Josh can write for any ensemble, whether that be to a specific brief or with free rein to create. He also welcomes opportunities to write to picture, whether that be movies, television or adverts.
Alongside the original compositions shown below, since 2020 Josh has worked for PHMG, Europe’s largest audio branding company. Here, Josh would be sent a brief based on the client’s company, branding and any themes that came out of workshops. He would then create a 4 minute produced track, as well as a ‘sonic logo’ (think of the noise you hear when opening Netflix!) in a matter of days.
Though he loves the freedom to compose whatever comes to mind, Josh is also extremely comfortable working within a framework or brief provided by a client.
Under Duress, 2020
Josh wrote Under Duress in 2020 for his then newly formed sextet. The composition takes influence from his musical background as a whole, including distinctive elements of jazz, in particular from trumpeter Christian Scott, as well as rhythmical elements from his youth listening to a variety of metal bands.
Though there is nothing immediately expected for release, Josh is continuing to write for this lineup throughout 2024.
Saxophone - Josh Poole <> Trumpet - Aaron Wood <> Guitar - James Girling <> Keyboards - Liviu Gheorghe <> Bass - Andy Patterson <> Drums - Joe Luckin
Mixed by Adam Stokel <> Mastered by Steve Poppleton <> Artwork by Ben Jac
GRAY-V
During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Josh developed his understanding and abilities as a producer. In creating hundreds of beats and song ideas, and enlisting the Manchester music scene through remote recording, he started to develop an EP, influenced largely by hip-hop and lofi beats.
This led to the release of Vol.1, a 5 track, through-composed, produced EP that manipulates a variety of samples in a lofi style.
Following on from this, Josh has collaborated with a variety of artists, including Jude The Obscure, as can be heard in the release of Keep Calm in 2021 which was featured on BBC radio Manchester.
Marouli
Marouli released their first album, Tall Tales from a Distant Uncle, in 2022. The album was recorded at the iconic Angelic Studios and was produced by Rob Mullarkey. To songs written by frontman Graham McCusker, Josh composed and recorded all of the horn section elements for the album, overlaying baritone, tenor and alto saxophones, plus several improvised solos. These have then been adapted for a live setting for a lineup of 2 saxes and trumpet. In 2023 the band got back into the studio and are expecting to release new material in 2024.
PICCADILLY RECORDS: "It's a triumph - unshakingly sincere, with skilled and sophisticated song writing and arrangements that feel warm, friendly and inviting. One of those albums that feels like a long lost friend returning time and time again."
Josh was a founding member of Twisted Tubes, a brass band formed in 2014 that still regularly performs around the UK and abroad. As well as creating new arrangements of pop songs, Josh has written a wide array of compositions for the group, the first being Werk which you can listen to here.
In 2017 the band released The Grass Is Greener EP, on which Josh wrote 2 tracks (U.E Highway and The Grass Is Greener), as well as arranging the song 204 which was a previously unheard track, written by Dave McCabe - best know as the frontman and songwriter for The Zutons.