Customer Reviews

Never Say Never

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Ian McLagan's term with his Bump Band has now been substantially longer
that his membership in either the legendary Small Faces or the rollicking Rod Stewart fronted Faces. Amazingly, far too few people know his name,and perhaps fewer yet his music.That, my friends, is a crime!
"Never Say Never" clearly showcases how incredibly important Ian's
presence was in both of his previous bands;to lift a term, he was the "secret sauce" of the powerful Small Faces and the pulse of the Faces.
You won't have to skip a single track on this absoulte treasure of
a disc. Ian's world-weary, expressive vocals and the gentle strength of his tunes are at home with and in every style from classic rock, r&r,folky ballads and alt-country.The music is not only revealing, but eminently loveable and enjoyable.It's a recording that would be great in 1978 or 2018..in other words,timeless! On the playing side, the band is absolutely first rate.
I recently had the pleasure of attending a Bump Band performance at a charming Bordentown ,NJ venue-a former bowling alley turned into a record store!They were so good, I'd go see them again in a heartbeat, and Ian's sincerity simply stole the show.
They say every dog has his day; I say every Face eventually gets recognized!

My wife and I happened to se the Bump Band at the Record Collector in Bordentown, New Jersey in February. Ian, Mark Andes and band were in great form. After listening to Rock for fifty years, it is quite refreshing to hear full tilt Rock and Roll again.
The album mirrored the band's performance lick for lick. The years of experience and musicianship are easliy discerned in this latest package.

My wife and I had the pleasure of seeing Ian playing piano in Patty Griffin's band at a June 2007 show at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens where augmented Patty's music superbly. I can see why Ian spearheaded the Faces boxset( another great buy)- wrote the linear notes, headed the tune selection,etc. He has the heart and soul of a poet in a r and b rocker's persona - he hits home when he needs to. Tender, upbeat,rockin' - the new CD is whatever Ian and the Bump Band need it to be to get the point across.And a superb point it is!
Keep the faith,Ian, and keep making the music - we love ya out here!
Mick Polich

I was looking for more spark of what Ian was with The Faces. Only one track (No. 8) really gave me that warm feeling of how great he and the rest of the group of musicians once were.

I am ashamed to admit that I am late to the Amazing World of Mac. I probably would not have heard his music, had I not had he opportunity to interview him. His contributions have likely been masked due to close associations with his famous friends and his humility. The highest compliment that I can offer is when songs keeping bubbling up into my consciousness, I keep hearing these tunes in my head. I can't even recall the last time that this has happened. Mac is often erroneously described as a "sideman" in the music press. These songs are the cumulative output of a master musician and arranger who has continually worked to perfect his craft over a period of some 40-odd years. Fundamentally strong, nothing unnecessary is thrown into the mix. The album is a tribute to Mac's beloved wife who passed away in an automobile accident. It reflects pain, consolation, humor, wonder, joy, simple pleasures, and coming to terms with loss. I will be spinning this one a lot and will be avidly collecting more of Mac's work. I also love the tribute album he did for Ronnie Lane.

Famous Jonny Mambo DJ @ WCOM

At a time when many artists give you a single or two, and a lot of filler, where songs might be downloaded a few at a time instead of an albums worth. I am thankful that I got the CD. It's been in my player on repeat since last weekend. The songs are extremely well written, very catchy. The album was recorded shortly after Ian suffered the deep personal loss of his wife in a tragic auto accident in 2006. One can sense the emotion in his vocal performance on several songs, including the title track "Never Say Never" and "Where Angels Hide", which is dedicated to his late Wife's daughter Mandy. Other stand outs are "Little Black Number" with a lovely little horn section in there that makes your ears go oooh yeah, like that, and "I Will Follow", where the Bump Band rock out in a very true to live sound. There are also a couple of real treasures on here too, "Killing Me With Love" and the guitar driven "An Innocent Man". I've got a feeling I will be listening to this CD a lot. If you crave listening to a really good album all the way through, consider adding this fine example to your collection.

This review will be perceived as being somewhat odd, for sure. Why? Because I do not yet have the CD. However, I saw Ian and his band perform the title track (Never Say Never) last night on Late Night with David Letterman and I was floored. A beautifully crafted tune, clever structure and lryics. My take on hearing the tune once is that Ian not only "still has it" but has written a very, very strong tune that I like very much. Can't wait to hear the rest.

Great album, some may not like his voice. Is a little depressing but the album is a tribute to his recently deceased wife of 30 years.

I heard this on Sunday Morning. I rally liked the sound so I decided to buy. I am not so wild abolut the album but I think it will begin to grow on me.

I knew Ian when he was with Rod Stewart and the Faces. I worked on their album designes. Great to see he is still at it. Jim Ladwig