Feeling BLUES: A Fresh Look at John McDonald and Mark Maxwell’s Latest Collaboration

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Rather than reposting the original review word for word, we wanted to create a fresh version of the article to avoid duplicate content issues while still highlighting what makes Feeling BLUES such a strong release.

John McDonald and Mark Maxwell continue to prove that their musical partnership is one of the strongest roots and blues collaborations coming out of Athens, Georgia.

Their latest album, Feeling BLUES, builds on the chemistry they established with Touched by the Blues and delivers another collection of songs rooted in classic blues, soul, and rhythm and blues traditions.

While McDonald brings his signature vocals and acoustic guitar work to the project, Maxwell once again demonstrates why he has become such an important creative partner. His contributions on electric guitar, classical guitar, bass, and production help give the album its full sound and rich atmosphere.

Recorded at Maxwell Sound Recording Studio in Athens, Feeling BLUES feels polished without losing the raw, emotional edge that fans of traditional blues music appreciate.

A Strong Supporting Cast

One of the album’s greatest strengths is the group of musicians who join McDonald and Maxwell throughout the record.

Harmonica player Glyn Denham adds texture and energy to several tracks, while Jason Fuller’s piano work helps create the classic blues and juke-joint feel found across the album.

Mindy Towe contributes both saxophone and clarinet, giving certain songs a fuller, more soulful sound, while Mason Towe’s drumming provides a steady foundation throughout.

The backing vocals from Gabrielle Campbell, Janis Maxwell, and Jada Moss also deserve recognition. Their harmonies add warmth and depth to the songs without overpowering the lead performances.

Together, the supporting cast helps transform Feeling BLUES from a simple blues record into a more layered and dynamic listening experience.

A Blend of Covers and Original Material

The majority of Feeling BLUES is made up of interpretations of blues, soul, and R&B classics.

However, the album also includes one original track written by John McDonald, giving listeners a glimpse into his own songwriting voice.

The album opens with Buddy Guy’s “I Go by Feel,” immediately setting the tone with strong guitar work and a confident arrangement. Maxwell’s playing stands out right away, helping establish the blues-driven energy that carries through the rest of the record.

“Poison Ivy” follows with a lively performance that leans into a more brassy, upbeat style. Originally associated with Willie Mabon, the song feels fresh here thanks to the strong arrangement and the energy of the full band.

Another standout is “I’m Ready,” the Willie Dixon classic made famous by Muddy Waters.

The combination of Fuller’s piano, strong rhythm work, and layered backing vocals gives the track a traditional Chicago blues feel.

Slowing Things Down

While some songs on Feeling BLUES bring a lively energy, others take a slower, more deliberate approach.

“Evil Twin” is one of the album’s more measured performances, but it works because of its atmosphere. The song captures the sound of a classic Chicago blues tune with a slow groove, expressive guitar, and a rhythm section that keeps everything grounded.

“Jelly Roll Baker” brings harmonica back to the forefront and creates one of the album’s most fun, toe-tapping moments.

Toward the end of the record, “Three O’Clock Blues” leans into a traditional slow twelve-bar style that will immediately feel familiar to longtime blues fans.

These slower songs give the album balance and show that McDonald and Maxwell are comfortable working across different moods and tempos.

The Original Song Stands Out

The one original song on the album, “I’m Sitting Here Thinking of You,” may be one of the record’s most memorable tracks.

The song combines upbeat saxophone work from Mindy Towe, strong lead guitar from Maxwell, and one of McDonald’s strongest vocal performances on the album.

Because so much of the record is built around classic covers, the original track stands out in a positive way. It shows that McDonald is not only a skilled interpreter of songs, but also a capable songwriter who understands how to create music that fits naturally within the blues tradition.

A Surprising but Effective Ending

The album closes with “Summertime,” the George Gershwin classic.

At first glance, it may seem like an unexpected choice for a blues album, but it works surprisingly well.

The arrangement blends acoustic guitar, classical guitar, harmonica, and backing vocals into something that feels emotional and memorable. Rather than sounding out of place, “Summertime” helps close the album on a softer, more reflective note.

It is a reminder that McDonald and Maxwell are not interested in making the same song over and over again. They are willing to experiment while still staying rooted in the traditions that inspire them.

Another Strong Release from Athens, Georgia

Feeling BLUES is another successful chapter in the partnership between John McDonald and Mark Maxwell.

The album combines strong performances, talented guest musicians, classic song choices, and enough variety to keep listeners engaged from beginning to end.

Fans of traditional blues, Americana, soul, and roots music will find plenty to appreciate here.

More importantly, the album continues to show why McDonald and Maxwell have developed such a loyal following. Their music feels authentic, heartfelt, and deeply connected to the artists and traditions that came before them.

For anyone who enjoys blues music with strong musicianship and real emotion behind it, Feeling BLUES is well worth a listen.