Feeling Blues is more than just an album — it’s a testament to John McDonald’s lifelong love affair with the genre. With Mark Maxwell’s skillful touch elevating every track, the album is an essential listen for blues aficionados and newcomers alike.
Few artists embody the depth, soul, and authenticity of the blues quite like John McDonald. With over 45 years of experience steeped in the history, passion, and raw emotion of the genre, McDonald has once again delivered a masterful work with Feeling Blues, a collection of tracks that pays homage to the greats while carving out a distinct, deeply personal space in the blues landscape. Teaming up with the immensely talented Mark Maxwell, whose influence on the recording and instrumentation is undeniable, McDonald has crafted an album that is as timeless as it is fresh.
From the opening notes of I Go by Feel, McDonald makes his intentions clear—this is an album driven by instinct, lived experience, and an unfiltered love for the blues. His expressive guitar work, paired with the smoky resonance of his vocals, immediately sets the tone for an immersive listening journey. The follow-up track, Ain’t No Sunshine, breathes new life into the Bill Withers classic, channeling a blend of melancholy and restraint that makes the song feel both familiar and refreshingly new.
Poison Ivy injects a playful swagger into the mix, with intricate guitar licks and a rhythm section that swings effortlessly. Meanwhile, Evil Twin stands out as one of the album’s grittiest and most compelling tracks, with McDonald’s storytelling prowess on full display. The way he bends notes and lets his voice crackle with intensity evokes the spirits of blues legends past.
The heart of the album lies in deeply evocative pieces like I'm Sitting Here Thinking of You and St. James Infirmary, both of which showcase McDonald’s ability to channel pain and longing through every chord and lyric. Jelly Roll Baker adds a bit of bluesy mischief, while Three O’Clock Blues pays its respects to B.B. King with a slow-burning, emotionally rich performance that lingers long after the final note fades.
By the time we reach I’m Ready, McDonald and Maxwell have built a fully realized sonic landscape, each song feeling like a chapter in a greater story of love, loss, and redemption. The dark and brooding The Devil’s Daughter adds a touch of mystery, while Summertime closes the album on an ethereal, almost haunting note, reminding us of the sheer versatility and range that McDonald possesses.
Feeling Blues is more than just an album — it’s a testament to John McDonald’s lifelong love affair with the genre. With Mark Maxwell’s skillful touch elevating every track, the album is an essential listen for blues aficionados and newcomers alike. Every note, every lyric, and every guitar riff is played with the kind of passion that only comes from a lifetime of living the blues. This is blues music at its finest — raw, heartfelt, and utterly unforgettable.