Customer Reviews

Gone To Texas

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's about time a blues guitarist came out with something really different. Rarely these days do I hear a new electric blues guitar release that sparks my interest, because so often the "artists" seem mired in imitation.
John McVey's "Gone to Texas" strikes me because there is really nothing to which it can be compared. I could name a few apparent influences, but McVey, as a stylist, has ventured beyond his influences to where the magic of true creation occurs.
This is a phenomenal GUITAR album. Be forewarned: it is not a vocalist's album. Although there are lyrics to every song, somehow the vocals seem secondary, simply sketching the painting. Colors and details are boldly laid out by McVey's guitar, with occasional flourishes from Joel Guzman on accordion, Riley Osbourn on keys and Kim Wilson on harp...all on a canvas of fantastic players from the Texas blues scene. The end results are vivid musical stories, fiery, fun and honest. "Gone to Texas" swept me along and then left me with a sense of satisfaction the likes of which I have not experienced from a new blues album in a very long time.

Listening to John McVey's CD "Gone to Texas" doesn't quite match the energy and artistry that watching him live conveys, but if you can't make it to Joe's Generic Bar on 6th Street in Austin, buy this CD! John's guitar playing is phenomenal and his soulfull, steeped-in-Texas voice is true to the blues genre. So, grab yourself a Shiner bock, crank up the volume on "Gone to Texas", turn down the lights, and be prepared to get blue.

John McVey is a genuine Texas guitar genius and this is the best he's ever sounded! All the songs, nine of which McVey wrote, are great but my favorite is probably "I Don't Stutter" because it also features Fabulous Thunderbirds harmonica hero Kim Wilson as a guest. But every one is a prime piece of modern Texas blues and McVey's guitar work and singing are so strong he really doesn't need much outside help. The Austin all-stars backing him on the recording do a great job but his live act, showcasing bassist/vocalist Erin James, is even hotter. Catch him in a club or concert if you ever have the opportunity and you'll be blown away. In the meantime, "Gone to Texas" will more than satisfy your desire for real blues played with power and passion. It's just great stuff from first note to last!

This is what Texas blues is supposed to sound like! John McVey is a great guitarist but he's also got a feel for the real blues that you just don't hear on very many contemporary recordings. He's been one of the best live players on the Austin scene for years and his new group The Stumble is easily the equal of any live blues act around. It's wonderful his local live fans now have a CD to play that is representative of the energy and excitement he creates in person. But it's even better that the people who haven't had the good fortune to see him play live can hear him strut his stuff so successfully on CD. It's just a great Texas blues album with lots of great Austin musicians backing one of the best blues (and more) guitarists playing.

My comment: If that (title track) didn't make the hair stand up on the back of your neck, you need to lie down and have your pulse checked!

His other CD's showcase his voice - this is MUSIC. If this is what it means, hope John "Stays in Texas!!" This is GREAT stuff...

Larry, Blues House Party on KABF in Little Rock

A good, but not great blues album. John has a great tonal quality to his guitar and plays a Texas boogie style blues. Guitar playing is great, songs are fun and the backing band is great. So why the three stars? Vocals are a little weak and repetative. John has the same vocal delivery to every song and upon repeated listings the songs start to blur together. Saw him live on 6th St. in Austin and really enjoyed the show. Would recommend for folks that like guitars and\or texas style blues.