Blue Blue Blue
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
A veteran singer-songwriter and guitarist, Noel McKay resides in Nashville now but previously spent time in Austin, and he brings influences from both those locations into the very diverse and well thought out Americana of Blue Blue Blue.
“The 50 Loneliest Places In The Nation” starts the listen with McKay’s breezy vocals in a warm, Americana inspired climate that’s certainly indebted to earlier times, and “Sleeping In My Car” follows a soft folk presence that recruits graceful piano to the country spirited climate.
Closer to the middle, the rugged yet tuneful “Open All Night” brings Brennen Leigh on harmony vocals and Jenee Fleenor’s fiddle acrobatics to the album highlight, while “Blue, Blue, Blue” is a bare, sublime and poetic display of McKay’s timeless skill alongside Gary Newcomb’s strategic pedal steel. “Get A Bag Of Ice”, another excellent selection, then bounces with a rural playfulness that showcases Jay Weaver’s precise bass lines and Dave Racine’s agile drumming.
Further yet, “Pawnee Waltz” indeed will get your body swaying to the romantic mood that benefits from Melissa Carper’s harmony vocals, and “You Oughta Write A Song About That” exits the listen with a charming folk finisher that revolves around song ideas that fans offer McKay following his shows.
McKay was discovered by Guy Clark in 1993, and he’s also played in McKay Brothers and The Laughing Dogs along the way. On this solo effort, his exceptional company helps illuminate his fluid, sincere and sometimes humorous vision, which will settle in nicely with fans of folk, country, roots and honky tonk.
Travels well with: Tylor & The Train Robbers- Non-Typical Find; Brennen Leigh- Prairie Love Letter