Tag: Maggie McClure

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Live Concerts Reviews

The Imaginaries slay with their streaming CD release concert

Oklahoma-based power couple Shane Henry and Maggie McClure aka The Imaginaries kicked off the release of their long-awaited debut album with a live streaming acoustic performance sponsored by American Songwriter Magazine.  The concert included the back stories for each song on the album, and lasted for more than 90 minutes, all of it pure joy.

One of my favorite moments was when McClure and Henry were explaining their individual career progression and McClure noted that she had begun with performances at Borders Books and Music.  You see, I was the booker for those stores back in the late 90’s/early 00’s, and it finally answered the question of where I had first heard her music.

Since the concert was essentially a listening party for their CD, we are including our Get it or Forget it review format.

Artist Name:   The Imaginaries

Album Name:  The Imaginaries

Label:   Self-released

Genre:  Americana/Folk

Track Listing:   1.  Revival; 2.  Walking on a Wire; 3.  Thinking ‘Bout You 4.  Trust Falling With You; 5.  There Will Come a Day 6.  Geronimo 7.  One Life; 8.  Enough of You; 9.  Blue Sky; 10.  You Remind Me

Publicist:   37 Media (Julie Lichtenstein)

Review:   The CD kicks off with two of their strongest songs, and never stops delivering powerful messages with memorable musical accompaniment.  In addition to their incredible creativeness in writing these masterpieces, The Imaginaries are also adept at conceptualizing the visualization of those songs, as evidenced by the numerous film festival nominations and wins that their videos have garnered.  We will be featuring their latest video for “Blue Sky” in our Monday Mashup column next week.

The album is produced by the duo and was recorded in the same studio in Muscle Shoals where the pair began their musical journey.  The album features bassist David Hood (Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Paul Simon), Little Richard guitarist Kelvin Holly (Jason Isbell, Gregg Allman, Neil Young), bassist Shonna Tucker (John Paul White, The Secret Sisters), and keyboardist NC Thurman (Hank Williams Jr, Gregg Allman, Little Richard), drummer Rob Humphreys (Leonard Cohen, Jason Mraz), keyboardists Chad Copelin (Sufjan Stevens, Christina Perri, Ben Rector) and Dan Walker (Heart).

Recommendation:   Drop whatever you’re doing today and get this album.  It will be the crowning jewel in your musical collection.

Thank you to The Imaginaries for an amazing showcase of your talent.  It was so refreshing to hear a band that sounds as good acoustically as they do when they have their entire band playing live.  They are further proof that indie music is the best music.  Can’t wait to see them live in person in the not too distant future.

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Live Concerts Reviews

The Imaginaries wow hometown crowd with first full band show of 2020

Last Saturday we had the distinct pleasure of attending our first live music performance of 2020.  We drove out to Chickasha, Oklahoma for the Third Annual Oklahoma Food Truck Championship to support the first full band show of 2020 by the amazing husband and wife Americana band The Imaginaries.  Not only was the music inspirational and incredible, but the food was pretty good too.

photo courtesy of Chelle S Imaging

The band is composed of Shane Henry on guitar, lead and backing vocals and his lovely wife, Maggie McClure on keyboard, tambourine, lead and backing vocals.  They were joined by Ryan Miller on bass, Jordan Olivet on drums, Jim Robinson on keyboard and Isaac Stalling on guitar.

photo courtesy of Chelle S Imaging

They kicked off their first set with “Enough of You,” which showed the rocking side of their sound.  Although individually they have released several solo albums, the band’s debut album will not be released until the spring of 2021.  That didn’t stop them from showcasing their talents and giving the enthralled audience a sneak peak of what to expect when that album is dropped.

They are also gathering a huge following with their music videos, directed by Reagan Elkins.  The above video has been accepted by five film festivals, while their latest, “Walking on a Wire,” was featured in our recent Monday Mashup article.

Their second song, “Gone,” was a rockabilly masterpiece, which was followed by the country pop sound of “Things are Gonna be Alright,” which should be the theme song for 2020.  They followed those up with “Thinking About You” and “You Remind Me,” the latter showcasing McClure’s vocal style, which is a combination of Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton.

photo courtesy of Chelle S Imaging

“Blue Sky” was a treasure of vocal harmonies, which was followed by the aforementioned “Walking on a Wire,” which is even better live than in the video.  McClure then performed one of her solo songs, “Coming Home,” before performing “There Will Come a Day.”  They wrapped up the set with a brilliant interpretation of the classic Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty duet, “Stop Dragging my Heart Around.”

photo courtesy of Chelle S Imaging
Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Kate Steinway, Emmer Effer, The General Assembly, Maggie McClure, Ra Ra Ruby

The weekend is upon us.  Hope yours is relaxing and refreshing.  Here are five more reviews to entice you into supporting indie music.

Artist Name:  Kate Steinway

Album Name:  True North

Label:  Roscomare Records

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Hurricane; 2.  Tiny Home; 3.  True North; 4.  Wayfaring Woman; 5.  Young Heroes

Publicist:  None

Review:  Kate Steinway (yes, she is related to the founder of Steinway Pianos) is an amazing singer-songwriter who has chosen the ukulele as her primary instrument.  She writes strong songs that reflect her choice of accompaniment, and supplements that sound when necessary with quality musicians and backing vocals.  She starts off her short 5-song EP with the impressive and radio-friendly “Hurricane,” before simplifying with “Tiny Home,” which we understand may be used in one of the Tiny Homes shows on HGTV shortly.  The title track adds in a folky background that perfectly fits the lyrics and story with a Celtic vibe.  We especially love the alt-country/Americana vibe of “Wayfaring Woman,” which is also quite radio friendly.  Steinway closes out the EP with “Young Heroes,” a sweet lullaby that will quiet even the rowdiest of youngsters with its sweet sound and lush vocals.  We look forward to a full-length album from this truly original American songwriter.

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer – Get it while it is still available.

 

Artist Name:  Emmer Effer

Album Name:  From the Bottom Down

Label:  Felony Records

Genre:  Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Koch Bros.; 2.  Shredder; 3.  Prader Willi Syndrome; 4.  Soldier; 5.  What was Your Name?; 6.  Fight On!; 7.  Pick a Hand; 8.  Peanut; 9.  Futility; 10.  She Bite; 11.  Hands Off; 12.  Sure it Died; 13.  Copper; 14.  Sombreros to the Sky; 15.  Knuckle Smasher; 16.  Emmer Effer; 17.  Ten Days Gay; 18.  Houdini; 19.  Two-Timer

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  This is their debut album, and it shows much promise for lovers of punk rock.  The lyrics are understandable and highly political.  The songs are short and to the point, and less than two minutes each.  Unfortunately, all the songs seem to sound the same, and there is very little reason to listen to the entire album, as only the lyrics seem to change.  “Pick a Hand” does seem to be different, kind of like Floggy Molly on speed, but the next track goes back to the same fast-driving punk rhythm.  This album is definitely not appropriate for younger audiences, with a plethora of f-bombs.

Recommendation:  Unless you are a true lover of punk rock, you might want to hold off on this one.

Artist Name:  The General Assembly

Album Name:  Vanishing Point

Label:    Self-released

Genre:  Electronica/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Cape Grim; 2.  The Wild Child; 3.  Fever Dream; 4.  Things Fall Apart; 5.  Anatomy of Melancholy; 6.  Asleep with a Compass in our Hands; 7.  Forest Fire, White Walls; 8.  Black is my Colour; 9.  Return to the Bluff at Cape Grim; 10.  New Myth:  Siren Song; 11.  Vanishing Point; 12.  Field Recording 1977-2015

Publicist:  Penney and Logan

Review:  Most lovers of indie rock and electronica will love this effort by The General Assembly.  The music is melodic and big, with an intense bass foundation, wicked guitar riffs and soaring vocals.  The lyrical content is great, giving the songs a majestic quality.  We especially put “Things Fall Apart” into this category.  In addition, there are three instrumental tracks: “Fever Dream,” “Asleep with Compasses in our Hands,” and “Return to the Bluff at Cape Grim,” which serve as mile-posts on this auditory journey.   The final three tracks are more prog rock, and bring the album to a satisfying conclusion.

Recommendation:  If you love good music, then Get this one,

Artist Name:  Maggie McClure

Album Name:  Color it Up

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Americana/Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  You for Me; 2.  Do it Again (ft. Graham Colton); 3.  Coming Home; 4.  Be Right Here for You

Publicist:  Chloe Robinson

Review:  Maggie McClure is a gifted songwriter who has had success with placements on such shows as Dr. Phil, Cougar Town, The Real World, The Vineyard and The Hills, as well as the movie Cowgirls n’ Angels.  She has been co-writing with Blues rocker Shane Henry, and recently toured with him.  Her music belongs in the same category as Sara Bareilles, Suzanne Santos, Katie Costello, Alicia Witt and other “Hotel Cafe” type artists.  We are truly impressed with this EP, and only wish it had more than four songs.  Every song is a winner, especially “Do it Again” and “Coming Home” (which could have so many placement opportunities, and is truly radio friendly).

Recommendation:  Don’t delay – Get it today!

Artist Name:  Ra Ra Ruby

Album Name:  Dancing with Mannequins

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Her; 2.  Undress; 3.  I Need a Woman; 4.  Pam

Publicist:  The A&R Department

Review:  This 4-song EP hits the ground running, with a steady beat, intense guitar riffs, and soaring vocals that perfect convey the powerful lyrical content.  This is a party band that will keep their fans on the dance floor.  The music grabs your heart and pumps it up, while the lyrics keep your brain engaged.  This debut EP provides hope that this band will be around for a long time.  We can hardly wait to hear what’s coming next.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth it to Get this one.