Musician goes solo but keeps his day job

The band is looking to reach a wider audience with larger shows.
By JOHN BENSON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
Greg Joseph, the Clarks' bassist-songwriter, is a collector.
For years, he's kept close tabs on various songs that he's crafted and brought to the Clarks recording sessions that for whatever reason didn't make the cut. Finally, the time was right for Joseph to take his collection and create his long-awaited solo debut "American Diary," which hit stores earlier this week.
While Joseph admits a few of the songs are in the Clarks' vein, the majority of tunes showcase a different side of the songwriter.
"A song like 'The List' or 'Danceland' would probably be not Clarks-like," said Joseph, calling from his home in Pittsburgh. "They're more folk-oriented, a little bit more mellow and just a little bit more on the Americana side of things. I think that's just a personal side from sitting down with a guitar and writing a song acoustically. It's kind of a natural thing."
More than anything, Joseph hopes fans of the Clarks give "American Diary" the time of day but also that they remember he remains committed to his day job. In fact, recently the members of the Clarks have refocused their attention, reducing the number of live dates and concentrating on performing in larger markets. A new DVD, "Still Live," is due out next month.
Why the change?
"We've reached a point where I think we're established in certain areas and can grow in certain areas," Joseph said. "And then there are the places where we're just not going to do. Say Des Moines, Iowa, on a Monday night for instance. It just doesn't make economic sense to try to pick up fans one or two at a time at this point."
Instead, Joseph said the members of the Clarks have reduced their touring schedule to roughly 80 annual shows, down from 150 a few years back, and will focus on newer markets such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver and Austin, Texas.
The bassist said the itinerary reduction also played a role in him moving forward with the solo career because he enjoys playing out, which he plans to do as much as possible when the Clarks are off the road.
As for that solo set, which takes place tonight at Pittsburgh's Club Cafe and May 23 at Cleveland Heights' Grog Shop, fans can expect new material, Clarks tunes ("Shimmy Low" and "Last Call") and a fun cover or two. Joseph said he's playing a version of Van Halen's "Jump" made popular by Aztec Camera's Roddy Frame, as well as Slaid Cleaves' "Broke Down." A Youngstown date in perhaps a coffeehouse venue could be booked soon.
"I'm really looking forward to Pittsburgh and Cleveland primarily because that's where the bigger draws will be," Joseph said. "And this is sort of satisfying my own curiosity and satisfying maybe a new niche for me in getting into songwriting. I'm really starting to get comfortable and really enjoy just playing in front of people by myself."