He says he can’t remember the incident exactly, but the story goes that William Joseph first revealed his musical talents while watching an episode of Fraggle Rock as a toddler.
“Apparently I ran into my room and brought out my toy piano, sat down in front of the TV and started playing along with the theme song with two hands. And my parents said, ‘I guess we need to get him into music lessons,’ ” he says.
It’s apparent those lessons were put to good use. Now, more than 20 years later, the piano virtuoso from Phoenix, Ariz., is living the kind of life few classically trained musicians get to experience.
He’s played private concerts for famous actors and politicians and has traveled several continents doing stadium tours with internationally acclaimed artists, like Josh Groban and most recently Il Divo.
And most of all he’s captured the attention of fans of just about every age and description.
“I think my music is capable of appealing to everyone, but it’s hard to describe. It’s kind of like soundtrack meets classical pop rock.”
And certainly most artists don’t have the likes of Jimmy Page, Bach and David Foster all listed as composers on their albums, but his unique approach to the classical genre is precisely what makes William Joseph so interesting.
His debut album is a mix of original compositions, surging orchestral anthems and reinterpretations of classic rock tunes like Led Zeppelin’s Kashmir. Surprisingly, there’s even a cover of Butterflies And Hurricanes, a modern tune from British rockers Muse.
But maybe that’s not so surprising from someone who expresses a love for Metallica and a desire to work with Imogen Heap.
He says he finds inspiration from almost any kind of music.
“Really what it comes down to is having a great melody, and if you have that, I think you can sculpt any genre of song around it.”
William Joseph opens for Il Divo tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Scotiabank Place. Tickets are $49.50 to $125.00 from www.capitaltickets.ca.
