Musician Spotlight: Brian MacDonald

Man, does that name ever ring a big bell! Always a consummate musician, Brian MacDonald was an integral part of the fantastic Thunder Road, a tribute band long before the musical landscape was littered with tributes. Performing to wide acclaim from the late ‘70s into the early ‘90s, Brian and this ground breaking band pounded out five and six great shows each week, taking it to the streets and rocking audiences throughout New England for many memorable years.

So what’s Brian up to these days?   Like all great Road Dogs, he’s making powerful music and still going strong—stronger than ever in fact.

To the delight of a fanatically devoted and well-earned following, Brian continues to play tirelessly in and around Hartford and other popular venues. Honing his unique and haunting style to perfection with solo performances at clubs, bars, taverns, lounges, and private parties, Brian occasionally calls on his old Thunder Road pals, Rex Havoc (drums and bass) and Miss Elise (vocals) to round out the show. This month, fans of the dynamic trio are in for a special treat when Brian and the band make a special appearance at Shea’s America Bar & Grill, 103 Tolland Turnpike, in Manchester, CT on Sunday July 31, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with tailgating to start at noon.

Whether performing original tunes or putting his own unique stamp on the musical gems of others, Brian MacDonald is the Real Deal. His soulful renditions of classics like “Dry Lightning” (Bruce Springsteen), “My Old Friend the Blues” (Earl Stacey), and “Sweet Music Man” (Kenny Rogers) accomplish the unimaginable, outshining even the stellar original versions. These timeless tunes, and many other equally incredible works from the rich Americana songbook, are mainstays of Brian’s popular live show—a seamless and hypnotic weaving of fan favorites, less familiar material, and originals written by Brian. As the venues vary, so does the playlist. A fan favorite is a 4 song medley of Brian’s own recorded songs; She Doesn’t Know She’s Beautiful, Strong Woman, She Don’t Love Him Anymore and She’s Got Her Own Life Now. In his lyrics, Brian has a clever way of writing about things many people don’t talk about.

With a memory bank of at least 1,000 songs, Brian can handle almost any request. But things really heat up when the jam begins, and Brian’s generous inclusion of the guest musicians and singers who frequent his shows sends the crowd into overdrive.

While busy stoking the fire with his hot live shows, Brian also has managed to put together a fantastic discography. Working with Grammy and Oscar winning producer, Rick Jarrard (Jefferson Airplane, Michael McDonald, Nilsson, Jose Feliciano), Brian recently released stunning versions of “Dry Lightning” and “My Old Friend the Blues” featuring his inimitable vocals and guitar virtuosity, along with Country Music Hall of Fame pedal steel artist, J. D. Maness. Fans are also excited about the upcoming single release of “Carmelita,” written by the late master, Warren Zevon, and made new again by Brian MacDonald. Of course, Brian’s first album, “Midnight in Nowhere,” is a popular fixture on iTunes, and all of his releases are available at the public performances. Throughout all of this exceptional material, Brian’s

influences shine through–James Taylor (who he has opened for in the past), Keith Richards, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and of course, Warren Zevon—all of these great artists and inspirations are part of Brian’s potent and heady mix.

But you don’t have to take our word for it! Come on out to Shea’s on July 31st or catch any of Brian’s other shows in the area, and you’ll be a believer, too—like some of the most important critical voices in music today.

To purhase Brian’s music go to: Itunes

To hear more, go to: Reverb Nation

And to find Brian on Facebook: Brian MacDonald

“I am excited to be working with this terrific new artist. His unique voice and songwriting abilities are delivered with a Roots/Americana blue-collar approach that carries through in his stage presence….”

— Rick Jarrard, Friday Records

“Country music always dictates that it’s the unique ‘Voice’ that bumps things up a notch. Brian MacDonald has this potential groundbreaking kind of voice, and songs to match.”

— Country E/W Radio, Texas

“Can we make Brian MacDonald our state singer… or at least make room for him on the flag?…He is the epitome of what a professional musician should be….”

— Dan Barry,The Hartford Advocate