TODD MACK: Yonder the Big Blue Holler

Todd Mack

Yonder the Big Blue Holler

© 2005 Todd Mack (825346702124)

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Organic, rootsy mix of Americana, Pop, Rock, and Alt. Country. Chock full o' twang.

notes

On "Yonder the Big Blue Holler" Todd Mack brings to the table 10 new ditties packed with grit and twang. His fifth release since his 1989 self-titled debut, "Yonder the Big Blue Holler" is his most cohesive effort to date and features the talents of some 25 musical guests. There are 8 originals on the disc showcasing Mack's strong writing skills, as well as a cover of the little-known traditional number, "Five Nights Drunk", and the obscure Traveling Wilburys song, "Poor House". As co-owner of the Off the Beat-n-Track recording studio in western Massachusetts, Mack has honed his production skills to a fine art form, and nowhere is this more evident than on his new record. He has traveled extensively, touring full time for most of the 1990s, and has given more than 1,000 performances while traveling some half a million miles. The result of these experiences is heard loud & clear on "Yonder the Big Blue Holler", as Mack sings and plays with the conviction and confidence that only a road weary veteran can. Songs of drinking, driving (although not simultaneously), love, loss, power, and corruption are just a few of the topics Mack touches on during the course of the disc, and a gritty, honest vocal styling cuts right through to the heart and soul of the listener.

reviews

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  • AWESOME
    author: Ed Outlaw

    Big Blue rocks! A folk, rock, blues, country CD - Mack is able to transcend these genres and pull them together in cohesive unique style. This CD offers a tremendous variety of stories, musical styles, emotions and instrumentation, all delivered in a way that pulls them together as a polished whole. As you listen to the CD, each song is a treat - different in style and feel from the others. Yet, they all feel like they go together, and are linked by Macks soulful voice.

  • True-To-Life Songwriting and Refreshing Honesty
    author: Em

    Todd Mack’s newest release, “Yonder the Big Blue Holler,” gives even the most casual of listeners something to holler about. If Americana seems slightly old and dated, Mack brings the sound back where it belongs: on the edge and in the forefront. Tradition be damned - Mack’s inventive, let’s-go-one-step-further treatment of his music will bring new fans to the roots music genre. Lyrical gems like the bluesy “Devil Outta Me,” hard-rockin’ “Circumstance,” and “Beautiful Angel,” Mack’s tender tribute to close friend and fallen journalist, Daniel Pearl, showcase the stellar quality and versatility of his musicianship. Mack also lends wry humor and gentle cynicism to tunes like his cover of the Traveling Wilburys’ “Poor House” and the traditional “Five Nights Drunk,” which he first learned at summer camp as a youngster. Mack’s straightforward approach to his work makes a distinct impression. His raw, emotional vocals and honest lyrics remind the listener that real experiences make for the best songwriting.

  • This is a real gem of an album
    author: Kris of the Scots band RISE

    I have known Todd through his radio show for some time - and never knew he was such a great musician. I loved this album from the first few bars in - rare for me. If you like Americana - alt.country - then you will love this album. Fabulous.

  • Road Songs Gallore
    author: Vince Carmellini

    I've had this CD in my car for about 3 weeks and I don't have the nerve to take it out. A very good road CD. A nice variety of songs and styles with something for everyone. Good lyrics and good grooves. The guitar work on this album is pretty cool...some really nice pickin' by talent players. The fiddle player has great lines and melodies. All in all, a great sounding CD with great songs!

  • Has a cool country rock kind of vibe and feel - good energy.
    author: TAXI

    Overall has a Steve Earl kind of vibe that is really cool - interesting sense of humor and delivered with just the right touch of seriousness and straightness in delivery. I like the vibe alot.

  • Full of surprises
    author: The Berkshire Record

    The material on "Yonder the Big Blue Holler" ranges from gritty social commentary to gentle statements of love, from earthy, twangy Americana such as the lovely instrumental "How High the Corn" to "Beautiful Angel", Todd's final goodbye to his friend, the martyred journalist Daniel Pearl. The music was full of surpises that went from rowdy and hard hitting to mellow and soothing.

  • CD Homage to Americana
    author: The Berkshire Eagle

    Mack's sturdy new musical document is at turns playful and poignant...a record that truly reflects his love of gritty and soulful Americana. Highlights include the clever, rollicking opener "Already Gone and Only Halfway There", "Five Nights Drunk" - a song seemingly torn from Fred Eaglesmith's songbook - with a bit of Dixieland jazz tacked on - and a reverent cover of the Traveling Wilburys "Poor House", an overlooked tune from their second record. The CD ends on an extremely moving note with "Beautiful Angel", an homage to Mack's longtime friend Daniel Pearl, the Wall Street Journal and former Eagle reporter who perished at the hands of terrorists in Pakistan in 2002.

  • A 'Big Blue Positive Holler !' for this one....
    author: Kelly Hagan

    Wonderful musicianship. Wise production. Authentic. Sincere. Foot tappin'. Fun. Honest. Storytelling. Talent. What are you all waiting for???!!!!!Buy the disc!

  • Most Excellent. Cohesive and original. Love Mack's voice.
    author: Stellar

    Big Blue is the first I have heard from this artist and it did not disappoint. Mack comes from a long line of original, folksy and brilliant musician/producers such as Greg Brown and Steve Earle. He has a distinctive sound, angelic yet cutting voice and I can't say enough about the tight production of the Cd -- it's quite nearly flawless (and I'm a HUGE snob.) We owe it to our generation and music lovers everywhere to support genuine, authentic and independent music like Mack's. He keeps it real. Keep a close ear out for the rough and tumble Circumstance as well as the haunting Beautiful Angel -- a fitting tribute to murdered journalist/musician Danny Pearl. I challenge anyone to listen to it with dry eyes.

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