Album Notes

Johnnie Mac has been writing songs for over 25 years and this is his first commercial release. Featuring veteran players from the Boston music scene these songs tell stories of his life, relationships and experiences. Fun and poignant, these different musical snapshots give an insight to an artist who deserves a much wider recognition. If you're ever in the Boston area take the time to see Johnnie in person with one of the various acts he performs with. Here's what some reviewers have to say: Johnnie Mac has a street wisdom and unbreakable spirit that that fuel the soul-stirring songs on his new album "Bailed Out". The hard -fought scars and hard-earned triumphs that represent his life run throughout these emotionally gritty, completely unpretentious tunes. Steve Morse Boston Globe Corespondent and WBOS radio host. ---------------------------------------------- Good country songs, like good folk songs, have the power to talk meaningfully about the lives of real people....These are very good songs, wonderfully varied....top shelf and classy. Geoff Bartley ------------------------------------------------- JOHNNIE MAC "Bailed Out" There are Red Sox fans who rave over Bucky Dent and Bill Buckner, and I have never understood it. Bucky Dent doesn't bother me at all, and I have always really liked Bill Buckner whose brave-hearted drive was a huge part of getting the Sox into the 1986 World Series in the first place. For more than two decades, though, Red Sox ex-manager John McNamara has been my bete noire. And as you may recall - if you can stand to recall these things - McNamara was often called Johnny Mac. So when I opened up a mailer and found a disc by Johnnie Mac, I almost dropped it like a hot potato. But... First, I have seen this guy before, in person. I don't remember when or where, but I know his face. Second, I kinda got to wondering what a Johnnie Mac could sound like. Several dozen thunderstorms later (or so it seems), I finally got a chance to take a listen to "Bailed Out," and this album goes straight onto the list of my favorite recent listening matter. The "Bailed Out" booklet leads off with a list of session musicians that includes a good number of stellar names. Those who are most familiar to me are Dennis Brennan, Mike Dinallo, Jim Fitting, and Steve Sadler. I believe Maria could add substantially to my list. These are capable, inspired musicians. Reading these names is, to say the least, an encouraging intro to Mac's new CD. But the main thing here is Johnnie Mac, himself. On "Bailed Out" he nails a balance that is extremely difficult and equally rare: he comes across as a veteran who really knows what he is doing while still sounding fresh. Many can accomplish one or the other. Few weave the two together. Maybe this is the "unbreakable spirit" my hero, Steve Morse, spoke of in his rave review of "Bailed Out." Big stars and newcomers both take note: Johnnie Mac is one guy to emulate. I really like "Bailed Out" and the only thing more I need is Mac's written assurance that he has never managed the Boston Red Sox. Alan Lewis New England Music Scrapbook