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Gone To Texas
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John McVey Album Review:
Its About Time at 2002-07-17
Its about time a blues guitarist came out with something really different. Rarely these days do I hear a new electric blues guitar release that sparks my interest, because so often the artists seem mired in imitation. John McVeys Gone to Texas strikes me because there is really nothing to which it can be compared. I could name a few apparent influences, but McVey, as a stylist, has ventured beyond his influences to where the magic of true creation occurs. This is a phenomenal GUITAR album. Be forewarned: it is not a vocalists album. Although there are lyrics to every song, somehow the vocals seem secondary, simply sketching the painting. Colors and details are boldly laid out by McVeys guitar, with occasional flourishes from Joel Guzman on accordion, Riley Osbourn on keys and Kim Wilson on harp...all on a canvas of fantastic players from the Texas blues scene. The end results are vivid musical stories, fiery, fun and honest. Gone to Texas swept me along and then left me with a sense of satisfaction the likes of which I have not experienced from a new blues album in a very long time.
John McVey Album Review:
Great Guitar-Music, Weak Vocals at 2006-06-06
Would give this album more like 3.5 stars because it is a very good blues album. John has a great tonal quality to his guitar and plays a Texas boogie type blues. The songs are fun and the backing band is great. As mentioned by others, the vocals are a little weak. John has the same vocal delivery to every song. Upon repeated listings the songs start to blur together. Saw him on 6th St. as part of a trio and really enjoyed the show. Would give him a try if you a looking for something new fresh and like blues guitar.
John McVey Album Review:
debuted this on my community radio show!! at 2003-07-14
My comment: If that (title track) didnt make the hair stand up on the back of your neck, you need to lie down and have your pulse checked!His other CDs showcase his voice - this is MUSIC. If this is what it means, hope John Stays in Texas!! This is GREAT stuff...Larry, Blues House Party on KABF in Little Rock
John McVey Album Review:
Blues at its best. at 2003-01-24
Listening to John McVeys CD Gone to Texas doesnt quite match the energy and artistry that watching him live conveys, but if you cant make it to Joes Generic Bar on 6th Street in Austin, buy this CD! Johns guitar playing is phenomenal and his soulfull, steeped-in-Texas voice is true to the blues genre. So, grab yourself a Shiner bock, crank up the volume on Gone to Texas, turn down the lights, and be prepared to get blue.
John McVey Album Review:
Guitar Genius at 2002-07-25
John McVey is a genuine Texas guitar genius and this is the best hes ever sounded! All the songs, nine of which McVey wrote, are great but my favorite is probably I Dont Stutter because it also features Fabulous Thunderbirds harmonica hero Kim Wilson as a guest. But every one is a prime piece of modern Texas blues and McVeys guitar work and singing are so strong he really doesnt need much outside help. The Austin all-stars backing him on the recording do a great job but his live act, showcasing bassist/vocalist Erin James, is even hotter. Catch him in a club or concert if you ever have the opportunity and youll be blown away. In the meantime, Gone to Texas will more than satisfy your desire for real blues played with power and passion. Its just great stuff from first note to last!
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Jigsaw
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John McVey Album Review:
Eloquent, melodic and expressive...... at 2002-01-17
I first heard John McVey at a party at a friends house, before I left I got over to myself and listened to the whole CD. His guitar playing is clean and powerful. His voice can cover all emotions from shame to elation without even straining and while there are countless souls in Nashville that can also do that, his writing in the songs on this album is what endeared the CD to me. The man writes just like he plays and sings, from his soul. Great album.
John McVey Album Review:
Who IS This Guy? at 2001-03-25
OK, get a CD in the mail, new voice, Kerrville something or other, hmmmmm. Put it on the CD player. Push Play. Start dinner. What. Whoa. Sit down. Listen. Start the CD over. Listen again, harder. Whoa again. Who is this guy? Nice press kit. Read everything, start CD over several times. Man! Who is this guy? Sounds like Gorka, no Earle, not Kottke, sorta. Who IS THIS GUY? Well, hes Wonderful. Dinner abandoned. Listen to whole CD three times and try to find him on the web and see when hes playing near me!
John McVey Album Review:
Who IS This Guy? at 2001-03-25
OK, get a CD in the mail, new voice, Kerrville something or other, hmmmmm. Put it on the CD player. Push Play. Start dinner. What. Whoa. Sit down. Listen. Start the CD over. Listen again, harder. Whoa again. Who is this guy? Nice press kit. Read everything, start CD over several times. Man! Who is this guy? Sounds like Gorka, no Earle, not Kottke, sorta. Who IS THIS GUY? Well, hes Wonderful. Dinner abandoned. Listen to whole CD three times and try to find him on the web and see when hes playing near me!
John McVey Album Review:
Retrospective at 2001-03-21
Reminiscent of earlier artists, John gracefully ties together his exquisite lyrics, mood and presence for a truly provoking listening experience. His many years of passion for his endeavors to move forward with his music is now made apparent in his newest release, Jigsaw.
John McVey Album Review:
This guy is great at 2001-02-06
I had the good luck to stumble into a John McVey performance at the Alta ski area in Utah last week. Id never heard of him before. It was an amazing evening -- a small audience, snow falling outside, and John McVey sitting on a chair with an acoustic guitar. Ive seen hundreds of concerts and few have ever moved me as much. Later I heard his album, Jigsaw, and was blown away all over again. The guy is a huge talent -- a rare combination of great voice, great melodies, and real intelligence. This album is a must-own!
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Circle of Friends
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John McVey Album Review:
John Criscitiello / John McVey - then and now at 2004-02-27
I first heard John at a place called the Library, in Voorhees, N.J. around 1990-1991.At that time he was known as John Criscitiello, and from the first performance I was absolutely hooked on his incredible and totally unique talent. I still have one of his original cassettes, The One Way Train which has a few tracks that remain some of my favorites some 14 years later. Circle of Friends is still as meaningful and enjoyable to me today as the first time I heard it.I had an opportunity to speak with John briefly after a performance in NJ and he indicated that he was going to head to Nashville and try his hand at country music, which I frankly never quite understood, since his talent was so original and totally unique that I always felt his music could carry the day on its own without the need for a commercial mechanism to drive it. The music business is a strange place to be sometimes, requiring a combination of timing, luck and a fortuitous break here and there to make it, so I imagine John beleieved it was his best shot to have the broadest base of appeal. To this day I believe he is one of the most talented individuals I have ever heard.He has an amazing voice with greater range than he uses,is a uniquely talented lyricist, a wonderful musician and captivating performer. I recommend Johns music to anyone who is travelling the path of the heart and still believes that music ought to mean something when its written and move someone when performed.
John McVey Album Review:
Great Music at 1999-05-24
Once I heard the CD I was hooked. Listen in my car, at work, at home. Where can I get more of his music?
John McVey Album Review:
this guy should be famous! at 1999-02-08
An artist with universal appeal...his voice will move you; the songs will pull you in. Even the Boston Globe thinks so: ...it is no surprise that McVey is often compared to the Philly soul sound of artists such as Daryl Hall......highlights are Goodbye is Still Goodbye, his incredible re-working of I Want to Hold Your Hand(backing vocals by Jonatha Brooke) and the genttly stirring title track which borrows respectfully from Dylans I Shall Be Released...
John McVey Album Review:
Terrific CD! Recommend highly!! at 1999-02-06
Beautiful voice, great songs! Listen!
John McVey Album Review:
You HAVE to listen! at 1999-01-15
This is the best up-and-coming artist I have heard for a long time! He has an incredible and distinct voice -- one that after youve heard it once, youll recognize again. Like all of the great artists that have been around and will stay popular forever - in any genre (country music, rock and roll, top-40, etc) -- the artists that stay around have their own sound, you turn on the radio and instantly know who is singing. Give this CD a chance and youll be hooked. (If you get a chance to hear him perform live, dont pass it up! -- Hes touring all over) Gotta love it!
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