Page 40 - ION Indie Magazine MayJune 2020 Issue

You wouldn’t expect a reggae artist to hail from the North East
United States, but that is certainly part of the pleasant surprise
New Englanders get when they show up to see Joe Sambo play
a gig. A native to Salem, New Hampshire, who grew up in a
musical family, Joe brought an island vibe to New Hampshire
with each song that he played. Even though the high
temperature for the day was 30 degrees on the date of “Halfway
to Bernie’s Beach Party” at Wally’s in Hampton Beach, New
Hampshire, Mr. Sambo’s set brought the heat, serving up a
slice of tropical sounds.

Joe was not always creating reggae music, however. From the
ages of 16 to about 22, he was in a metal band called Spies
Like Us, with which Joe had his first experiences touring. It was
also during that time that he discovered he loved reggae music.
He began mixing the rhythm and the soul of his youth with hints
of punk and rock and roll. Through his background in the metal
scene, the band Sublime became a major inspiration for him.

After Spies Like Us, Joe’s next band, named Joe Sambo and
The Goonz, was comprised of his brother Tony, his cousin
Chris, and their friend Greg. They performed together for a
couple of years, playing some pivotal shows that helped Joe get
where he is today. Gradually, his bandmates got married and
started their families, leaving Joe as a solo act.

Joe Sambo’s first full-length record entitled “The Wrong
Impression” was released April 20, 2019. The mix of reggae,
rock, and hints of punk have you wishing you were on a beach
somewhere sipping a pina colada -- even in the dead of winter.
Joe released a new single, titled “How We Do,” shortly before
ION Indie Magazine caught his live performance at Wally’s Pub.
“How We Do” is a tease for another full-length album in the
making.

Learn more about Joe Sambo at the following links:
Website: https://www.joesambo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joesambomusic