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REVIEWS
Word on the Street
John McDonald has a wealth of experience and knowledge of the blues, it's history, the styles, players and most of all the passion he exudes on this recording is very evident. Coupled with that he has surrounded himself with top class musicians, Mark Maxwell in particular has had an immense influence on the playing and recording of this release. More than a tribute album, 'Touched By The Blues', is a love letter to the music and artists that John holds dear to his heart. Highly recommended listening.
Stevie Connor ( The Sound Cafe Magazine, Toronto, Canada, https://www.thesoundcafe.com )
If you want to hear the best songs of the Americana/Songwriter/Alt Texas/Folk/Country poetic tradition, if you want the songs selected and performed by a master interpreter with the soul, voice and intelligence to evoke their plain meaning and emotion, if you want this all tied together with a philosopher’s clarity about natural American syntax, phrase by phrase, go find John McDonald.
Eric Dahl ( Award-winning singer songwriter from the Pacific Northwest, http://www.ericdahlmusic.com )
It’s been a tough couple of years for lovers of alternative country and Americana music. First we lost Guy Clark, then John Prine followed soon after by Jerry Jeff Walker and Billy Joe Shafer. “The day I heard that John Prine had died, it was like losing a family member”, said Athens, Georgia, blues-Americana artist John McDonald, “then we got hit with the deaths of Jerry Jeff, Billy Jo and Leonard Cohen. It was then I decided I wanted to do a tribute album dedicate to all of these great American singer/songwriters who positively impacted my life and the lives of countless others”. And did he ever!! His outstanding new album “One Red Rose” is a collaborative effort with contributions from some of Athen’s (home of REM, B-52’s…) greatest musicians. John’s unique vocal talents take center stage in his interpretation of modern classics by the above and others (including Hank Williams, Townes Van Zandt, Paul Siebel, and Billy Jo Armstrong). John has been recording blues and Americana music for many years.
This, John’s 4th album, was released on May 1 and is available for purchase and streaming at all of the usual sites.
WBOC (CBS) Delmarva's News Leader
Monday, May 3rd 2021
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