Anyone “in the know” in the music scene has been tipped off to the music of Joseph Arthur. Never heard of him? Bullocks! His tunes have graced the soundtrack of Shrek and love scenes on TV’s Grey’s Anatomy. But lest you think him uncool, better think again. He’s a musician’s musician, discovered over a decade ago by Peter Gabriel. When he tours in Seattle, you’ll spot members of Pearl Jam; in New York, Michael Stipe and Bono.

He’s currently touring the States. He produces so many albums, it’s hard to keep track. But to see him live, is to really hear his genius. The guy works with various guitars and  pedal loops so he can literally “step in” parts of tracks as he wishes. In between lyrics, Arthur often lifts a paintbrush, erecting a mural in the back of the stage. Since the Haiti earthquake, he’s sold his latest stage creations post show, all profits going to the victims of this disaster.

Last Thursday, he invited musician Ben Harper up on stage with him at the Troubadour in LA, bringing the house down. The next night, he hit City Winery, a sold-out show at NYC’s newest intimate music venue from one of the former owners of the famed Knitting Factory of the Nineties.

Some call Arthur a musical savant. I would agree, but decide for yourself. Videos featured here, shot live at City Winery for Hudson Jeans, and his website features some fierce wordplay. Check out NOTES FROM THE ROAD: http://www.josepharthur.com/