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Goin' California CD Reviews 2010
Ken Macy is no stranger to the recording studio. With 3 previously released albums, Ken brings his experience to this latest release called "Goin' California". Ken Macy is one of those astounding musicians who cannot be boxed into one genre. He is generous to his listeners hitting on a song for everyone. Ken shows his expertise at adapting to any style and succeeding gloriously. Ken's instrumentation is top notch on "Goin California". Ken Macy plays Guitar, Bass, Percussion and Harmonica on this album and is kicking some major butt. This man writes a new page in talent. His vocals are brilliant. He can slide from soft melodies, to rock and back to blues as easily as taking a breath. It all flows beautifully. With outstanding help from Kevin Haverty on drums, Ken has yet another Exceptional Album for his loyal fans and new listeners.
Well thought out lyrics and production make Ken Macy's "Goin' California" a huge success. This is the kind of album you won't have to skip ahead when your listening to it. Each track bringing you another piece of Ken's songwriting and story telling abilities. You are going to love this album.
1) Quiet Storm - What a delight and a surprize. Ken Macy sings this sensual song with such style. Production, instrumentation and lyrics are absolutely wonderful. You will become a part of it when you hear it. Turn off everything except this song. Beautiful lyrics and a slow easy sexy vocal. Ken has nailed it on this one!
2) Goin' California - This is the title track on Kens album. I can't say enough about Kens songwriting on this track. It has a popish feel about it bordering on rock. Once again Ken's songwriting skills shine through this track. He has spared no expense at production anyone can see. Ken has done a fantastic job once again. His vocals are exceptional and one of a kind.
3) Country Cow Blues - WOW! This track is down and dirty blues! Ken Macy hits it with his guitar work. Exceptional production and instrumentation. And I have to say.. the lyrics are fabulous!! Ken Macy knows how to capture and hold you hostage baby! This track is going to make you growl, lower your head, squint your eye and bob along with it. This is quality blues! Well done Ken!!
Every track will hold something for everyone. From hard hitting Bluesy Rock like "Too Much Changing" to the sensual "Quiet Storm", I would lay money that this album is the winner of the year!! Grab a copy for yourself. Everyone needs Goin' California in their music library this year. It is simply outstanding. And Thats just how I see it
Shashona McCall-Indie Showcase
Ken Macy has won four Worcester Music awards including Best Blues & R & B Act and Best Solo Act '. This gives us more reason to focus our ears.
To begin, I discovered his music sounds like John Fogerty, The Black Crowes and Tom Petty. In "Goin 'California' we are given proof that his music strongly resembles that of the old CCR front man, even more, his music sounds sincere and softer. The sharp contours of John's voice are not present here happily. This song could also have a song resemblance on the work of the Eagles. Macy is in every song assisted by Kevin Haverty on drums.
"Let's Get Together Soon" was also quite a number sounding like James Taylor, but all are original songs from Ken's pen flowed. Ken also has a perfect voice in this song and is very well reflected. The man really had no additional guitarist needed given himself a virtuoso on the six stringed instrument. 'Quiet Storm' is put in a whisper and made me think back to the work of several country bands in the early seventies. Gram Parsons comes into the picture here.
Ken Macy knows us sometimes at times we are on the wrong road too, but fortunately this is rapidly put right by what the rest of the songs heard on the ladder part of the album. Country Blues, we get in the form of "Country Cow Blues', a beautiful blues which Macy puts aside the Rickenbacker guitar for a Martin guitar. Beautiful blues! This also applies to the rocker "Too Much Changing" which we are treated to a bit of guitar violence. As you can read, all the directions go to Macy's music, and rightly so. But I like it also in the form of the Eagles.
Ken Macy, or we may speak of a new genius, because his CD is far from boring. Easily digestible songs, with good memories, rumbling out of your speakers like you would imagine in Laurel Caynon. And believe me, all the ingredients to do that are richly present here. A must own!
Keys And Chords July 2010 (Belgium review: Dutch to English Translation)
The talented singer/songwriter Ken Macy releases a terrific album titled, "Goin' California." This CD has a lot to offer as the music is a mix of easy listening Rock, a little Country, and acoustic Blues. The opener/title cut, "Goin' California," is well blended as the guitar dishes out some sweet guitar riffs while the vocals capture the charming melodic lyrics. You'll like the song, "Country Cow Blues," as this acoustic tune is quite rootsy with a soulful guitar solo and bluesy vocals. Taking an edgier Rock tonality, "Too Much Changing," has great harmonies and impresses as Macy shows his versatility as a musician. If you're looking for an album that offers a nice blend of music, then you will really enjoy the collection of songs on, "Goin' California."
Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
"California dreaming"
With a lovely acoustic sound and a knack for lyrical narrative, Ken Macy is a classic sort of American troubadour, coaxing emotion from blues guitar lines and his own clear, dextrous voice. Songs such as "Seasonal Girl" and the title track to his new CD, "Goin' California," manage to steer clear of cliche and instead paint engaging, wistful portraits of love lost to the road.
-Worcester Telegram & Gazette
You never know what you're going to get from singer-songwriter-guitarist Ken Macy but one thing's for sure: It's going to be good...Real good. After listening to the first cut from his latest album "Goin California", you would say Macy is going through an Eagles songwriting phase that features well constructed pop numbers filled with snarling guitars and great vocals. That's not to say Macy is copying one of America's greatest rock bands, on the contrary, he's employed those influences into a well penned song (Goin' California) that bares his signature vocals and inventive guitar work. But if you listen very carefully (and you should) you can also hear influences as varied as Chris Isaak (Quiet Storm), The Byrds (Seasonal Girl), Howlin Wolf (Country Cow Blues) and Led Zeppelin (Sly) along with some highly original offerings like "Stay in Tune" and the funky grind of "Too Much Changing". With four albums under his belt, it's clear that Ken Macy is a force to be reckoned with on the New England Music Scene. Good Stuff!!
D.S. Metronome Magazine
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