JIM McCARTY is the "Godfather" of Rock 'N Roll guitar. His work over the last five decades with Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels, Buddy Miles, Cactus, and the Rockets has won him acclaim around the world. His trademark Gibson Les Paul and solos are synonymous with American Rock 'N Roll.
While he's achieved the status of "living legend" in the Rock 'N Roll world, most are not aware of his prowess and passion for the Blues. McCARTY says he considers them "Apples and Oranges" and learned a long time ago that he has to play both to satisify his soul as a musician.
"JIM McCARTY and Friends," his first solo release in more than a decade explores and documents his accomplishment as a Blues guitarist. The CD's twelve (12) tracks capture McCARTY playing with some of today's finest Blues performers and in diverse settings.
Captured are him jamming with the likes of Duke Robillard (pictured above with Jim), Jimmy Thackery, Johnny A, John Nemeth, and Jason Ricci. The disc also presents McCARTY playing in a big band (The Millionaires) and in a duo with long-time friend and collaborator Johnny "Bee" Badanjek.
The record is a collection of live recordings completed when McCARTY would jump on stage to jam a song or two with a visiting performer. Essentially it's a collection of those magical "after midnight" moments every music fan hears about or remembers when an all-star jam breaks out at the end of the night.
All tracks were recorded live at Callahan's Music Hall over a three (3) year period. Callahan's owner and executive producer, Mike Moss, commented "When JIM started hanging out at the club, as fans, the opportunity to get him on stage with other great musicians was natural. We talked about the project in passing over the years, but when we ran through the tape we knew we had an album that had to be released."
"JIM McCARTY and Friends" is an album for Blues lovers, guitar lovers, and all things JIM McCARTY!