Ask Joe Rubino and he will tell you, “What began as a simple act of obedience, became a five year journey of faith.”
Since 2006, Joe and good friend Chuck Hogan worked diligently to create a Christian music album with 13 songs that they hoped would “stir the soul and inspire the heart to worship.” Now his debut album “This Day” is finally available to the public.
The Musical Journey of Joe Rubino
Joe explains that his musical style stems from a blend of folk, country and rock. Influenced by a great number of artists, from John Denver and Peter, Paul and Mary to Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, he started playing guitar when he was 12. After high school, he took music-related college courses in theory and classical guitar. However, he found that he preferred to do rather than study.
He also preferred to eat. Therefore, instead of pursuing the tough road to rock stardom, he worked in the traditional world of business and used his music as a way of “venting my emotions and contemplating life on all levels.” Though music has been a big part of his life, it wasn’t until he reached his 40s that he felt a calling to make what he describes as a “worship album.”
Called “soul searching and reflective,” it is easy to hear the musical influences in many of Joe’s songs. Some, like the album’s title cut, “This Day,” with its powerful toe-tapping beat, evoke a sense of today’s rock mixed with contemporary country, while gentler songs like “Then Will They Know” offer an easy-going, simpler melody.
Pulling “This Day” Together with Help from Chuck Hogan
Though Joe had a lot of control over the direction of this album – he wrote all the songs (music and lyrics), sings lead and helped produce – he credits its completion to his good friend Chuck Hogan.
“I was very much a part of the decision making process for this album, in terms of what you hear on it today. But, I will tell you that, Chuck Hogan, my producer/editor/ musician/arranger/ vocalist and most importantly, my very good friend, was probably the most crucial part of making the album…in terms of its quality and flavor.”
Naturally, Joe also gives a shout out to a higher power. “However, I must emphasize that without God none of us could do anything of any significance" ( John 15:5 ). In fact, Joe feels strongly that this album was “an act of obedience” to which he responded “yes.”
While a parent could no more pick a favorite child, Joe hesitates when asked about his favorite track on the album. He feels each and everyone was a divine gift. “Because the album is so diverse, today it might be ‘As We Go to War,’ tomorrow it might be ‘There I Lay My Life.’ Over the span of five years, I’ve learned to appreciate each one for the moment it connects with the Spirit.”
That is what Joe hopes his music will do for other listeners as well. "To move them to connect with God, but more importantly to find a relationship with God through Jesus Christ." ( John 14:6 ).
Deborah S. Hildebrand - Deborah S. Hildebrand is a freelance writer & HR consultant with 20+ years in human resources & a Bachelor's degree in Business.
