Holla & Moan
‘Holla & Moan’ is an album inspired by and baptised in the unmistakably lush sounds of Stax and Motown. Radiating a tangible and infectious sense of inspiration and artistic freedom; you can hear and almost feel the joy, love and musicality emanating from all 10 songs.Â
From the opening title track with its Ike & Tina vibe and Memphis Horns throwing some serious sass, the old school smooth R&B of Missing You to the soul ballad History reminiscent of Otis Redding, and the attitude driven Can You Take The Heat – the broad church of Stax and Motown sounds is beautifully showcased throughout.Â
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The debut release from Australia’s The McNaMarr Project, ‘Holla & Moan’ features the legendary Lester Snell from Stax Records as arranger and on Keys throughout, accompanied by an incredible hand-picked band; Bobby Manuel on Guitar, Ray Griffin on Bass, Willie Hall on Drums, Scott Thompson on Trumpet, Lannie McMillan on Tenor Sax, Jim Spake on Baritone Sax, engineered by Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell at Royal Studios in Memphis, while the vocals were recorded at the bucolic Bald Hill Studios in Carisbrook in regional Victoria by Mark Woods.
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So, who, or what, is The McNaMarr Project? Conceived by respected US publicist Frank Roszak, The McNaMarr Project is the combination of two of Australia’s finest soul and blues singers – Andrea Marr and John McNamara, who at Roszak’s suggestion have joined their considerable forces as a new creative outlet for them both.
