Blue Canoe Records proudly announces the release of Best of EMP Project, a newly remastered compilation album from the Southern-based jazz trio EMP Project, available worldwide on May 1, 2026.

Bringing together a powerful blend of modern jazz, fusion, groove, and improvisational interplay, Best of EMP Project revisits standout recordings originally captured between 2002 and 2005. These selections, drawn from the group’s debut EMP Project and sophomore release Wherever We Go, have been carefully remastered to introduce the trio’s music to a new generation of listeners.

At the core of EMP Project is a deeply rooted musical connection between three longtime collaborators:

• William Ellis (drums) — a Nashville-based, in-demand drummer known for his versatility across genres, with touring and recording credits including Montgomery Gentry, Travis Tritt, Martina McBride, and Hunter Hayes.

 

• Joseph Patrick Moore (double, electric & fretless bass) — a recording artist, composer, and producer with a career spanning over three decades, currently serving as bassist and back-up-band leader for Cirque du Soleil’s Mystère in Las Vegas.

 

• Shawn Perkinson (acoustic & electric guitar) — a respected educator and performer, serving as Commercial/Jazz Guitar instructor at Lee University, with a career that bridges jazz, rock, and contemporary styles.

The trio’s origins trace back to their time studying at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (1989–1994), where they developed a shared musical language under the guidance of renowned educators including Jerry Coker, Donald Brown, Rusty Holloway, Keith Brown, Mark Boling and others. After years pursuing individual careers across the country, the musicians reunited—capturing lightning in a bottle during a series of live studio recordings in Atlanta, Georgia.

Recorded on August 6–7, 2002, with no rehearsals, the sessions document the trio’s raw chemistry, spontaneity, and collective musical intuition. Each member contributed original compositions, resulting in a truly collaborative artistic statement.

Track highlights include:
Warrior, Wherever We Go, Elise, Just Visiting, Ba Dump, Birdy, Quickly and Quietly, Night, and Synergy.

The original recordings were produced by EMP Project alongside Vic Stafford and Anita Walls, who also handled mixing and mastering. For this release, the material has been newly remastered by Joseph Patrick Moore at Abstract Truth Recording Studio (Henderson, NV), offering enhanced clarity while preserving the organic energy of the original performances.


Artist Quote
“This music captures a moment before life pulled us in different directions—three musicians reconnecting with no expectations, just trust and instinct. Remastering these recordings gave me the chance to hear that honesty again, and I’m excited to share it with listeners who may be discovering EMP Project for the first time.” — Joseph Patrick Moore

About the Release
Best of EMP Project serves as both a retrospective and a reintroduction—highlighting a trio whose musical roots run deep, and whose sound remains timeless, exploratory, and deeply connected.

Availability
Best of EMP Project is available on all major streaming platforms beginning May 1, 2026.
🔗 More info: Blue Canoe Records
🔗 Streaming: https://orcd.co/60y0e5b

Surround yourself in the whimsical world of Mystère by Cirque du Soleil in Shared Reality.

Guided by the thunderous rhythms of Taïko drums and an original score, experience the unseen power, precision, and humanity of Mystère, as the original must-see Cirque du Soleil production is reimagined inside The Dome at Cosm on an 87-foot wraparound LED display.

A mesmerizing blend of captivating athleticism, world-class acrobatics, and powerful storytelling, Mystère invites you to explore the humor, beauty, and mystery of life itself. Join a mythical cast of characters as their imaginative stories come alive on stage and through the air in a series of unforgettable acts and aerial stunts. Here, physical artistry takes center stage, unfolding around you as the performers lift you into their world.
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Step inside the show like never before in Shared Reality, moving from the awe-inspiring to the intimate. Witness the discipline, strength, and fragility of the performers behind the curtain. This is more than a Mystère performance — it’s an inside look at the unseen artistry, dedication, and pure expression behind the timeless spectacle.

JPM worked with Mountain Sam Wheelock on the release of this single.
​"Oh Death" is inspired by folk song lyrics and experiments with AI.

Joseph collaborates with Singer-Songwriter Taylor Stevens on two singles:
* "Ruin Me"
* "If Only You Would Let Me"

Singer-Songwriter Mountain Sam Wheelock and Bassist/Producer Joseph Patrick Moore talk about their Co-Write titled, "Forgive Me Mother”. Upon their discussion, they venture into many creative and life topics.