"My wife and I happened to se the Bump Band at the Record Collector in Bordentown, New Jersey in February. Ian, Mark Andes and band were in great form. After listening to Rock for fifty years, it is quite refreshing to hear full tilt Rock and Roll again.
The album mirrored the band's performance lick for lick. The years of experience and musicianship are easliy discerned in this latest package."
Beautifully crafted...
Rincon | Boise, ID | 06/17/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This review will be perceived as being somewhat odd, for sure. Why? Because I do not yet have the CD. However, I saw Ian and his band perform the title track (Never Say Never) last night on Late Night with David Letterman and I was floored. A beautifully crafted tune, clever structure and lryics. My take on hearing the tune once is that Ian not only "still has it" but has written a very, very strong tune that I like very much. Can't wait to hear the rest.
"
It's about the songs, and these songs are wonderful
G. Stockton | Orange County, CA | 06/18/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"At a time when many artists give you a single or two, and a lot of filler, where songs might be downloaded a few at a time instead of an albums worth. I am thankful that I got the CD. It's been in my player on repeat since last weekend. The songs are extremely well written, very catchy. The album was recorded shortly after Ian suffered the deep personal loss of his wife in a tragic auto accident in 2006. One can sense the emotion in his vocal performance on several songs, including the title track "Never Say Never" and "Where Angels Hide", which is dedicated to his late Wife's daughter Mandy. Other stand outs are "Little Black Number" with a lovely little horn section in there that makes your ears go oooh yeah, like that, and "I Will Follow", where the Bump Band rock out in a very true to live sound. There are also a couple of real treasures on here too, "Killing Me With Love" and the guitar driven "An Innocent Man". I've got a feeling I will be listening to this CD a lot. If you crave listening to a really good album all the way through, consider adding this fine example to your collection."
Keeps Popping Into My Head and My Heart
Famous Jonny Mambo | Carrboro, NC | 11/04/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am ashamed to admit that I am late to the Amazing World of Mac. I probably would not have heard his music, had I not had he opportunity to interview him. His contributions have likely been masked due to close associations with his famous friends and his humility. The highest compliment that I can offer is when songs keeping bubbling up into my consciousness, I keep hearing these tunes in my head. I can't even recall the last time that this has happened. Mac is often erroneously described as a "sideman" in the music press. These songs are the cumulative output of a master musician and arranger who has continually worked to perfect his craft over a period of some 40-odd years. Fundamentally strong, nothing unnecessary is thrown into the mix. The album is a tribute to Mac's beloved wife who passed away in an automobile accident. It reflects pain, consolation, humor, wonder, joy, simple pleasures, and coming to terms with loss. I will be spinning this one a lot and will be avidly collecting more of Mac's work. I also love the tribute album he did for Ronnie Lane.