Feeling BLUES Continues John McDonald and Mark Maxwell’s Strong Blues Run

Rather than reposting the original review word for word, we wanted to create a fresh version of the article so readers can still get the highlights of the album without creating duplicate content issues. You can read the original review here: The Sound Cafe Review.

John McDonald and Mark Maxwell have once again delivered an album that feels deeply rooted in the traditions of blues music while still sounding fresh and personal.

Their latest release, Feeling BLUES, showcases not only McDonald’s decades of experience as a vocalist and guitarist, but also Maxwell’s ability to shape the overall sound of a record through his work on guitar, bass, arrangement, and production.

The album feels less like a collection of individual songs and more like a carefully crafted blues journey. Every track brings its own mood, energy, and personality, while still fitting naturally into the overall flow of the record.

McDonald has spent much of his life immersed in blues, Americana, folk, and roots music, and that experience is obvious throughout Feeling BLUES. His voice carries a sense of authenticity that cannot be faked, and the songs feel lived in rather than performed.

One of the album’s strengths is how it balances familiar classics with original personality. Songs like “I Go by Feel” immediately set the tone with expressive vocals and strong guitar work, while “Ain’t No Sunshine” offers a darker, more restrained interpretation of the Bill Withers classic.

“Poison Ivy” brings a lighter, more playful energy to the album with its upbeat rhythm and bluesy swagger. At the same time, “Evil Twin” heads in the opposite direction, creating a slower and moodier atmosphere built around gritty storytelling and powerful instrumentation.

There is also a real emotional weight to songs like “I’m Sitting Here Thinking of You” and “St. James Infirmary.” These tracks allow McDonald to lean into the more reflective side of his sound, showing his ability to communicate longing, heartbreak, and vulnerability through both his vocals and guitar playing.

“Jelly Roll Baker” adds another memorable moment with its bluesy energy and playful spirit, while “Three O’Clock Blues” pays tribute to the style and emotion of classic B.B. King recordings.

By the time the album reaches “I’m Ready,” McDonald and Maxwell have created a complete musical landscape that feels both classic and timeless. Each song contributes to a larger story built around love, loss, pain, resilience, and redemption.

The album closes with “Summertime,” a choice that might seem unexpected at first but ends up working extremely well. The softer arrangement, combined with acoustic guitar, harmonica, and layered vocals, creates a haunting finish that lingers after the album ends.

What makes Feeling BLUES stand out is not just the quality of the musicianship, although that is certainly impressive. It is the sense that every song comes from a genuine love of blues music and a deep respect for the artists who came before.

For longtime blues fans, the album offers plenty of familiar sounds and influences. For newer listeners, it serves as a great introduction to the kind of timeless, emotional storytelling that has always been at the heart of the genre.

Feeling BLUES is another strong release from John McDonald and Mark Maxwell and further proof that their partnership continues to produce music that feels authentic, soulful, and memorable.