Joel Kroeker

The title track, according to Joel, encapsulates the album’s primary theme: The quest for spiritual transformation after one’s life has been swept up in an emotional hurricane.

Closer To The Flame is filled with observations of a spiritual world traveler. Topics include dealing with the different anxieties of belonging to a troubled global community (Sacred Heart, Remember The Song, and You Feel It); pressures of distractions keeping people from experiencing inner harmony (Against Myself); and conflicts of the heart (King Of Hearts).

The chorale-styled Hymn Number One reflects Joel’s Mennonite heritage. “Writing that certainly took me back to my roots,” he says. “The echoes of those confessional hymns are still with me. Sometimes the choir would sing with such force and resonance that the church bench would actually vibrate right into my bones.”

Closer To The Flame – in particular Against Myself, King Of Hearts and the title track, all feature the musical and songwriting skills that people associate with great artists.

The Vancouver-based singer/songwriter has shared the stage across Canada with the likes of Sarah Harmer, Hawksley Workman, Colin Linden, Paul Kelly, Randy Bachman and many others.

CD includes the bonus track Déjà Vu, a duet with Dany Bédar which has become a Top 10 single and video in Quebec.

Produced by Danny Greenspoon (Great Big Sea, Spirit Of The West) and features Kevin Breit (Norah Jones) on guitars, Al Cross (Jane Siberry) on drums, Katherine Rose on vocals and Marc Rogers on Bass.

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