There’s A Time

Reviews:

“Doug MacLeod has earned the many accolades and honors that have come his way in recent years. He continues to find creative ways to rework the blues traditions, honoring the legacies of the legends he learned from. Keeping in mind that he has over twenty recordings to his credit, There’s a Time might be his best yet. He takes us into the darkness, then pulls us out, offering a glimmer of hope that some day we can make the world a better place. Until then, be thankful that we have him around to continue to guide us to look at the world with brand new eyes. This one come highly recommended!” —Mark Thompson, Crossroads Blues Society

‘There’s A Time’ should satisfy every blues-lovers thirst for quality performance and playing. This is one of those great albums that you will return to time and time again, always with pleasure and satisfaction. Definitely – and most of Memphis agrees – a five-star winner.” —Ian Patience, Autrement Blues

“McLeod’s music ranges from robust and nasty to sparse and elegant as he takes the listener on a musical roller coaster before depositing them at the end leaving them wanting more.” —Examiner.com

“Recording live with no overdubs at Skywalker Sound in California, MacLeod performs here with Denny Croy on bass and Jimi Bott on drums. Some of his most powerful moments as a songwriter come in his wordy recitation songs, where he doesn’t back down from taking a stand.” —MusicNews Nashville

“The tunes range from the playful opener “Rosa Lee” to the mournful “Black Nights” to the forward looking “The Up Song.” He’s wry on “My In laws Are Outlaws” and dark singing about a selfish prick with a handicapped parking card who is not handicapped. “A Train Song” exudes all of the expected excitement and regrets associated with leaving. It’s more folk than blues. MacLeod’s ability to crossover and combine the two genres, as well as his wide emotional range and story weaving abilities keep the listener engaged throughout the nearly hour long, thirteen tune set spread over two 45rpm 200g LPs. As for his playing, listen to how he handles “Owl” on “Run With the Devil.” The recording may have been produced on a chilled, barren soundstage, but you’ll feel the hot Virginia sun.” —Michael Fremer, Analog Planet

“Not surprisingly, blues legends from Eva Cassidy to Albert Collins have recorded MacLeod’s songs. My favourites here are “The Up Song,” featuring a 12-string National, and “I’ll be Walking On,” which is about how to react positively when a love dies by wishing that person well and walking on to a new sunrise. Although recorded in a studio, the natural rapport and spontaneity between the three musicians, including bassist Denny Croy and Jimi Bott on drums, make the listener believe this is an intimate, live gig. MacLeod will be well known to Blues Revue readers for his regular, insightful, and humorous column in the magazine.” —Dave Scott, Blues Wax

“There’s A Time continues the long history of blues as a story-telling medium, an art form that Doug Macleod has mastered with literary integrity and serious blues feeling.” —Frank Mathes, Living Blues Review

Stereophile Album of the Month – May 2013
“MacLeod is sparely yet harmoniously accompanied by drummer Jim Bott, who’s spent time with Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers and the Fabulous Thunderbirds, and now drums with the Mannish Boys. The third member of the trio recorded here is bassist Denny Croy, who’s played with MacLeod since 1999 and has been a professional musician since 1979; he’s landed gigs with Keb’ Mo’ and Brian Setzer, and is the longtime bass-guitar teacher at McCabe’s Guitar Shop, in Los Angeles. … Overall, MacLeod’s art is a quiet, mostly solo-led pursuit of finely detailed song-stories, impeccable playing, impassioned singing, and his engaging personality shines forth in a live setting.” —Robert Baird, Stereophile

“Even if you have never heard MacLeod before, you will end up delighted by the breadth and skill of this CD, and its intimacy will probably induce you to think of Doug MacLeod as a new friend. We old friends are equally delighted. If this album isn’t acclaimed by many as best acoustic album of the year, I will be stunned.” —Steve Daniels, BluesWax

“Decades ago, Doug Macleod learned that a bluesman reaches people and makes them feel something that helps them get through our world easier. Every song he plays touches the world in that way.” —Art Tipaldi, Blues Music Magazine

“It’s a baker’s dozen collection of Delta-style blues originals, played intelligently and well.” —HiFi Magazine