Atlanta's Forrest and Kaylon McDonald play an agreeable brand of blues rock. Among the better tracks, "I'll Be There for You," with it's old time feel, sounds great; the slow blues "I Feel So Bad" is a gritty guitar workout for Forrest; and the original ballad "I Want To Know," with its dramatic, familiar changes, is a potential standard.
Tom Hyslop
Blues Review - The Worlds Best Blues Magazine Feb/Mar 2008
Forrest and Kaylon McDonald team up for a delightful musical journey through the various hues of the blues on their first CD together, There's Nothing Wrong With Dreaming. Forrest's guitar riffs are the centerpiece of each track. Kaylon's credible vocals are a comfortable fit and she has the ability to turn the original compositions into blues standards. The CD also features an array of stellar musicians -- from Ken Rhyne on harp to Rich Ianucci on Hammond B-3 with John McKnight behind the drum kit -- making this one a keeper.
Black Jack & AJ
Good Morning Blues
WRFG/Atlanta -- 89.3 FM
www.wrfg.org
There's Nothing Wrong With Dreaming is Forrest McDonald’s first collaboration with his wife Kaylon. Those familiar with Forrest's guitar playing won't be disappointed with what they hear. Adding to Forrest's exceptional guitar technique is Kaylon's blues infused vocals. Kaylon's style takes me back; her voice reminds me of the torch singers of the 40's, she has a jazz -influenced bluesy style that's very easy to listen to and the perfect compliment to Forrest's high caliber guitar licks. There are 13 well-written and produced original compositions on this CD.
Mary -- Mary4Music.com
"Since 1998, the Internet's Most Comprehensive Blues and Indie Music Network"
'Forrest & Kaylon McDonald'
'There's Nothing Wrong with Dreaming'
- Label: 'World Talent Records'
- Genre: 'Blues' - Release Date: '2007'
Our Rating: *********
"There's Nothing Wrong with Dreaming" offers a two-for-one package.
Often you will discover a female blues singer with a voice from the heavens, or a blues guitarist who can crank the most smoking riffs. But both on the same CD? Forrest and Kaylon McDonald (http://www.forrestmcdonald.com) provide a two-fisted punch on "There's Nothing Wrong with Dreaming," a nicely polished blues record that'll appease not just the purists but curious pop listeners as well.
Much of the blues I hear through the independent scene is raw and monotonous. There's a vast number of undisciplined musicians out there who need to gain more experience before entering the studio. However, it's not just experience in playing the blues but living it as well. For the blues comes from the heart, the soul; it is the essence of rock and roll.
"My tears are falling down," Kaylon laments on "I Feel So Bad," her voice melting in a melancholic drawl as Forrest simply scorches with his guitar. That is textbook blues, brimming with intense, open emotions and sizzling catharsis. "Boy I'm Busy Now" is a pointed kiss-off that kicks you in the gut. It's so refreshing to hear the blues from a woman's perspective; that "woman done me wrong" thang becomes old hat after a while so it's a blast to hear us guys getting the slam.
There's versatility here, too. The timely and witty "Gas Pump Blues" has vibrant pop hooks while "You're My Dream" flirts with jazz and "I'll Be There " injects some country into the mix.
Author: Adam Harrington - Whispering and Hollering
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