Preview: Jamie McLean @ The Mercury Lounge

When I first saw the Dirty Dozen Brass Band a few years ago, I was struck by the gritty guitar playing of axeslinger Jamie McLean. I’ve been following McLean’s career ever since and I’ve been waiting for this renowned sideman to step into the spotlight. The time has finally come with the formation of the Jamie McLean Band and the release of their second full-length album: American Heartache.

Jamie’s spent the summer on the road with his band tightening all the screws and preparing for a headlining tour that kicks off on Thursday at The Mercury Lounge in NYC. The band sounds like a mix of the Black Crowes and the Assembly of Dust thanks to Jamie’s soulful voice and probing lyrics. All of the tracks on American Heartache are true rockers that are just screaming to be jammed out live. Of particular note are the blue collar anthem Working Man and the guitar-driven thriller Can You Hear Me Now?

It’s no coincidence that Jamie and his band are playing an album release party on a date that screams American Heartache: 9/11. Be sure to head over to the Mercury Lounge for what’s sure to be an emotional evening. The Jamie McLean Band kicks things off around 9:30PM while ol’ Hidden Track favorites The Breakfast hit the stage at 10:30PM. Other American Heartache record release parties take place at Nectar’s in Burlington (9/12) and Cafe 939 in Boston (9/13).

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2 Responses

  1. We try not to miss Jamie whenever he’s in ATL. Even caught him, by accident, the first time in Chicago! We definitely lucked out. His show is always good, whether playing to a big crowd or a tiny one, his show is always true to his sound and passion for playing. You must get the new cd. The entire thing is excellent, with a wide range of song styles, but all solid rock-n-roll.

  2. Kellie in Chicago — you said it! I tell everyone I know not to miss Jamie’s shows when he’s in Raleigh. He and his band know their instruments backwards, forwards, upside-down, and sideways, so the rock is always rollin’. Combine that with his poetic lyrics, and you’ve got music and a show worth paying the cover charge for — and definitely worth buying the CD for. Both his albums have multiple hits on my iPod.

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