Jamie McLean on Stage, on the Road, in the Studio and soon on DVD

By Holley Dey for OnTapBlog. Photos by Louise Uznanski and Richard Uznanski.

© 2013 OnTapBlog. All Rights Reserved.

Last week the Jamie McLean Band played seven shows in five days and that included a Sunday evening set at trendy Arlene’s Grocery on the Lower East Side.  Fast forward to Monday afternoon and Jamie was on the road again, on the phone again, and sounding a little tired.  It’s a grueling schedule, isn’t it?  ”Yeah,” he said, “but when I get on stage, I get energy.  I feel well, and it’s the only thing I want to be doing.”

It shows; the Band’s commitment to live music performance is clear in every show, reflected in Jamie’s fiery guitar play, in drummer Brian Griffin’s earnest intensity and bass player Ben Mars’ funk-filled, driving groove.  When the energy builds, when Ben and Jamie leave separate orbits to collide center stage in an explosion of sound and intentional fury, it’s an electric moment worth revisiting.

The good news is that those moments will soon be available on DVD.  The Band’s first live recording session was also videotaped at the Gibson Showroom in New York City.  Live at Gibson will be released late summer or fall 2013, with DVD pre-orders to be accepted later this spring.  Featuring the Band’s original music and with guest contributions from American Idol winner Taylor Hicks and keys man Jason Crosby, the thirteen music tracks are currently available on CD here.  Leading into the DVD release, expect to enjoy teasers with select interview tidbits and behind the scenes footage shared from the Gibson recording session.

Not long after that session, Jamie McLean headed west where he and drummer Brian Griffin joined Taylor Hicks for a 2012 residency at Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel, performing rock, blues and country soul five nights weekly to enthusiastic crowds in the Indigo Room.  It was a good experience; the band clicked, and Jamie enjoyed the on stage give and take with the Idol winner.  His only regret is that he could not interact more with local area musicians.  Away from the stage, Jamie spent most days in his hotel room writing new music, with time set aside for golf as well.  Some of that music, including new songs “Holding On” and “Virginia”, may be included on a new album planned for the end of this calendar year.

The Band has already laid down tracks in New Orleans with Ivan Neville, Anders Osborne and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band; those tunes are complete and ready to go.  Jamie was in studio last month, and will record again in May.  He’s in no hurry, though.  There’s a DVD to release, touring to do and music to enjoy before the next album drops at the right time, and on the right label.

He’s a musician, but Jamie McLean is also a music fan.  He’ll travel to New Orleans for Jazz Fest, where he had planned to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the audience, but will now go face-to-face with the crowd from the stage at Tipitina’s and The Howlin’ Wolf (schedule to be announced).  New Orleans is one city where Jamie would readily sign onto a long-term residency.  It’s got Las Vegas party, he says, but also has a vibrant culture and a history that are all its own.

The Jamie McLean Band continues on tour this spring with dates in Virginia the first week of April, and with multiple east coast dates planned this summer.  The updated tour schedule is here.  While these are solo tour dates, Jamie is open to the possibility of touring with another artist following the release of the Band’s next album.  He wouldn’t mind breaking some hearts, for example, with Tom Petty.  Sounds good; wouldn’t mind runnin’ down that dream when it’s summertime on Main Street.  Not at all.

The following photographs were captured at the Jamie McLean Band’s March 30 show at North Star Bar in Philadelphia.

Following Photos by Louise Uznanski

Following Photos by Richard Uznanski

Jamie McLean Shares New Song “Holding On”

by Holley Dey

Jamie McLean sang lead vocals on Tuesday night to open the show at Fairfield Theatre Company.  He also played lead guitar.  Oh, he was the percussion section as well.  During his solo set he generally performed all three functions at the same time, accompanying his own vocals on electric guitar and with rhythmic, foot stomping percussion.  Occasionally the pattern was interrupted when he paused to rip a blistering guitar solo, but Jamie soon returned to multitasking form, generally without missing a beat.  Really good.  So good that I feel a brief aside to the absent Jamie McLean band members is in order – don’t let the boss do too many dates on his own.

Several familiar fan favorites were included in the forty minute set, including the opener “Cupid’s Greatest Thief” and closer “Country Living”.  In between, Jamie debuted a new song, the poignant “Holding On”, performed for family, and with feeling. Like all of Jamie’s work, the melody is clean and direct; the lyrics include a memorable hook. I think you’ll enjoy it.

Listen to “Holding On” below, and check back soon for a 2013 news update from the Jamie McLean Band!

Connecticut Country Living with Taylor Hicks & the Jamie McLean Band

Blog and all photos/video by Louise Uznanski, Richard Uznanski and Holley Dey.

Caution: Jamie McLean Band May Be Habit Forming

by Louise Uznanski, Richard Uznanski, Holley Dey

Remember the rush of excitement when a relationship is brand new, the connection warm and immediate?  It’s only when time has passed that the basis for that initial attraction becomes clear.  Then the first date may be followed by many more.  The temporary job may become a career.  The single song download may suddenly become a live concert, then a series of concerts with no end in sight.  I know.  It has happened to me.

Taylor Hicks Walks the Line at Avalon Theatre

by Richard Uznanski, Louise Uznanski, Holley Dey

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” explained Taylor from the stage.  “It’s a song we do often, and do well.”  Before launching into the band’s cover of “Gonna Move”, he paused to note that “ain’t” is southern for ”isn’t”, and then wondered aloud which word he should use.  Does the Avalon Theatre lie north or south of the Mason-Dixon Line?

Blues Sunday with John Mayall & the Jamie McLean Band

Review of John Mayall/Jamie McLean Band at Sellersville Theater February 19, 2012

from Louise Uznanski, Richard Uznanski, Holley Dey

Last Sunday afternoon British blues legend John Mayall stood quietly in the lobby of Sellersville Theater, Pennsylvania.  Thirty minutes before showtime he presided over a small table stacked with copies of Live in London, the John Mayall band 2011 concert DVD.  A steady line of fans approached the table to shake the musician’s hand and purchase the autographed product.  Unlike many signing lines, most of the queued fans were men, and they took the opportunity to share the memory of a song or special show from years past.

Jamie McLean Band Rocks Gramercy Theatre: Photos

from Richard Uznanski, Louise Uznanski, Holley Dey

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Were you there?

The Jamie McLean Band rocked the room on Friday night at New York’s Gramercy Theatre.  The bandleader impressed on vocals and a searing guitar, Ben Mars grooved on bass and sweet vocal harmonies, and Brian Griffin ruled the beat, as special guest Jason Crosby let loose on the keys and fiddle.  It was a show that felt good going down, and all the way home.  Here’s a look at the sweat, the smiles, and the players that completely made our night.

A Conversation & Concert with Jamie McLean: Gramercy Theatre on January 27

There was no fanfare when the Jamie McLean Band took the stage in Fairfield a few weeks ago.  Jamie had an unassuming, almost self-effacing manner.  He walked quietly to the microphone; a handwritten setlist was dropped to the floor, the guitar strapped in place, and then the show began.