John McEuen's new album, The Newsman: A Man of Record, draws inspiration from personal encounters, literary classics, and historical sagas, showcasing McEuen's unparalleled storytelling prowess.
John McEuen stands as a venerable figure, a maestro of storytelling woven into the melodies of country, bluegrass, and folk. His new album, The Newsman: A Man of Record, a departure from his conventional musical repertoire, features ten spoken word tracks and one instrumental, each a theatrical masterpiece resonating with McEuen's distinctive musical style.
The journey through The Newsman begins with the title track, a poignant narrative inspired by a real-life encounter with a newspaper vendor in Los Angeles who left an indelible mark on the young musician. From there, the album ventures into realms both historical and personal, culminating in "Jules' Theme," an evocative piece drawn from Jules Verne's poignant tale shared in a French cemetery.
Reflecting on his inspiration for this innovative project, McEuen muses, "I have been around the world playing music and collecting stories for… a long time." Drawing from influences as varied as Meredith Willson's The Music Man and Hank Williams Sr.'s talking blues, McEuen's storytelling prowess shines through in each track.
The eclectic selection of narratives on The Newsman spans literary themes and historical epochs. From the Civil War-era poem "Killed at the Ford" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow to the Yukon prospector's saga in Robert Service's "The Cremation of Sam McGee," McEuen explores the depths of human experience. The album also pays homage to musical legends like Hank Williams Sr. and Walter Brennan, alongside contemporary compositions reflecting on modern-day struggles and triumphs.
Born in Oakland in 1945, McEuen's musical journey commenced further south in Orange County, California during his high school years, where he honed his craft while working in a magic shop alongside a young Steve Martin. A co-founding member of the iconic Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, McEuen's departure after five decades marked a new chapter with his solo career, characterized by exploration and innovation.
McEuen's contributions to music are unparalleled, with over 40 albums to his name, including six solo endeavors. His productions have garnered numerous awards, including Grammy accolades for projects like Steve Martin's The Crow and the groundbreaking Will the Circle be Unbroken album by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Additionally, his ventures into filmmaking, book writing, and spoken-word projects underscore his enduring passion for storytelling and musical exploration.