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"It’s one of the best albums we’ve heard in recent memory..." ALBUM REVIEW Rust Magazine
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Scott McCord and the Bonafide Truth have been picking up top awards at festivals such as the Memphis...Scott McCord and the Bonafide Truth have been picking up top awards at festivals such as the Memphis Blues Challenge and the Toronto Blues Society for several years now, and the reason for this is simple… they’re flippin’ awesome! This self-titled full length album is actually their third release since 2009 and it’s a non-stop collection of rock-soul-ska tracks accentuated with a crazy cool horn section.
This is an unstoppable machine with a smooth grooving flow that comes at you from every direction. Like an out of control runaway train that barely holds on to the tracks, you’re in for a wild ride with these guys around. They’re maybe the best get-up-and-party band we’ve heard in a while here at RUST and that’s because they build a rock solid base, then use it to reach for the stars.
Scott McCord himself brings a signature, classic vocal presence that’s perfectly matched to Simon Craig’s guitar, Charlie James’ bass and Bryan Humphreys drumming. That alone would compromise a formidable team of rock stars, but when you add an outrageously hot horn section that includes baritone saxophonist Todd Porter, trumpeter/flugelhorn player Steve Dyte and trombonist Christian Overton, the combined result is a legendary line-up of eight hit men.
Old school cool meets new school heat on every track of Scott McCord and the Bonafide Truth. The eight members all work together beautifully and bring their own personality to every note. It’s one of the best albums we’ve heard in recent memory and it’s a timeless collection of winners that transcend genres and eras.
We’re calling it: Scott McCord and the Bonafide Truth are the Hard Eight. Very Highly Recommended.
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"Keep your eyes on this band, believe me, they are really going places…" ALBUM REVIEW Blues Underground Network
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Over the past few years there have been a lot of exciting Canadian Artists and Bands show up on the ...Over the past few years there have been a lot of exciting Canadian Artists and Bands show up on the horizon. One of those exciting bands that is really getting a lot of attention is Scott McCord & The Bonafide Truth, a Toronto based group that has found their own special and infectious formula for blending Rock, Soul, Blues, Jazz, and Funk, and offering it up in a totally fresh and invigorating manner, that is really catching the ears of critics and fans alike.
Since 2008, Scott McCord & The Bonafide Truth, with taking the top prize at the Toronto Blues Society’s New Talent Search, which by the way was their first gig, haven’t slowed down one iota. That year also saw the release of their critically acclaimed Debut album, “Blues For Sunshine”, for which one reviewer said, “Swing Cool, Passionate, and sitting atop a time bomb of R&B Thunder .” 2010 saw the band take a trip to the International Memphis Blues Challenge and were very well received. That same year also saw them being nominated Best New Artist of the Year at that years annual Maple Blues Awards.
Scott McCord & The Bonafide Truth newest self titled release, is their sophomore effort, and is described as, “A sonic road trip down Route 66, paying homage to legends and influences in a completely modern and powerful way ”.
Scott McCord & The Bonafide Truth “Self Titled” consists of 12 very interesting and dynamically unique Tracks, with a fair number of the band members taking credit for 11 of the Tracks. The 1 cover on this album was Lennon/McCartney’s “Baby Your A Rich Man”, a song I have not heard in a while, but one that turned out to be a big treat, as Scott and the band brilliantly adapted their magic to this number, infusing it nicely with a great R&B Horns infused sound.
Scott McCord & The Bonafide Truth have a tremendous amount of sound going for them, as they are a fairly big band with 8 members of which Scott McCord takes the reins as Lead Vocalist, Acoustic/Rhythm Guitarist, Harmonica player, and on 1 Track, Keyboardist. Other members of the band included Ben Rollo (Drums/Percussion/Vocals), Charles James (Bass/Vocals), Simon Craig (Electric Guitar/Vocals), David Atkinson (Rhodes Electric Piano/Wurlitzer/Hammond B3 Organ/Vocals), Todd “Storm Shadow” Porter (Baritone Sax/Vocals), Steve Dyte (Trumpet/Flugelhorn/Vocals), Christian Overton (Trombone/Vocals). One thing that struck me unique with the above lineup, was the fact that they all did Vocals, something quite rare and unique for such a substantially sized band.
Scott McCord & The Bonafide Truth “Self Titled” starts off with one of what I would like to call 3 teasers on this album, the first one being called “Deploy The Bird” a 54 second intro, followed by Track 5 “Interlude” (51 seconds) and Track 9 “Interlude 2? (19 seconds), which was either a quick speeded up or reversed version of “Interlude 2?. Both the first and second teaser, in my opinion could of continued on into a much longer song, but never the less, an interesting bit of creativity, to say the least.
For a couple of favorites off this album I chose Track 7 “Turn Around” and the closing Track “Ocean”.
“Turn Around” is a great Acoustic/Blues Rock number, showing off not only Scott McCord’s great Guitar work, but also his very impressive set of Vocals. The first half of the song is basically a laid back Acoustical affair, with the second half picking it up and grinding it out as a full blown Blues Rock Extravaganza.
“Ocean”, essentially offers up more of the same, yet does not quit get to the full blown stage as did “Turn Around”, never the less, I really enjoyed it a lot, especially when the Horn section got into the action.
If you are a hard core Blues aficionado, Scott McCord & The Bonafide Truth “Self Titled”, might not be for you, but if you are a fan of really great music done in a variety of mighty fine styles, this album is a must listen to.
For a sophomore release, Scott McCord & The Bonafide Truth, have turned out a really fine follow-up to their debut album, perhaps even surpassing it.
Keep your eyes on this band, believe me, they are really going places…
Review by John Vermilyea
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"...when they do play, you’d best not risk missing them." LIVE SHOW REVIEW Roots Music Canada
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We music fans can be a fickle bunch. All it took to be swept away by the talented Mr. McCord and his...We music fans can be a fickle bunch. All it took to be swept away by the talented Mr. McCord and his seven-piece band was an opportunity to see them perform live. Not only is McCord a human whirlwind of soulful energy but his band is rehearsed within an inch of their lives – and what they do simply has to be skin tight to be done well – which they’re adept at doing.
However, when Scott & Crew released their sophomore album – simply entitled Scott McCord and the Bonafide Truth – I didn’t even flinch. I had forgotten how good a band they are and how incredibly powerful a presence their front man possesses. Wisely, I got myself down to the Lula Lounge for their proper CD release to remind myself why I liked these guys so much. I wasn’t alone.
The best players, as proven time and time again, are those who truly love to play. Once the band kicked in with the opening notes of their theme, “Deploy the Bird”, sparks flew from the stage and there was no ‘warming up period’, given the high-energy serving: funk, R&B, fiery blasts of rock and a horn-driven groove compressed between a rhythm section (Ben Rollo/drums, Charles James/bass) capableof redefining the concept.
McCord seemed somewhat restrained with his entry for “Gotta Be Something” – and then, without warning, went airborne with one of his patented, quirky, always- unexpected Art Carney moves. This keeps you watching him and he never disappoints, unleashing 150% worth of energy and phenomenal lung power – all the more surprising for his seemingly slight build.
“This Heart is on Fire” upped the energy level asthe band’s other two secret weapons, B3 player David Atkinson and guitarist Simon Craig, alternated on both sides of a blistering horn section (Steve Dyte/trumpet, Christian Overton/trombone, Todd Porter/baritone sax).
Despite Craig’s impressive turn on guitar, the somewhat staid cover of the Beatles’ “Baby, You’re A Rich Man” seemed to pause the momentum. This only set up one of the new album’s loveliest ballads, “Where Did You Go?”, which – at its similarly slow pace – provided the band the room to stretch out and reveal how truly tight their chops are, every nuance on display. A show highlight, in fact. Guest Jerome Godboo joined the slow-starting assault on “Turn Around”, his animal-showman instincts synching nicely with McCord’s, sending up blistering harp alongside Craig’s slippery slide.
The slo-mo take on “Much Better” demonstrated that, fast or slow, these horn players are good, transforming the song into a full crowd workout, completely involving them with the band as they willingly sung their hearts out, totally with them. With a propulsive series of solos on B3, Atkinson helped spin “Bad For You” into another signature piece, as McCord’s gut-twisting vocals and soulful delivery poured accelerant all over the stage.
The hard-hitting “Certainty” is pure Scott McCord and band – a powerfulblast that features all their musical strengths and focuses them into a pulverizing force of nature, the dance floor pulsating with people unable to control their desperate need to give something back. The set closed with the very different “Ocean” – a shimmering showcase of slide guitar revealing a thoughtful direction towards opening new doors of opportunity. It was time for everyone to take a shower prior to the band returning for their second set.
New songs like “The Truth Is Out” brought the house – and dance floor – back in short order followed by a high-energy flashback to Van McCoy with “So Soon”. Another new number entitled “Give It Up” proved another of the evening’s crowning achievements – a hard-rocking arrangement with stand-out results and a special nod to Simon Craig’s searing contributions on guitar. Mac Rebennack’s night-tripping “Cold Cold Cold” proved another crowd-pleaser – more feathers in McCord’s cap for his ability to select whimsical gems reflecting his slightly bent sense of humour – always lurking beneath even the most heart-wrenching of soulful croons.
Guest guitarist and original Bonafide band member, ChrisMiller (of Bourbon Tabernacle Choir fame), joined the band for some searing leads as Jerome Godboo returned to the stage, adding even more fuel to the collective fire. Miller stayed in place for the duration, following with the title track from the band’s previous “Blues For Sunshine” – a track which hit a definite nerve for all present. A a lost classic by the too-soon-gone James “Baby Huey” Ramey brought the evening to a most-fulfilling climax as the rejuvenated band revealed plenty of soul-taut muscle over the long haul. A great night was had by all – as if to remind everyone that, because this crack Toronto fighting unit may not be accessible every weekend, when they do play, you’d best not risk missing them.
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"A dozen tracks of jazzy blues, soul flavoured horn powered, addictive brilliance" ALBUM REVIEW LA Beat
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You know the type of CD you just can’t stop listening to? Scott McCord and the Bonafide Truth’s sel...You know the type of CD you just can’t stop listening to? Scott McCord and the Bonafide Truth’s self titled CD is one of these CDs you torment room mates and friends and co-workers, anyone within earshot really, by playing it over and over again.
It is a dozen tracks of jazzy blues, soul flavoured horn powered, addictive brilliance which sounds like it comes right out of the ’70s a la Earth Wind and Fire. They also remind me of a more restrained (Edmonton based R and B, blues band) Boogie Patrol.
There is an unstoppable groove which grabs the listener from the first blasting horn powered note of “Deploy the Bird (Bonafide Theme)” and doesn’t let go through layers of understated organ, keyboards, lots of horns and funk tinged bass.
It would be at home on any radio station which plays ’60s, ’70s and ’80s rock and roll. “My Heart Is on Fire” comes right out of the ’980s as it sound slike Paul Hyde from Paul hyde and the Payolas singing R and B music. The guitar and horns of “Baby You’re a Rich Man” is reminiscent of °’70s band Crowbar’s “Oh What A Feeling.”
There are also tasteful guitar solos like on “Turn Around,” and plenty of addictive melodies.
“Certainty” is certainly a highlight of the CD.
The entire CD flows very well thanks to a couple subtle instrumental interludes which provide perfect segues to the next song.
— By Richard Amery,L.A. Beat Editor
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"...Squeeze blended with Steely Dan backed by the Tower of Power" ALBUM REVIEW B Man's Blues Report
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Opening with Deploy The Bird, Scott McCord and the Bonafide Truth comes out, horns blazing. Gotta Be...Opening with Deploy The Bird, Scott McCord and the Bonafide Truth comes out, horns blazing. Gotta Be Something is a funk, soul, pop track with a bit of Philly sound to my ear. Lead vocalist Scott McCord is backed by Ben Rollo (drums,percussion), Charles James (bass,vocals), Simon Craig (Electric guitar), David Atkinson (Keys), Todd "Storm Shadow" Porter (bari sax), Steve Dyte (trumpet, flugelhorn, vocal and Christian Overton (trombone, vocal) with a high energy, horn infused sound. A relaxed and unusual cover of Beatles track, Baby You're A Rich Man, adds a different flavor featuring primarily McCord on vocal, accented with horns. A little track, Interlude, is actually a very nice little instrumental intro to contemporary sould ballad Where Did You Go. Bringing to mind the work of Michael Franks, McCord sings a very strong vocal pop track with soul roots. The instrumentation is very smooth and subtle. Very nice. Turn Around starts out very quiet and acoustic but opens into a full blown rocker. McCord has a great voice for this style of music and should win loads of new fans with this track and some nice slide guitar. Bad For You, another strong radio style track puts me in mind of Squeeze blended with Steely Dan backed by the Tower of Power. Very interesting mix. Overall this is a very cool release with plenty of horn infused soul/pop tracks and great vocals.
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"...it's almost impossible to find a contemporary comparison" ALBUM REVIEW 2012
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Scott McCord and the Bonafide Truth are an eight-piece rock and soul band from Toronto. A three-man ...Scott McCord and the Bonafide Truth are an eight-piece rock and soul band from Toronto. A three-man horn section compliments a standard guitars, bass, keys, drum line-up and together they make an irrepressible funk stew - and what’s more, it’s almost impossible to find a contemporary comparison, and equally, they’re not wholly retro either.
Previous reviewers have bandied around names like Van Morrison and Blood Sweat and Tears, but they don’t quite stack up. They’re jazzier than both and employ a range of influences from classic rock (I’m thinking Bob Seger and Steve Miller, but I’m happy to hear other suggestions), Afrobeat (some of these horns wouldn’t have sounded out of place on Fela Kuti’s “Roforofo Fight” record) and the uninhibited energy and verve of the first Dexys’ album.
Their second album begins with “Deploy the Bird (Bonafide Theme)”, which is all well and good, but at less than a minute’s duration, it’s frustratingly brief. Following track, “Gotta Be Something” is more like it. Its radio-friendly mash-up of a Stonesy riff, punchy horns and McCord’s blue-eyed bawl is compelling. From there on in they don’t let up, whether it’s full blast soulshakers (“This Heart Is On Fire”, “Certainty”), or something altogether more sedate and jazz flecked (“Where Did You Go?”). I imagine live on stage, they’re irresistible. On record, they’re just as potent.
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Truth Is Out There - Toronto Sun Article October 2012
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I couldn’t imagine Scott McCord and the Bonafide Truth juicing up their already sweaty, sexy mix of ...I couldn’t imagine Scott McCord and the Bonafide Truth juicing up their already sweaty, sexy mix of rock ’n’ soul any further, but that’s what the crew has done on its self-titled second disc.
“It’s bigger and punchier (than Blues for Sunshine), it’s full of life,” McCord, the group’s frontman, says. “We went for some real excitement here. Some newer guitar sounds, and the singing is more dynamic than before. The band has been evolving and finding its sound for the last couple of years and this record is more indicative of what the Bonafide Truth is. I’m thrilled with it.”
McCord says he and producer Maury LaFoy spent countless hours over the last year planning the record and that LaFoy was keen on capturing the “exciting raw power of the band.”
Good decision. The group has developed a reputation for its balls-to-the-walls shows and not getting that vibe on tape would misrepresent them.
“We knew that capturing the band live off the floor was the way to go,” McCord says. “We would all just play better, period.”
“We’d discussed going for the old sounds — we love the stuff (soul legend) Al Green recorded for Hi Records — but we didn’t think it was the way to go with these songs, and Maury pointed out that we’d really never get that sound anyway,” McCord says.
“The trickier part of the process was getting the right drum sounds for each song and recording the horns really well. I think we got it. Or, we got what we wanted.”
Equal energy, it seems, was invested in the album’s cover art. It features an exploding gas lamp and was designed by Juno Award-winning artist Michael Wrycraft.
Wrycraft, who designed the covers for the Bonafide Truth’s first CD and EP, says the image was the first one he and McCord considered when they met to throw around ideas for the cover of Blues for Sunshine.
“Scotty had fought some personal demons and came out the other end in love and in recovery and successfully kicked those demon’s asses,” Wrycraft says. “As I understand, during that process he found strength and redemption in some visual imagery he clung to for support and these images have become touchstones for him. After chatting for a few hours on that first meeting, I came away with his wonderful uplifting story and these visual images in my head.”
Wrycraft says McCord raised the gas lamp image again when they hooked up to discuss what to put on the cover of this album.
“I thought it was perfect timing,” he says. “For me, the image now perfectly fits the music and where Scott is in space and time. I loved the challenge of coming up with a realistic yet surreal digital illustration of something he’d only dreamed of.
“I’m a huge fan of Scotty and how he’s taken the large blues and horn band sound and twisted it into his own sexy style,” Wrycraft says. “It’s reminiscent of Prince’s brand of funk and blues mixed with the gritty Memphis sound.”
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"They've done it again, with added punch, on their self titled second disc." CBC ALBUM REVIEW 2012
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"The band impressed me the first time I saw them for several reasons: Scott struck me as a guy compl..."The band impressed me the first time I saw them for several reasons: Scott struck me as a guy completely consumed by music — it was evident in his impassioned singing and his unhinged performance. And The Bonafide Truth is a perfect foil, backing him up with their killer grooves inspired by the masters of soul and blues. Oh, The Bonafide Truth includes a kick-ass horn section, which is a selling point for these ears.
There's a little something for everybody in the group’s musical gumbo: there’s some rock, pop, blues and soul. They brought these sounds together beautifully on their first album, Blues For Sunshine, two years back. And they’ve done it again, with added punch, on their self-titled second disc." -- Errol Nazareth
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"(Scott McCord)'s an excellent singer, bandleader, audience engager, and songwriter." Maple Blues ALBUM REVIEW 2012
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Since their Talent Search victory in 2008 and the MBA New Artist nomination in 2010, they’ve played ...Since their Talent Search victory in 2008 and the MBA New Artist nomination in 2010, they’ve played selected festivals, released an introductory CD and an EP, all the while honing their sound and writing new songs for this disc. As many of you will know, this is a horn band with a lineup that has changed over this time but whose love of lush, exotic chords and intricate arrangements has not. You get one of those trademark chords right off the start for “Deploy The Bird (Bona Fide Theme)”, an ear opener for sure. “Gotta Be Something” introduces Scott McCord, front man extraordinaire, in a field desperately short of them. He’s an excellent singer, bandleader, audience engager and songwriter. He also plays acoustic guitar & harmonica. The other members for this disc are: Simon Craig, electric guitar; Charlie James, bass; Bryan Humphreys, drums; Todd Porter, baritone & tenor saxophones; Steve Dyte, trumpet; Christian Overton, trombone & David Atkinson, keyboards. With the guidance of producer/arranger Maury Lafoy, the sound they produce is a lot closer to Blood, Sweat & Tears than to, say, Roomful of Blues but BS&T could play blues and you’ll like “This Heart Is On Fire” & “Turn Around” with their bluesy charts. “Bad For You” has a new, improved arrangement from the EP version. The concluding “Ocean” seems to have received rather more attention, with studio FX contributing to an even more complex arrangement. Go to www.scottmccordmusic.com for more info on their shows and acquiring the CD.
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"Brass funk like this is not easy to come by." Toronto Social Review June 2011
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Isn't it great when you just stumble upon the very thing you've been wanting?
That's what happene...Isn't it great when you just stumble upon the very thing you've been wanting?
That's what happened to me, Thursday June 2nd at the Cadillac Lounge when I happened upon Scott McCord & The Bonafide Truth. A dear friend of mine called out of the blue and wanted to grab a bite and a chat. While savouring some cold beer, we discovered the sweet sounds of Scott McCord & T.B.T. With a funky flavour, Scott leads this band like the pied piper, and our feet followed. The magnificent 3-piece brass section is what caught our attention. Lately I have indulged in Treme, the HBO series, and have been yearning to get a taste of just this type of energy.
I couldn't leave, every time I stepped out, the music pulled me back in. I danced till the end with a merry bunch, soaking up the sound. There was a special flair in the air, as it was the final Thursday of the season for the band. We look forward to catching them often as a regular act at The Cadillac in the fall.
We've spoke to Scott at the end of his gig and at the Muhtadi International Drum Festival. They are playing around Toronto this summer, so keep your eyes peeled. Brassy funk like this is not easy to come by.
~ Melissa Johnston
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"Fired up by their visit to Memphis..." Soul On A Roll by Errol Nazareth
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Fired up by their visit to Memphis last January, where they the played the International Blues Chall...Fired up by their visit to Memphis last January, where they the played the International Blues Challenge, Scott McCord and The Bonafide Truth came right home and recorded new music. You'll get a taste of the rockin' soul army's new material when it celebrates the release of it's new EP, Love & Sorrow, at the Cadillac Lounge on Saturday Night.
"We played three nights at the New Daisy Theatre on Beale Street and it was amazing!" McCord says. "The energy is incredible. Everyone is playing along Beale Street, and every venue is packed. And the musicians you're competing against! We met keyboardist Deacon Jones, who played with John Lee Hooker and Freddie King from 1971 to 1974, musicians that had played with Issac Hayes for years...
"We also made a trip to Sun Records, and that really charged us. The tiny studio has been kept in it's original form - same walls, ceiling and fixtures. It was a rush! We got up that night and gave our best performance to date." McCord says the group just received it's scorecards from the judges, some of whom said, "This band is an absolute joy to watch!" and "The energy and stage presence is overwhelming!"
"Man," he adds, "It felt damn good to be validated by Memphians."
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"The Toronto Blues Summit scored a great discovery..." Blues For Sunshine Review
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The Toronto Blues Summit scored a great discovery this past January: Scott McCord, who literally tor...The Toronto Blues Summit scored a great discovery this past January: Scott McCord, who literally tore the roof off with a live performance that was nothing short of spellbinding. Think Southside Johnny on serious steroids: swing-cool, passionate and sitting atop a time bomb of R&B thunder. From soul-belter to crooning, passion-fired singer-songwriter, McCord is the real deal. His new release contains some surprises for those thinking this might be a variation of his live show on disc; in fact, it demonstrates another side to His Soul Revue Self, underlining the calibre of his voice. Part love paean to his wife, Blues for Sunshine begins with a page from the stage ("Emily"), all balls'n'brass, with a breathy, soulful tip of the hat to his musical heroes. However, sitting atop a smoothly crooning wall of backup singers (only one of which is credited), McCord reveals a gentler, caring self in "Let It Roll" and across a raft of original tunes. The closet crooner is exposed on "The Broken Wheel," while the energy is restated on "Same Man I Was Before," charged further by his marvellous horn section, and teased by Chris Miller's guitar. "Trouble!" underlines the band's ever-ready groove potential, yet it's the opening strains of Daniel Lanois's "As Tears Roll By" that demonstrate McCord's true strengths in taking ownership of a quality song. This is a thoroughly intoxicating example of his capabilities. (Independent)
By Eric Thom
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"...one of this city's most charismatic live performers..." Consumed by music - by Errol Nazareth
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To be honest, I was a little hesitant to ask Scott McCord if someone's ever told him that he sounds ...To be honest, I was a little hesitant to ask Scott McCord if someone's ever told him that he sounds like a young Elvis.
Not that I have anything against Elvis, but I didn't want McCord to feel I was pigeonholing him and overlooking the smoking rock 'n' soul that his band The Bonafide Truth cook up.
Thankfully, McCord wasn't offended. And he shouldn't be. He has a warm, velvety voice that lends itself beautifully to both ballads and soul scorchers.
Wild, then, to hear him confess that he knew he could sing but felt quite insecure about it.
"It's our instrument," he says. "And in there is who we really are. When I first started playing in bands, I would always be pushed to be the singer. I was a keyboard player that really wanted to be a singer and be out front, but was scared. For years I tried to sound like other singers I admired, and did a fair job, but it's only been recently that I feel like I'm starting to connect with my voice and who I am."
McCord and The Bonafide Truth celebrate the release of their brand new disc, Blues For Sunshine, at the Cadillac Lounge tonight. Do what you can to catch the show. Judging from the record and reliable reports of the group's live performances, you're guaranteed a funky good time.
"Elvis Presley was my first rock 'n' roll experience, and my introduction to pop, blues, R&B, gospel, and country," McCord says.
"Elvis singing that early rock 'n' roll got its hooks in me at a very young age. I also really dug his verve -- the way he moved and expressed himself while singing. Something I can't control when I'm performing."
McCord, who's earned a reputation as one of this city's most charismatic live performers, says Presley's version of Junior Parker's Mystery Train messed him up big time the first time he hard it.
"The Sam Phillips-produced version of that song with Elvis elevates me," he says.
"Scotty Moore's guitar part off the tip, his tone, that feel, the melody, and that whole jamming vibe to it ... the best!"
"I don't know how to describe (my reaction to it when I heard it)," he adds. "I just wanted it. I didn't have access to this song for years, and just thought about it that whole time until I finally got my hands on it.
"Isn't it amazing that music can have that kind of an impact on us, stay in us, shape us?"
Amen, to that!
McCord is clearly consumed by music -- it informs his words, his voice, his music, and his stage presence. And The Bonafide Truth are a perfect match for him, backing him up with their killer grooves inspired by the masters of soul and blues. Check the Stax-inspired horn lines on Let It Roll for proof.
"Soul and blues I dig for so many reasons," McCord says.
"I think those styles allow an expression of feelings that really connects people. That is something I think I'm striving for in life -- real connection.
"Songwriting for me right now is simply getting me in touch with my feelings.
"It's pretty powerful stuff and not an easy place to go to sometimes, but thrilling when I finally get the chance to play for people -- and then the Elvis comes out!"
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" McCord is one of our most dynamic front men, dominating the show with his moves. " Blues For Sunshine review
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I’ve had this CD for a while now but I thought I would take the opportunity of his stunning performa...I’ve had this CD for a while now but I thought I would take the opportunity of his stunning performance at the Blues Summit Showcases to draw your attention to it. McCord was the winner of our Talent Search this year and those who witnessed the showcase will know how much they’ve progressed from even that winning performance. This is an R&B Revue, with three horns and some excellent new songs. McCord is one of our most dynamic front men, dominating the show with his moves. His vocals are the strongest part of the package and with this outfit behind him he can stay in the spotlight, which he clearly enjoys. Co-leader Michael Johnston plays keyboards, Jason Mercer, bass (on the CD, it’s now Charlie James), Don Kerr, drums and Chris Miller, guitar. Todd Porter plays baritone saxophone and did the horn arrangements, Steve Dyte is on trumpet & flugelhorn and Christian Overton, trombone. “Trouble!” is the most straightforward blues here but “Let It Roll”, “Same Man I Was Before”, “Blues For Sunshine” and “As Tears Roll By” are all strong R&B/Soul songs that allow these players to strut their stuff.
John Valenyn
supersonic
