiful like a snowflake. I felt
Beautiful like the northern lights, I felt
Beautiful like a snowflake, I felt
Beautiful like the northern lights.
I felt beautiful, I felt
Beautiful, I felt
Beautiful, I felt
Beautiful."
(verse 3)
She said "Our son was born disabled
And he would cry the whole night through.
My sister came to help us out,
But she didn't have a clue.
One day she said to me,
Just confidentially:
'If only they put these children down
We'd have a lot more smiles and fewer frowns.'
I said 'He's
(chorus 4)
Beautiful like a snowflake, he is
Beautiful like the northern lights. He is
Beautiful like a snowflake, he is
Beautiful like the northern lights.
He is beautiful, he is
Beautiful, he is
Beautiful, he is
Beautiful!
(chorus 5)
Beautiful like a snowflake, we are
Beautiful like the northern lights. We are
Beautiful like a snowflake, we are
Beautiful like the northern lights.
We are beautiful, we are
Beautiful, we are
Beautiful, we are
Beautiful!
--------------------------------------------------------
(www.myspace.com/drjoelmusic)
Some background information:
Dr Joel is a lyricist / composer / performer / educator from India's top rhythm academy (Sri JGTV Academy, Chennai, India) now based in Britain. His performing style is unique: "konnakol" vocal percussion interwoven with catchy, witty songs and nimble-fingered piano. The crowd often participates enthusiastically.
He has performed in major venues including the Queen Elizabeth Hall (South Bank Centre, London), Shepherds Bush Empire (London), Putra World Trade Centre (Kuala Lumpur), National Centre for Performing Arts (Bombay), Madras Music Academy (Chennai), Wulfrun Hall (Wolverhampton) and more; at international festivals including Jazz Yatra, Rhythmsticks, Dartington (Western classical); in clubs including Anson Room (Bristol), Academy (Manchester), Gruenspan (Hamburg), Botanique (Brussels), Academy (Birmingham), Fiddlers (Bristol), Oran Mor (Glasgow), Paradiso & BIMHuis (Amsterdam); on radio (BBC stations Bristol, Leeds, Sheffield, Leicester etc.) and on television (Channel 4, BBC, Doordarshan - India, Astro Vaanavil - Malaysia).
Dr Joel has recently been supporting and collaborating with Kula Shaker, the world's no. 1 raga rock group and incendiary live act. Their UK and Europe tours have reached tens of thousands of music lovers.
He has also led a 20-date UK tour together with Selvaganesh (percussionist for superstar guitarist John McLaughlin). They reached a total of about 15,000 people with performances plus workshops in "konnakol" vocal percussion and several hundred thousand more people through prime (breakfast) time radio performances on BBC radio stations. Dr Joel also leads the trio JG Laya featuring Subash Chandran ("king of konnakol") and Vikku Vinayakram, who won a Grammy for his Planet Drum album with Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead.
He was invited to give a master class in "konnakol" vocal percussion and songwriting to students at Sir Paul McCartney's LIPA (Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts). He has also given master classes along with colleagues from south India at the BRIT School (London) and the Academy of Contemporary Music (Guildford). The inaugural WOMAD Summer School featured Dr Joel on the faculty, for konnakol as well as singing and songwriting; plus he took a guest session for students on the drum course, assisting the legendary Billy Cobham. Dr Joel's "konnakol" students have included recording artists such as Sheila Chandra. BBC Radio 4 featured Dr. Joel's konnakol in a programme celebrating the 25th anniversary of WOMAD.
As a lyricist and songwriter, Dr Joel constantly tests his new songs by performing a few of them "live" at gatherings in Bristol, Bath, Birmingham, Cardiff, Swindon, Southampton, Reading, Bournemouth and elsewhere. He also co-writes with special performers and writers in a wide variety of genres, helping them express their own style whilst aiming for unforgettable songs with vivid, gripping lyrics.
One of Dr Joel's most notable explorations was performing konnakol, vocals and keyboard/piano with drum colossus Billy Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra, Miles Davis etc), integrating Indian and Afro-Latin influences within songs. Also, providing konnakol accompaniment to the vocal and "berimbau" performance of Airto Moreira, Brazilian percussion legend, at Ronnie Scott's in London. Dr. Balamuralikrishna, who Dr Joel regards as the world's greatest living musician, sang lead vocals on Dr Joel's choral setting of Rabindranath Tagore's "Gitanjali" poetry, supported by the award-winning Bath Camerata choir (UK Choir of the Year). The Senegalese virtuoso Seckou Keita recently did an ecstatically received kora (African harp) duet with Dr Joel's konnakol.
The viola star Rivka Golani approached Dr Joel to compose a viola and konnakol concerto with western orchestra.
Dr Joel leads participatory workshops suitable for all ages (no prior knowledge or ability assumed) in:
a) 'Konnakol' vocal percussion;
b) 'Note Names' singing (western solfa and Indian sargam);
c) 'Story to Song' songwriting (based on the stories of participants).
'Konnakol' and 'Note Names' sessions are especially useful for "Early Years" (under-fives), to develop musicality, language skills, co-ordination and social skills. The rhythmic prowess developed through konnakol can be applied to any instrument or voice and any style of music - rock, pop, jazz, western classical, Latin, electronica or anything. 'Story to Song' sessions work well as exercises in teambuilding and creativity. These sessions are also popular among Senior Citizens who enjoy being sociable and creative. He has led large participatory konnakol sessions for the WOMAD foundation, the Dartington International Summer School Festival, the Wychwood Festival, the Doris Summer School and more.
Dr Joel does a full performance, up to 90 minutes - songs, virtuoso vocal percussion, virtuoso grand piano (or keyboards), participatory chants etc. He performs solo, or sometimes with his band of stunning musicians.
At intervals, he also tours with fellow south Indian master musicians and others.

Dr Joel: "I'm a bit of a missionary for 'konnakol' vocal percussion because I agree with John McLaughlin who described it as 'the most simple and yet most sophisticated system of rhythmic comprehension in the world.' Anybody can start konnakol and make good progress if the well-developed teaching methods of the 50-year-old Sri JGTV Academy in India are used. No prior ability or knowledge are required. I enjoy teaching mum-and-toddler groups, schoolchildren, disabled people and others as much as I enjoy teaching adults, professional musicians and recording artists. The rhythmic prowess developed through konnakol can be applied to any instrument or voice and any style of music - rock, pop, acoustic, jazz, western classical, salsa, samba, rap, RnB, techno, dance, Afro-beat, ska or anything. 'Konnakol' vocal percussion brings creative music-making within everyone's reach. For advanced students, the sky is the limit - konnakol is unrivalled for rhythmic sophistication. John 'Mahavishnu' McLaughlin said in an interview: 'If you can understand konnakol you can understand any rhythm from any country on the planet'".