Blues & Beyond

Blues & Beyond is the newest collaboration from John McDonald and Mark Maxwell, blending blues, Americana, roots music, and soulful guitar work. Featuring original songs, guest musicians, and decades of musical experience, the album continues their long-running creative partnership.

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2026 · Album

Musicians & Production

John McDonald - lead vocals, acoustic guitar
Mark Maxwell - electric guitar, bass, effects
Jason Fuller - piano
Pat Strawser - organ, keyboards
Mindy Towe - sax
Glyn Denham - harmonica
William Kissane - drums
Janis Maxwell - back-up vocal on Drive
Sarah Lawing - featured vocals on What You Gonna Do About Me and I Done Got Over It and back-up vocal on Best In Town
Produced by John McDonald and Mark Maxwell
Recorded by Mark Maxwell at Maxwell Sound Recording Studio, Athens, GA, Spring 2026

Press

What They're Saying

“Feeling Blues is more than just an album — it’s a testament to John McDonald’s lifelong love affair with the genre. With Mark Maxwell’s skillful touch elevating every track, the album is an essential listen for blues aficionados and newcomer’s alike…

The Sound Cafe

Read Full Review →

“Feeling BLUES features covers of classic tunes of blues, soul, and R&B…
…the album shines brightest when the albums gifted artists do their thing …
…incredible guitar work (both acoustic and classical style) along with terrific
backing vocals…

Blues Blast Magazine

Read Full Review →

“…an interesting album of tunes that the band obviously enjoys singing and
playing. It’s a classic set of covers well worth your time...”

Southern Music Journal

Read Full Review →

Discography

THE MUSIC

Blues & Beyond

Musicians & Production

What They're Saying

“Feeling Blues is more than just an album — it’s a testament to John McDonald’s lifelong love affair with the genre. With Mark Maxwell’s skillful touch elevating every track, the album is an essential listen for blues aficionados and newcomer’s alike…

The Sound Cafe

“Feeling BLUES features covers of classic tunes of blues, soul, and R&B… …the album shines brightest when the albums gifted artists do their thing … …incredible guitar work (both acoustic and classical style) along with terrific backing vocals…

Blues Blast Magazine

“…an interesting album of tunes that the band obviously enjoys singing and playing. It’s a classic set of covers well worth your time...”

Southern Music Journal

THE MUSIC

Blues & Beyond​

One Red Rose​

Feeling Blues​

On a Magnolia Wind​

Fools for Each Other​

Touched by the Blues​

Even Cowboys

Blues & Beyond​

“Feeling BLUES features covers of classic tunes of blues, soul, and R&B…
…the album shines brightest when the albums gifted artists do their thing …
…incredible guitar work (both acoustic and classical style) along with terrific
backing vocals…

“…an interesting album of tunes that the band obviously enjoys singing and
playing. It’s a classic set of covers well worth your time...”

Blues & Beyond

One Red Rose

Feeling Blues

On a Magnolia Wind

Fools for Each Other

Touched by the Blues

Blues & Beyond