Josh McGee
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Josh McGee

Nacogdoches, Texas, United States | SELF

Nacogdoches, Texas, United States | SELF
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"Say What You Want Review"

If you know Josh McGee as an artist, you're well aware that he's an axe man who keeps his blade sharp. With the release of his solo EP "Say What You Want," McGee proves that he can strip his tunes to the bone without losing any of the marrow, making him stand out as a one of the true talents that East Texas rarely offers up.

This new collection of songs features two of my favorites things about McGee as a songwriter.

First, like Jack White and others before him, McGee has developed the ability to cleverly mask how dedicated a student of the blues he is while injecting those influences into whatever arena he finds himself in. In the case of "Black T-shirt Girl," he's created bluesgrass.

Second, McGee can summon the spirit of Glenn Danzig at will, which is a talent indeed, as Glenn is still with us. More to the point, McGee is able to place these vocal stylings in newer, less familiar surroundings making for a few pleasant surprises. While this is noticeable as he asks "Black T-shirt Girl" to "Turn your head my way," a more obvious example can be found on "Outside Looking In" where McGee's voice sails above his dirt floor picking.

On "Penelope In Leather," McGee shows us that he's just as home on an open-tuned acoustic as he is with a halfstack and a solid rhythm section.

"Things You Do" stands as a well-crafted, straight ahead rock song. McGee's performance on the recording screams for all the knobs to be turned to 11 as the lyrics' main character get his comeuppance.

Musically, the EP's title track evokes an emotional response that can be likened to hearing "Midnight Rider" at the beginning of a film you've been wanting to see. Lyrically, McGee weaves his way around the edges of the archetypal love song, summing up the idea in the third hook with "I need you, and you need it too."

In fact, McGee sums up all you need to know about the EP. "You need it too."

- Adamn Lamar: The Daily Sentinel


Discography

Still working on that hot first release.

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Bio

With a stripped down indie folk and roots sound, Josh McGee provides listeners with an alternative to the mainstream in favor of an honest, bare-bones approach to music. Relying simply on his expressive roots guitar style and honest, soulful lyrics, Josh draws audiences into his musical world, weaving tales of life, love, and the human experience. His influences range from the emotive Skip James, to the dramatic and poetic Jim Morrison, to the dynamic and experimental Jack White. In addition to these influences, Josh’s music often draws comparisons to artists such as Elliott Smith, John Butler, and Jose Gonzales.

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Josh began playing guitar and writing songs at the age of sixteen. “At the time, I just wanted to learn guitar to play old Ramones and Jimi Hendrix songs. I must have annoyed my parents with bad versions of ‘Purple Haze’ for months,” recalls Josh. At the age of twenty-one he moved to East Texas to attend Stephen F. Austin University, and it was there that Josh became serious about playing music. After a few fledgling open mic performances, Josh began traveling the region as a member of various rock groups, which lead to a few high profile shows, good press, and even a little indie radio play for the budding musician. These musical rites of passage have led Josh back to a more personal, emotional style. “Deep down, I’ve always preferred a more intimate broken down sound,” he admits. Armed solely with a guitar and a steel slide, Josh’s goal as an artist is to share his personal take on life and the human experience with his audiences.

Josh is currently touring and promoting his music while recording his debut solo album, which he hopes to finish by spring of 2011.