Jack on iTunes! - ..
Jack McMahon is a rare treasure.
In a day when adolescent enthusiasm is too often confused with musicianship, Jack McMahon stands out as an artist of integrity. From his formative years in New York's Greenwich Village, through his early professional experiences opening for Bruce Springsteen and Steely Dan, Jack McMahon has always given music priority over image and antics.
Gifted with a wonderfully warm, resonant voice, Jack was the preferred demo singer of several New York songwriters including Gerry Goffin (of Goffin-King fame). In the early '70s Jack began writing his own songs and recorded them for Columbia Records. After his contract with Columbia Records expired, Jack came to the Northwest. Since that time he has continued to thrill audiences, not only with his great voice, but with precise guitar playing and finely crafted songs as well. That's why Oregonian music critic John Wendeborn called Jack "...one of the best on the west coast...", and why The Cowboy Angels recorded Jack's song "When The Rain Came Down".
Jack has been a featured artist at any number special events including The Oregon Symphony "Nerve Endings" series, The Portland Rose Festival, Oktober Fest, The Bite, Bend Summer Festival, KINK radio's "Lights Out Live", American Music Festival, Portland Parks Summer Concert Series, The Eugene Festival, and The Oregon State Fair.
Some of the Portland area venues where Jack has performed include:The Aladdin Theater, The Buffalo Gap, The White Eagle, Rock Creek Tavern, Kennedy School, McMenamin's Grand Lodge, The Ash Street Saloon, The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Sweet Oregon Grill, Satyricon, O'Connor's Vault, and Hotel Oregon.
Jack's 1983 album for Encore Records entitled "Better Late" garnered high praise from critics, and airplay on KINK radio. Released in LP format it is currently a highly prized collectable, particularly in Japan where copies sell in Tokyo shops for the equivalent of $40 American. After several busy years of performing live throughout the Northwest Jack released his CD entitled "Toe The Line" in the Spring of 2000. The CD has received regional airplay on commercial and college radio, and rave reviews in the press. To support the CD he assembled an all-star band from among the finest, most experienced musicians in Portland. They have recorded with nationally known artists such as Robert Cray and Al Kooper; Northwest standouts like Johnny and The Distractions and Portland favorites like Tracks, Hank Rasco and The Wasted Rangers, Steve Bradley, Puzzle, and others. The band features Rudy Battjes (drums), Denny Bixby (bass and vocals) and Mark Spangler (lead guitar and vocals). In January of 2007 Jack released his latest CD entitled "The Man That Love Forgot", produced by Ron Stephens, and featuring guest appearances by some of Portland's best players. Jack"s CDs are available for purchase online through CDBaby.com, and iTunes.
The critics say:
"Anyone who is a fan of song writing will like what he does"...(Two Louies) Jack McMahon is a Portland music legend"...(The Oregonian)
"His throaty vocals and folk-rock melodies are a sweet antidote"...(Willamette Week)
"Alt-Country meets Rhythm and Blues"...(Northwest Examiner)
Jack McMahon is a singer/songwriter whose natural talents, seasoned skills, and professional experience combine in a wonderful synergy that delights audiences everywhere. These days that's a rare treasure. That's Jack McMahon!