Willoughby-based guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Dan McCoy’s musical career stretches back more than 30 years, imbibing influences from many “roots” music genres to create a heartland sound that’s a little bit country and a little bit heartland rock and roll.
But on his new 13-track album Yellow Creek — his 14th! —he’s displaying a more country-influenced sound, featuring conspicuous doses of banjo and mandolin. It’s the second he’s recorded, produced and mixed himself at his home; he played and sang everything on the album
“This album is a rock & roll guy embracing the country influence that I’ve been exposed to most of my life,” he says in the press release for the album. “I have roots in Ireland & West Virginia so it kind of runs in the blood. “I was going for a ‘folks relaxing around a campfire’ vibe though not a Kumbaya deal. A certain, raw, organic, seemingly off-the-cuff feel.””
His lyrics look at relationship, longing for the past and the effects of addiction, among other things, and pays tribute to some of his key influences with cover of tunes John Sebastian, John Hiatt, Drive-By Truckers & Uncle Tupelo. While being a regular in Northeast Ohio clubs, pubs and other venues, McCoy has also toured extensively, playing in markets from Nashville to New York over the past three decades. He’s known for his wide-ranging repertoire as well as his extensive list of original songs.
Yellow Creek is available on all streaming platforms. Learn more about McCoy and the new album here.