Forrest Howard McDonald
Forrest Howard McDonald (born April 22, 1950), is an American blues rock musician who has written hundreds of songs and played on many records.
Forrest Howard McDonald | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 22, 1950 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Musician |
Early life
Forrest Howard McDonald was born in Austin, Texas. He started playing the guitar at age 14. In his early 20s he studied at the Dick Grove Conservatory of music in Studio City, CA and at the Howard Roberts GIT. He is the son of Constitutional scholar Forrest McDonald. However, he does not involve himself in politics calling it spiritually draining and not good for creativity.
Career
McDonald met and was influenced by Muddy Waters in 1964.
He is a three time Just Plain Folk blues award winner, and was voted “Best Southern Blues Band” 1999-2001 by Real Blues Magazine.
‘Finger Lickin' Blues’ was voted the best southern blues release by RBM in 2001.
Forrest McDonald's band plays slow blues, jump, torch, boogie, jazz and good time swing.
McDonald has appeared or headlined many festivals such as The Atlanta Blues Festival, The Gasparilla Festival, Spring Fest, The River Place Arts Festival, Bay Fest, The Vallejo Jazz & Blues Fest, Sun Fest, The Carolina Blues & Seafood Festival, Bluesapalooza, The Montreaux Atlanta Festival, The Jacksonville Beach Annual Festival, The Melbourne Art Festival, The Hi-Fi Buys Amphitheater , the King Biscuit Blues Festival and others.
His Certified Blue CD features his wife, vocalist Kaylon Mcdonald, who began singing and playing the guitar when she was 10 years old. She won the Atlanta Female Entertainer of the year award in 1991.
His 15th CD Blues in a Bucket remained on the Charts for 5 months receiving rave reviews from Paris, Greece, to Chicago and LA.
Sources
- MELISSA RUGGIERI TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER, Forrest and Kaylon McDonald at Capital Ale House
- Newleyweds sing the blues by Liana Kleeman Richmond Style Paper,
- Spirit of the Blues Reviewed By Connie Myers Fort Wayne Blues Society,
- Spirit of the Blues Reviewed By John Hathaway Natchel Blues Network,
- World Talent Records: 42253-2 Reviewed By Wolfgang Spider Detroit Blues Society,
- Spirit of the Blues Reviewed By Blues Access Guitar-based blues at its best here on tunes like "Anchor to a Drowning Man" and "Texas." McDonald is a really fine guitarist in the T-Bone Walker mold, and for all you gear-heads, the liner notes detail the guitar, amp and settings for every tune.
- Spirit of the Blues Reviewed By Andy Grigg Real Blues.
- Spirit of the Blues Reviewed By Rock & Blues News.
- Finger Lickin' Blues Reviewed By Blues Revue December 2001.
- Finger Lickin' Blues Reviewed By Blues Access December 2001.
- Whats it gonna take? Reviewed By Southwest Blues, November 2000 Extraordinary musicianship! McDonald’s glowing guitar teamed with Victor’s whiskey-drenched gutter voice, exceptional piano work and strong songwriting is a winning combination. Where have these guys been hiding?
- The Lilburn Courier Forrest McDonald at the Roxy Theatre, Atlanta, GA" Reviewed By Kevin J. Moran, September 21, 2002. .
- Blues Revue Magazine Forrest McDonald ~ Live Reviewed By Michael Cote, Feb/Mar 2003