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Holla & Moan
Bahool Records
The McNaMarr Project consists of guitarist-vocalist John McNamara and vocalist Andrea Marr. The two are amongst the leading performers on the soul and blues scene in their native Australia. "Holla & Moan" is their first release and recorded in Memphis at the famed Royal Studios. The studio band includes a rhythm section of guitarist Bobby Manuel, bassist Ray Griffin, drummer Willie Hall, keyboardist Lester Snell. There is a brassy horn section with Scott Thompson on trumpet, Lannie McMillan on tenor sax, and Jim Spake on baritone sax. Lester Snell provided all the arrangements of the nine originals the two have written.
From the title track's first notes to the final moments of "Blues Brought Me Home," This recording almost sounds like a lost Stax recording session. Think about duets by William Bell or Eddie Floyd, and Mavis Staples or Johnnie Taylor and Carla Thomas (and also the blue-eyed soul of Delaney and Bonnie). Marr and McNamara suggest those classic duets as well as the church preaching approach of Sam and Dave or Bobby & James Purify. There is the deep soul rocker title track or the deep southern soul ballad of "Missing You." The publicity compares Marr to Bettye Lavette and vintage Tina Turner, and her vocal on "Throwing Down a Little Love" suggests a comparison to Lavette is not far-fetched. McNamara sounds equally natural and persuasive and throughout throws in well-placed guitar licks. His guitar is well-featured on "Keep It Rollin'."
Perhaps the soul ballad "History" is the high point, but the entire recording is superb. With stellar backing and idiomatic originals the two brought to the recording session, The McNaMarr Project will surprise those who might not believe that a duo from down-under can get down so well. "Holla & Moan" is highly recommended.
I received a review copy from a publicist. Here The McNaMarr Project is seen performing "Missing You."
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