Logan Mac – Live at the Print Shop
This showcase will appeal to country purists since Oklahoma’s Logan Mac with his seasoned countrified accent to his intonation & slight twang isn’t annoying but quite charming. Charming because his blue-collar up bringing & storytelling is sharp especially on this live set where his voice has clarity with the spare acoustic guitar accompaniment. “House Without Heat” is a wonderfully crafted little country tune sung with all the sincerity of a good ole boy who has found an attentive listener even in a New York City ear.
There are people who don’t like the twangy genre of country (i.e. Randy Travis) but I’m finding Logan’s presentation genuine, authentic & with the kind of tales he lays out — appropriate. There’s a realism to his words & the single acoustic guitar seems the only dramatic muscle needed. The rest is glued together by Logan’s fine lyrics adorned in sweet melodic fumes that occupy songs like “Redbird” & fill the atmosphere of the venue.
There are 13 cuts to Live at the Print Shop (Drops Sept 25/Blank Records) available on all digital platforms & limited vinyl records. The set was recorded by Alex Bourne. “Steel Toe Boots” is a tough title but it’s also a tear-jerker in quality. A great ballad with a serious tale & well sung by Logan Mac. This has a message to people working until the soles of their boots crack. Now that’s different.
Logan has good tonality & possesses authenticity. He may not be as poetic as Bob Dylan, or as intense as Kris Kristofferson, but he has a folky-country established pattern inflates like a helium balloon & takes off quickly. “Til the Ground” is more aggressive than the first 2 songs, & his harmonica adds just enough drama. His approach to his singing style is quite fluid.
With “Dammit Debbie” Logan blends Ramblin’ Jack Elliott with Townes van Zandt. He adds more torque to his voice in this short story with character, honey, & grease. Yeah, even I can like stuff like this…we all know a Debbie. That frisky girl that’s still loaded with vinegar at 61. Love those types of women…fearless, daring & they know how to have fun.
The Logan Mac voice goes even more poignant in “The Man That’s Killing Me” a stirring piece. Logan sings assertively. It’s a song that smolders like the bright flames under wood & white coals that are slowing dying but still burning unseen deep inside the ash. One of the strongest numbers on the album along with “Weeds.”
A satisfying showcase by a skilled voice. “Sometimes wildflowers grow in the weeds.”
Highlights – “House Without Heat,” “Redbird,” “Til the Ground,” “Steel Toe Boots,” “Dammit Debbie,” “The Man That’s Killing Me,” “Memories,” “Weeds” & “Dance Under Stars.”
Color images courtesy of Live at the Print Shop & Logan’s website. CD @ Amazon & https://www.loganmacmusic.com/