Cormac
McCarthy

Reviews:

Here are short excerpts from a wide variety of reviewers. For an in depth review by Scott Rogovoy, see an extended quote from his review of Cormac McCarthy at the Birch Tree Concert Series. Additional reviews of Cormac's songwritng workshops and lectures are quoted within the Workshops description.

“Curious Thing” is a soft-spoken triumph! Few modern writers sing so convincingly about the simple, necessary joy of lasting love. Vivid imagery puts us right beside him as he stares out his window at a sad spring snow, or ponders life’s uncertainties. McCarthy, a leading light of the urban songwriter revival, mostly writes about good lives just trying to hold on, swirling carelessly in winds they cannot control or comprehend.” – Scott Alarik, The Boston Globe

Cormac McCarthy’s latest release, “Curious Thing”, not only rattles the imagination with its unclassifiable nature but also soothes the soul with its pure unbridled simplicity and collar-straight delivery. McCarthy not only draws soul maps of the universe with his songs, but he’s lived enough different lives to accurately report on a myriad of subjects. Experientially, McCarthy is leagues above his peers and he is the closest thing New England’s ever come to having our own Woody Guthrie. Also similar to Guthrie, McCarthy’s words are insightful and playful at once, with most centered squarely in love and life’s endless mysteries. It’s been a while since he’s put out a record, and “Curious Thing” is not a hasty release, but instead thoughtful memoirs folded neatly into a brilliant collection of songs. – Martin England, The Portsmouth Herald

"Top ten Concerts ... - Bob Dylan, Ani DeFranco, Cormac McCarthy...Next time he comes within 100 miles, you must go hear him!" – Seth Rogovoy, Boston Phoenix

" A distinctive songwriter with a warm, powerful, inherently melodic baritone, a fine guitarist and a devastating wit ... enormous writing gifts, capable of putting chills into your spine or a silly grin on your face..." – Jeff McLaughlin, The Boston Globe

"It's the crafty narrative and some of McCarthy's more thoughtful ballads that gives Troubled Sleep the emotional heft that a lot of pop-folk lacks." – The Washington Post

Cormac McCarthy "a brilliant New hampshire singer-songwriter whose songs are stories detailing wicked romances gone astray. One of the emerging stars of the New England folk scene, MCarthy is as brilliant a songwriter as he is a genial performer." – Louis Black,
The Austin Chronicle

"Picture Gallery Blues" is an unassuming masterpiece..." – The Boston Phoenix

"The writing has such depth and beauty. It's as if the songs are captions for Walker Evans' photos..." – Alex Wright, Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange

"A songwriter of the first order, it was clear that McCarthy loves to entertain. McCarthy's voice is a wonderfully effective instrument; deep and sure, with the measured easy phrasing of a natural storyteller." – Scott Alarik, The Boston Globe

"Without exaggerating, he is included in my list of best songwriters in America. That list also includes Bob Dylan and Paul Simon." – John Derado, Front Porch Mucic

"McCarthy's ..penchant for intelligent, understated songs, philosophic, first person narrations from the heads of an assortment of characters. The points of view constantly change, and the tales are told with a poetic flow and an interior logic."– Daniel Gerwertz, North Shore Magazine

"His songs know all about the heartaches, accept the presence of craziness, look decay in the eye, yet unearth a sense of the worthwhile, even discoveries of joy amongst the rubble. A fine, sensitive album capable of washing away much of the accumulated distress and restoring an appetite for glimpses of beauty and those few things which really matter and are timeless." – Tony May, Folk Roots

"If you are looking for some of the great new talent in the New England Folk and Accoustic scene, then make sure you have a copy of the new Cormac McCarthy (album). I particulary like Madness in the Family, Used Cars, The Blue Mountains , and Friend of the Family because they combine beautiful imagery with some great character depictions. ...reflects the balance of Cormac’s songwritng, combining some of his heavier ballads with some of his funky electric tunes." – Dick Pleasants, Host/Producer, The Folk Heritage, WGBH Boston

"Cormac McCarthy puts his heart and soul into his music and words, and he keeps you laughing through his insights into the pain of everyday life. The laughter and joy he elicits from audiences at his performances draw huge crowds to the Press Room, Passim and other clubs around New England."– Larry Etscovitz, re:Ports Arts and Entertainment Magazine, Portsmouth, NH

"I have attended, hosted or played host to hundreds of workshops, of all kinds. This one was informative, helpful, and entertaining. Cormac incorporated enough history, groundwork, speculation, and "hands on" to make a worthwhile experience for everyone who attended. Three separate groups of people had finished and performed at least two songs within a month following the workshop. Two of those songs have been recorded! With his songwriters workshop, Cormac sets a standard few will be able to meet...can't wait to have him back!" – John Derado, Front Porch Music News

"McCarthy carves lyrical sketches of tired lives in the sleepy towns of New Hampshire and Maine… With a poet’s empathy and a storyteller’s eye for detail, McCarthy lets us know these people, share their lives and, above all, care about them. Accomplishing this while making fine, compelling music is songwriting of the first order."– Scott Alarik, The Boston Globe

Special Recognition:

Best New Albums: Troubled Sleep,The Hartford Herald

Boston Music Awards, Nominations: Outstanding Fold/Acoustic Album: and Outstanding Folk Act

Boston Globe Ten Best Folk Concerts: Christy Moore and Cormac McCarthy at the Sanders Theater.

For additional workshop reviews, see the Workshops description.

Rewiews of the
Woody Guthrie Show

In-depth review
by
Seth Rogovoy
Birch Tree Concert Series

More reviews:
Workshops