Joe Firstman is the man, plain and simple. I saw him live on the Virgin College Mega Tour opening for Michelle Branch in April. I'll be honest, I went for Michelle, but Joe Firstman was easily the BEST OPENING ACT I've ever seen.
I've been to quite a few concerts in my day, so that's a pretty big statement.
He is just so... I don't know. I was blown away from the top to the bottom of his set...so blown away I ran all the way up to the concourse so I could meet the band (JF is the lead singer) and buy the CD. Well, technically I had no means of getting $$ from my ATM card, so I got the CD for free...and then bought a 2nd copy later, in good faith.
He's great. His music is very eclectic..it has a broad scope, I guess. It's got a country/pop/rock/jazz & blues influenced feel. It's a great experience.
The reason you never heard of him is probably because Atlantic has done a shitty job with marketing/advertising this guy...
So, if I talked you into it, I have the album for download via SLSK. My user name is davewadding.
Recommended tracks:
Can't Stop Loving You
Now You're Gorgeous, Now You're Gone
Car Door (Dancing in the Aisles)