Music is not merely a harmonious blend of various sounds. It is a form of communication that conveys more meaning than words alone can provide. Music evokes thoughts and emotions in us in a fashion that defies definition. It has the ability to inspire us to reach out, to feel, to live, to connect us to one another, to remind us that we are not unique or alone in what we think and feel.

A musician that opens himself to the music that he creates, that allows it to flow through him without limiting it, is able to communicate with the listener on the deepest levels of our ability to understand, to convey concepts that resonate within our soul.

Joseph Strider is such a musician. When one listens to him perform, one is transported from the hurried world in which we spend much of our time to a place where time is suspended and we have the leisure to be still and remember the finer, nobler things in life, kindness, caring, the joy of open and honest connection with one another. Joseph's music is a pleasure to hear on a surface level, as one performs the day to day tasks that comprise our lives or as a means to relax at the end of the day once those tasks are completed. But the true value of Mr. Strider's music lies in the way that his songs touch us on that deeper level, the way that they stay with us and speak to us of our common humanity and the rewards to be found in being honest and kind to ourselves and to one another.

Joseph Strider was born in Texas where he began his lifelong journey as a singer/song writer/guitarist. His influences are wide-ranging, from his Lipan Apache heritage and hard rock roots to the music of such guitar masters as Bruce Cockburn, Michael Hedges and Andre Segovia. Joseph spent six years touring Texas as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist in a rock/metal band. His growing knowledge, experience and love of music led him to the acoustic guitar, the instrument that would travel with him on the next leg of his journey. His 40 plus years as a musician has resulted in music that can be described as modern indigenous alternative, a harmonious blend of myriad genres, a sound that is uniquely Joseph Strider.

Joseph's dream is to become a guitarist's guitarist, to achieve absolute mastery of his art, allowing him to utilize the full potential of the physical instrument which resonates most closely with his own soul. His efforts to attain his dream transcend simple music, transporting the listener into the realm of aural art.

After an unfortunate absence Joseph re-emerged on the music scene in Cranford, New Jersey, at the annual Peace Fair in August of 2008. From that moment to the present he has never failed to delight audiences with his multi-faceted compositions and dynamic stage presence.

Joseph's heritage is as much a part of who he is as his music. He is a staunch supporter of Indigenous issues, volunteering his time and musical talents to assist in the effort to educate society on the atrocities committed against the People of the First Nations throughout history and today. By increasing awareness of the plight of his ancestors and their descendents, it is Joseph's hope that all people will realize that we are connected, that our actions have a cumulative effect and that we will live a more enriching, satisfying life by acting from love.

Joseph's debut cd, "Meanings Within Meanings, Within Meanings" was released in December 2009. "Little Bird" will be released summer 2010.

Joseph is currently at work on a concept album titled "The Journey" and an as yet untitled instrumental album.

And the journey continues.............................