Joe Puerta is the bassist/vocalist and founder of Ambrosia. He was a touring member of the bands for Chi Coltrane, Laura Branigan, and Sheena Easton.
Band member: 1984 – 1991
Albums:
- The Way It Is (album) – bass, vocals
- Scenes from the Southside – bass, vocals
- Night on the Town (album) – bass, vocals
- Greatest Radio Hits – bass, vocals
Instruments:
Joe Puerta early life
Joe Puerta was born in California, where he developed an interest in bass guitar during his teenage years and soon began playing in local bands. His love for music was deeply influenced by the rock, jazz, and soul sounds of the 1960s and 1970s, and his early exposure to these genres shaped his distinctive style as both a bassist and a vocalist.
Founding of Ambrosia
In the early 1970s, Joe Puerta co-founded the band Ambrosia, which became known for its blend of progressive rock and pop elements. Puerta, alongside David Pack, Christopher North, and Burleigh Drummond, formed the core of the group. Ambrosia’s early music was heavily influenced by progressive rock bands like Yes and King Crimson, and they quickly garnered attention for heir work.
Ambrosia’s success
Ambrosia released their self-titled debut album in 1975, which was well received by critics and fans alike. Puerta’s bass playing and vocal harmonies became a key element of the band’s sound. Their second album, “Somewhere I’ve Never Travelled”, followed in 1976, solidifying their reputation as a band capable of creating both epic progressive tracks and radio-friendly hits.
As Ambrosia shifted toward a more pop-oriented sound in the late 1970s, they found commercial success with songs like “How Much I Feel” and “Biggest Part of Me.” Puerta’s versatility as a musician allowed him to navigate these changes seamlessly, contributing both vocally and instrumentally to their growing catalogue of hits.
Work with Bruce Hornsby & the Range
After both toured with Sheena Easton in the early 1980s, Joe Puerta joined Bruce Hornsby & the Range as the bassist and backing vocalist. This period marked a significant chapter in Puerta’s career, as the band’s unique fusion of rock, folk, and jazz resonated with a broad audience. Their debut album, The Way It Is, released in 1986, became a huge success, with the title track reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Puerta’s contributions to Bruce Hornsby & the Range were not limited to his bass playing. His vocal harmonies and arrangements were part of the band’s sound, and he played a key role in shaping the success of hits like “Mandolin Rain” and “The Valley Road.” The band’s blend of storytelling and live performances earned them widespread acclaim, and Puerta’s musicianship helped solidify their early success.
Later career and continued work with Ambrosia
After his work with Bruce Hornsby & the Range, Joe Puerta continued to be involved with Ambrosia as the band reunited in the 1990s. Although Ambrosia’s commercial success had peaked in the late 1970s, the band maintained a loyal fanbase, and Joe’s commitment to the group remained strong. He continued to tour and record with Ambrosia, helping to preserve their legacy as a band that skillfully balanced progressive rock and pop.
Musical style and influence
Joe Puerta’s musical style is characterised by his fluid and melodic bass lines, as well as his strong sense of harmony. His ability to blend different genres—progressive rock, pop, jazz, and folk—has made him a versatile and respected musician. As both a bassist and a vocalist, Joe has been praised for his technical skill and his ability to elevate the sound of the bands he’s worked with.
Legacy and impact
Joe Puerta’s contributions to the world of music are significant, both as a founding member of Ambrosia and as a key player in Bruce Hornsby & the Range. His work spans decades and genres, reflecting his adaptability and creativity as a musician. Whether through his intricate bass lines, harmonies, or vocal contributions, Puerta has left a lasting mark on the music industry.
He continues to perform and record, ensuring that his music remains relevant to both longtime fans and new listeners. Through his work with Ambrosia, Bruce Hornsby, and other artists, Joe Puerta’s legacy as a skilled and influential musician is firmly established.