One could say local artist Joe Sweet has a folksy sound. One could also say he has a great acoustic sound. However, no one explains it quite like Sweet himself.

“I like to describe my sound as a smooth mix of folk, jazz and blues with an original voice and sound. Somewhere between Ben Harper and Paul Simon. The lyrics are comforting and nurture the soul. It#'s also very relaxing and easy to listen to. It makes great driving music,” Sweet said.

Sweet may sound a bit like Harper, but his fans don't have to steal their kisses. With a personality as easy as his last name promises, it#'s easy to see why the muses bless him.

Sweet performs originals at all of his gigs and will release a new CD on Jan. 12 called “The Greatest Gift.” The CD was produced through Gecko production studios with engineer Lyman Christensen.

Sweet learned how to play chords by watching his friends play. When it came time to apply them, he sat in his room all day, studiously learning his favorite songs by ear. He enjoyed stumbling over chords he thought sounded good and writing his own vocal lines over them.

Sweet#'s musical influences range from early rock 'n' roll to jazz and funk. He became interested in live music in the 1980s.

“They made it look so fun to be in a band. Prince has always been one of my favorites. As I got older I started listening to more artists like Paul Simon, the Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers and Phish,” Sweet said.

In addition to his masterful blending of many musical influences into one sound, Sweet is unique as a song writer. He keeps his music positive and likes for listeners to get their own ideas of what his songs are about.

Sweet has been nominated twice for Syracuse Area Music Awards (SAMMYS). The first time was with his former band, Nine Ball, which led him to a 1995 SAMMY nomination for best vocalist. In 2001, Sweet went into the studio to record his first solo album titled “Sounds” with his band, the Soultrane.

While recording their album, Sweet and the band were nominated for a SAMMY for best jam band. Sweet has performed over the years with such musical talents as The Violent Femmes, moe., Galactic, DJ Logic, Soulive and many others.

If you go

What: Joe Sweet

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Creekside Books & Coffee, 35 Fennell St., Skaneateles

Cost: Free

When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday

Where: Burritt's Cafe, 8914 N. Seneca St., Weedsport

Cost: Free

For details: Visit www.myspace.com/joesweet