January 2016 Artist Profile: Joe Bourne
Visual Artist and Vocalist of Jazz, Blues and Pop

Joe Bourne

All the world is certainly a stage for international vocalist Joe Bourne, who entertained his way around the globe for two-and-a-half decades before settling down in Oro Valley fifteen years ago.

Bourne’s velvety baritone vocalism and spicy showmanship woo his audiences as he offers up selections of jazz, blues, R&B, pop and swing that one is not likely to forget. This consummate entertainer creates an intimate connection with his audience, throwing an emotional delivery into each rendition. Whether it’s a heartwarming duet, a Great American Songbook medley or a tribute show celebrating the great Nat King Cole or the golden age of Motown, each performance rises above the last. 

Perhaps the most memorable for many of Bourne’s fans are his sensually delivered love songs: “You Send Me,” “When I Fall in Love,” “Autumn Leaves.” When it comes to romance, Bourne’s selections span all eras of 20th century music.

As a soloist, in a combo or alongside a full orchestra, his versatility makes him the perfect choice for a variety of entertainment options. During his 25 years in Europe, Bourne shared the stage with dozens of American acts including the Stylistics, Natalie Cole, the Pointer Sisters and Ray Charles. In the U.S. he partners with pops orchestras in a unique presentation he dubs “Great Gentlemen of Jazz, Blues and Pop,” treating music lovers to favorites by chart-topping icons such as Lou Rawls, Neil Diamond and Frank Sinatra.

These days, most of Bourne’s performances are closer to home, giving Tucson music lovers the opportunity to see him regularly on one stage or another. And this month they can be among the first to experience Bourne’s newest CD, his first in 12 years. “Upbeat and Sweet” is a collection of classic rock and singer-songwriter tunes from the 60s, 70s and 80s, all reworked into very hip jazz arrangements for all ears.

The 14-song CD was produced, arranged and recorded by bassist Mike Levy at his 11:11 Studios and includes some of Tucson’s finest musicians. World-renowned Grammy-winning American jazz drummer Lewis Nash makes a special guest appearance on all tracks. “Wonderful Tonight,” “Heartache Tonight” and “Baby, I Love Your Way” are a few selections listeners will enjoy from Bourne’s latest project.

Listen to snippets of “Upbeat and Sweet” here
http://www.joebourne.com/mp3/upbeatandsweetsnippet.mp3  

Visual Artist

While performing on the German cruise ship MS Europa as it sailed between Manaus, Brazil and Cape Town, South Africa, Joe was bit by the painting bug after attending a class in watercolors. Since then, he has attended several artists' workshops and created many paintings in watercolors, acrylics and encaustics - a painting style that uses hot beeswax and resin.

The paintings are mostly influenced by his concert travels around the world, and he derives new inspiration from the forms and rhythms of our big Southwestern skies, mountains and deserts. His art is often embellished with unique finds, such as copper splashes, metal tubing, gemstones and various papers.

To seek a broader audience for his art, Joe has transformed his work into more than a dozen merchandise items, such as tiles, pillows, cutting boards, mugs, scarves, magnets and art awards. Joe’s art merchandise may be found at some of the gift shops at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, The Hacienda del Sol Resort gift shop, the Tucson Museum of Art gift shop or on his website (see below).

Community Service

In addition, Joe is a founding member of the Oro Valley Optimist Club, which has been serving the youth of this community since November 20, 2002. Currently, there are 20 members who support 12 different youth groups throughout our community. http://orovalleyoptimistclub.org/Home.html

Upcoming Performances include:
Jan 18
Joe Bourne and his trio during the Tucson Jazz Festival
MLK Day Free Downtown Jazz Fiesta
Fifth Avenue between Toole and Broadway, 12:30 -1:00 p.m.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfW-r5p61PE 

Jan 22
“Remembering Mr. Cole,” a tribute to Nat King Cole
Tubac Center of the Arts
9 Plaza Road
Tubac. AZ 85646
(520) 398-2371
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR467Zqpe-o 

Feb 4
“Great Gentlemen of Jazz, Blues and Pop” with the 18-piece Big Band Express
Community Performing Arts Center
1250 W. Continental Road
Green Valley, AZ
(520).399-1750 ~ Office

Visit www.joebourne.com for a full schedule and www.youtube.com/joebourne3 for videos

During first quarter 2016, Bourne’s artwork will be on exhibit at the following locations:

Premiere Piano Gallery
2990 N Swan Road- Suite 147
Tucson, Arizona 85712

The SAAG Gallery (Southern Arizona Artist Guild)
Casas Adobes Plaza - 7119 N. Oracle Road
Tucson, AZ 8570 

The Flying Leap Wine tasting room and Art Gallery
4330 N Campbell Ave
Tucson, AZ (520 299-8463

And

The Flying Leap Wine tasting room and Art Gallery
10 Camino Otero
Tubac, AZ
The galleries are operated by the Trust Art Design

Also see:
http://joebourneartgallery.weebly.com 

Contact Joe Bourne
520-877-8446
joebourne@comcast.net 

About the Author:
Christy Krueger is a Tucson-based freelance writer who specializes in personality and business profiles. Her work has appeared in numerous local and regional publications. She grew up in Ann Arbor, Mich., and attended University of Arizona where she played on the tennis team. Her personal interests include fitness, tennis, hiking and supporting UA athletics. write2ck@aol.com