John McKone displays both considerable technical skill and an artist’s way with
author: Wind and Wire
Playing his acoustic guitar in a style similar to the late Michael Hedges, as well as fellow Twin Cities (i.e. Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota) resident Billy McLaughlin, John McKone displays both considerable technical skill and an artist’s way with composing heartfelt songs on Times Too, his second release. This is a guitar-lovers "geetar" album, full of both fretboard pyrotechnics (such as on the rapid-fire paced opening track "Tuesday Last") and more plaintive pieces ("Second Hand" is particularly pleasant, as it meanders at a sedate but not somnambulant pace). What unifies the CD is McKone’s prodigious talent - this man can play, make no mistake about it.
Some tracks approach a more melodic sensibility, even being radio friendly, such as the shuffling uptempo toe-tapper, "Stop the Clock," or the somber "Too Late" which follows immediately afterwards. Wherever you drop the "virtual needle" of your CD player, you’ll hear a combination of soulful playing, crystal clarity of the music (kudos to engineer and producer Dan Wilson), and original compositions. While I mentioned McLaughlin and Hedges in the first paragraph, McKone clearly answers to his own unique muse. For proof, check out the rockin’ bluesy "Thirteenth Hour" followed by the cheery title tune, and a few songs later, the more complex finger workout of "Five O’Clock Shadow." Closing the album with "Last Forever," (one of the tracks here that most reminded me of the late Michael Hedges’ wonderful way with a guitar), McKone pours his soul into the faster tempo yet somewhat melancholic song - this interesting juxtaposition brings to mind racing through a rural landscape in late autumn - you’re driving fast but your emotions are subdued, despite the exhilaration of your speed.
As I’ve often written before, acoustic guitar music always makes me long for the northwoods. Images of pine trees, lake vistas, and logging trails littered with the red and gold of fallen leaves dance through my mind when I hear music like this, even the faster paced "sunnier" numbers. So, whether you are a kindred spirit of mine and make that same sort of visual connection to this type of music, or if you just plain love the results of a true craftsman creating magic with an acoustic guitar, Times Too will turn the trick. John McKone can play with the best of them - and the evidence is in ample supply on this excellent CD. Recommended? Of course!
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