John McCormick - Between Our Hearts - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

John McCormick is a modern minstrel with gentle wit, sensitive vocals, and wicked guitar skills. He has mastered the intricate styles of the American, Irish, Scottish and English folk traditions while developing a rich, resonant and wonderfully expressive voice. John regularly performs throughout Europe and North America. He has recorded seven albums and CDs on the Phantom Records tag. 'He spins tales with the command of a fine storyteller.' (Seattle Victory News) John McCormick was born and raised in Indianapolis. While studying philosophy at Ancilla College, he met Gordon Burnham and Bob Beaser, two exquisite pickers from Kalamazoo, Michigan. They inspired him to take up the acoustic guitar. He landed in San Francisco in the early Seventies, where the music scene was thriving. More auspicious meetings followed. He met his first teacher, Alan Rice, through an advert in a local rag which offered used household appliances, and as an afterthought, 'Jansch and Renbourn style guitar instruction'. Eventually, Al steered him to a meeting with Duck Baker, who became another mentor. As the Eighties approached, John took advantage of the unworldly and lonesome hours of a railroad brakeman by simply playing in all the wee hours and listening to newer influences, John Martyn, James Taylor, Nick Drake and Leo Kottke. Sometime in 1985, John was playing a Happy Hour gig at a comedy club in San Francisco when he was discovered by Alex de Grassi, who had stopped by for coffee and madeleines. This chance meeting led to his first recording, Western Island. This guitar--focused project, with instrumentals and songs from Scotland, Ireland and England, established John on the acoustic scene. Originally released by Shanachie Records, it has been reissued by Phantom Records. 'A bit of paradise for fanciers of fine acoustic guitar playing' (Roots & Rhythm News) John's touring career began wi