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Goin' California CD Reviews/Articles 2010
"Ken Macy Does It All"
Inspired by artists like Tom Petty and Creedence Clearwater Revival, Worcester musician Ken Macy recently released, "Goin' California," a nine-track album on which he plays every instrument excluding drums. He spent a few months writing the material and another four and a half months recording.
"The whole idea of the record has to do with California based artists," said Macy. "I was really intrigued with that sound. The song itself is about stardom and how somebody wasn't very honest with themselves and everything sort of came back to bite him. I kind of ran with that idea for the rest of the record. It was kind of my ode to them."
Macy, who is currently doing acoustic shows to promote the album, said he feels as if it's his most complete to date. He handles vocals, guitars, bass, harmonica, some percussion, and tambourine. Kevin Haverty plays drums on the record.
"He has a fantastic ear and he is also a songwriter, as well," said Macy. "He helped produce a couple of tracks and is part of the overall sound. The songs range from all different styles, from rock, to country, to blues. I really like the title track a lot. 'Season Girl' has nice harmonies, and 'Quiet Storm' has a nice feel to it. Those are my three favorites."
As he writes, Macy said he often comes up with a guitar line or a chord progression first. Other times, he focuses on lyrics."Sometimes I come up with both," he said. "Then, the songs sort of develop themselves. I just play what I feel and what feels comfortable to me. That's the stuff that comes out on the record. It's all natural; there's no auto tuning. What you hear is what you get. It's very honest and true."
Macy began playing guitar when he was thirteen. He started off teaching himself, and was trained musically for four years."Guitar was my primary instrument," he said. "I did a lot of session work and side work with bands and eventually started doing his own songs."
As time passed, he developed his voice. With each show he performed, the better he became."The more you do something the more you understand it," Macy said. Macy is a four-time Worcester Music Award winner. He said winning was great, but even just being nominated was "excellent." "It let's me know I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing with music," he said. "I really appreciate it."
Right now, he is looking forward to putting a full band together to tour. He hopes to begin touring by spring or summer of next year to promote, "Goin' California." "I appreciate the great responsces I've gotten from fans about the album," Macy said. "I've really been thankful for everything I've had thus far."
In his spare time, Macy enjoys watching baseball and hockey. He also likes the beach and photography.
"I love taking pictures of people and landscapes," he said. "I was born on Valentine's Day, too Even if I'm single, I still get presents. It"s great."
To find out more about Macy, check him out on kenmacymusic.com. His music is available on iTunes and cdbaby.com. Friend him on Facebook and on MySpace
JESSICA A. BOTELHO Limelight Magazine December 13, 2010
Ken Macy's latest gift to the world of music ~ an album by the name of Goin' California ~ is yet another wonderful display of Macy's skill, passion and story-telling abilities. This multi-talented musician and songwriter is a four time Worcester Music Awards winner and on this album alone, he handles the vocals, the acoustic and electric guitar, the bass, harmonica, some percussion and the tambourine. (He DOES let incredibly rhythmic Kevin Haverty handle the drums, however.)
Country and folk are alive and well on Goin' California, with Macy giving us the twang when necessary and the thumping back beat when we need it. Each of his songs is like a short story; he steps in as the charming narrator and tells us of a young girl who finds quick success and ultimate failure in the bright lights, of a simple guy reaching out to friends and family for connection during the holidays, of a couple whose passion consumes them as soon as they return to each other's arms after a day apart. Macy's lyrics are appealing because he keeps it simple. The emotions and language are honest and straightforward with never a superfluous word or thought snuck into the fray, keeping the imagery fresh and rich.
The album has unique moments that add zest to an already solid collection of songs. The vocal effects in "Country Cow Blues" give Macy's singing that "old tyme" feel and you wonder if he's traveled back to the 1920s to record the ditty into an old tin can. In "Seasonal Girl," a peppy song about a guy in love with a girl he only sees during the warmer months of spring break, there are fun traces of the Beach Boys that make one smile and remember summer lovin'.
Goin' California is a great representation of Macy's range as an artist.Too bad we can't keep this homegrown boy all to ourselves, but he is destined for great things that are bound to steal him away...Check out Ken Macy at www.kenmacymusic.com.
Tine Roycroft-Pulse Magazine
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
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
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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