Mixing equal parts musical scholar, businessman and tattooed rock n’ roll
rebel, Toronto guitarist Dan McKinnon is not your average bluesman. While his
music is rooted in blues styles ranging from traditional, country and electric,
McKinnon has also publicly declared his love for glam rock, fusion, hard bop,
and heavy metal. It is this mélange of musical influences that has created the
sound that McKinnon is known for and presents on his new CD As Sharp As
Possible.
His self-titled debut E.P. was released in early 2012 to glowing
reviews and widespread airplay across North America - including regular
positions on the Roots Music Report charts. “Dan McKinnon is certainly ready
for the spotlight. His debut EP shines a light on the wide spectrum of sounds he
can create. From the slow and soulful to the edgy solos that really bite, the
road ahead knows no limits.” (Blues Rock Review)
As Sharp As Possible is McKinnon’s first full length CD release and
with the high expectations placed on him after the first release - it does not
disappoint. It is musically deep but accessible with sharp lyrics,
massive riffs, searing solos and catchy hooks. No two songs sound alike, but
there is a common thread weaving each story and song together to create a new
and exciting experience for the listener. "On "A.S.A.P", I wanted to capture
the sound of a band that played as if it had something to prove. The common
characteristic the musicians I admire most have is that they are constantly
striving to outdo themselves while never accepting the notion that "Good enough
is good enough" or that certain musical conventions can't be broken or
challenged. What was most important was capturing the fire and intensity of a
group that is looking to push beyond their own limits, striving to be better
than what they are….to be as sharp as possible”, says McKinnon.
Produced by JUNO Award winning blues guitarist Jack de Keyzer and recorded
at Canterbury Studios, As Sharp As Possible features Dan McKinnon on
guitar and vocals, Aaron Carter on bass and Jon Foster on drums. Each of the ten
songs were written by McKinnon with topics that range from relationships,
self-reflection and personal loss. From the heavy opening riffs on the first
track “Ain’t Looking Back”, to the slow groove and soulful solos on “Killing
Time”, and the forlorn lyrics and classic blues feel on “One Regret”, the
combination of McKinnon’s voice and guitar playing, along with the solid
foundation from the band, As Sharp As Possible will quickly become a
favourite among blues fans all over.
“Dan McKinnon is one of the brightest new lights on the blues scene. A
well schooled guitarist, he adds just the right amount of jazz intuition to his
searing blues playing. With a nice vocal tone, killer riffs and wicked guitar
chops Dan McKinnon is a name you will be hearing a lot about in the coming
months, years and decades”, says producer Jack de Keyzer. Only in his
thirties, McKinnon’s education, life experiences and talent will certainly
ensure a long and healthy career in the blues genre.
No comments:
Post a Comment