George McCorkle
"American Street"
This is the most creative, eclectic, quality album that I've received to review so far. George has produced a masterpiece which combines country, jazz, rock other elements into one album in a masterful way.
George's lead guitar playing is awesome, I guess all those years playing rhythm guitar behind one of the finest guitarists ever, Toy Caldwell, were not wasted. However, his style is definitely his own. George's voice is very warm, definitely country sounding, tends to sound a bit more like Toy than Doug Gray if you are familiar with the Marshall Tucker Band. He wrote or co-wrote every song on this album, which includes "Fire On The Mountain"-a Tucker Band classic, this version more acoustic, slower, more countrified.
You'll find every kind of rhythm, beat and more on this refreshing recording. The recording is very warm and rich, very well produced. This is the best CD you'll never hear on radio, not most stations anyway.
George's lyrics are thoughtful, songs of love, cowboys and social themes. George has created a refreshing recording which from every stage from the beginning to the mastering level was done very thoughtfully and creatively.
Here's a look at my favorites:
1."The Journey Home"-a tribute to Toy Caldwell, fellow member of the Marshall Tucker Band, who died about 10 years ago. The song emulates a lot of Southern Rock imagery, plus some very Toy sounding leads from George for the only time on the CD. Great piano playing with some Skynyrd influences.
2."Fire On The Mountain"-great slower, more country, acoustic sounding version than the original Tucker Band version. Nice talk verse at the end of the song. Nice country instrumentation.
3."Move In A Circle"-This is just a nice, fun upbeat song that will want to make you move, theme of the song is a love song.
4."Crazy Molly Monroe"-(personal favorite)-beautiful acoustic ballad, Irish overtones, lush sound quality-story song .
5."Peace Stories"-Upbeat, almost gospel type song about hope for world peace in the future, great female background vocals-acoustic sounding.
6."Drowning On Dry Land"-Sad rock, love ballad, beautiful imagery in lyrics.
In finishing, there are 2 great social theme songs, "American Street" and "Land Of The Free" which show his love for America. I had some brief correspondence with George by e-mail and just want to include his answer to a question that I asked him. What was it like to play rhythm guitar with one the all time great lead guitarists, Toy Caldwell?
Jim
George's reply:
Jim,
I guess playing with Toy was a blessing, that's the only way to put it. He was always out of control but at the same time totally in control! Seemed to stay on the edge and defiantly one of the most talented people I've ever known. For some reason we had a thing together that required no communication to know what was going on all the time. I could always tell what he was going to do before he did it and that freed him up to go where he wanted to without any worry. The rhythm section of MTB had a very unique thing and that was the reason for a three piece section! Then again I do love the groove and my ego is not so big that I need to be in the spotlight all the time! I do love playing rhythm! Toy's contribution to music can be heard all over! I feel very fortunate to have shared part of my life with that band, and I too, still today rely on Toy's influence!
Jim, thanks so much for the kind words about "American Street" and taking the time to do a review of it! My best to you and God Bless America!
George
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