Joe Macre’s Latest Release “The Dream is Free”
Joe Macre’s latest collection The Dream is Free is a ten song collection from the former Crack the Sky bassist who has kept the flag flying for his progressive rock inspirations through current day. It isn’t to say his songwriting and musical performances are mired in the past, however, as Macre achieves the unique feat of invoking the past whilst keeping two feet firmly planted in today.
URL: https://www.joemacre.com/
The arrangements for Macre’s material are full of spark. “The Dream is Free” embodies that well with the first of many fiery bass lines. Macre likely composed much of the album around his chief instrument of choices, but don’t let that sway you into thinking the songs are limited. Macre’s melodic skill with the bass guitar is a cut above your average four-string timekeeper plodding out root notes and even the progressive style of this music rarely receives such wide-ranging treatment as it does here.
“Tell Me” is the album’s second track and is certain to be one of the listener’s favorites. One of the keynote qualities is the marriage of clearly considered musical textures and pop structures without one ever undermining the other. Stratospheric vocal harmonies are an important facet of what makes “Ride Or Die” such a successful cut, but there’s more. An underrated aspect of the song’s strength is how Macre mines the vernacular for a common phrase, uses it as her title, and gains additional resonance with listeners.
It doesn’t sound cheap either. This penchant continues with the fourth song “Drop Me off at the Rainbow”. It’s a ballad without any of the baggage that term can carry for listeners built around a strong acoustic guitar track and rife with experience lived rather than overcooked histrionics. He doesn’t strike a false note with listeners. Instead, each of these ten songs impress themselves on listeners as honest reflections of Macre’s emotional weather at various points.
Vocal harmonies are one of the biggest positives powering each of the album’s ten songs and “These Cool Years Graduation” features them at their best. Macre has obviously spent a lot of time orchestrating them to their best without ever making them sound anything less than effortless. The song’s production, as well, ranks among the collection’s best moments. It’s unforced yet reaches the gravitas that it deserves.
The forceful “Tomorrow is Today” supplies listeners with another high point. The positive messaging behind Macre’s material doesn’t have the Pollyanna rose-colored glasses hue that you might fear going into this collection but, instead, an acknowledgment of life that in no way dampens the final victory. The redemptive qualities of this music are strong and consistent.
APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-dream-is-free/1635211681?i=1635211682
He’s invested in orchestrating this experience each step of the way. The final step arrives with the closer “The Dark Sky Sea” and the almost painterly way Macre brings this cut’s possibilities to their fullest realization. It’s bracing to hear such Joe Macre still working at or near the peak of his powers; Crack the Sky is a part of his history, without a doubt, but The Dream is Free proves it does not define him.
Jennifer Munoz
Head Honcho, Editor in Chief and writer here on VENTS. I don't like walking on the beach, but I love playing the guitar and geeking out about music. I am also a movie maniac and 6 hours sleeper.
“The Dream is Free” by Joe Macre
Trace Whittaker
By
Trace Whittaker
Prog rock starts with a theme, and if there’s one overarching narrative to be found in The Dream is Free by Joe Macre, it’s balancing a respect for the craft with a desire to experiment that I’ve been missing in progressive music for the better part of the last few years. Macre and his able supporting cast delve into some pretty lofty concepts in songs like “Life in the Theater,” “Not Looking Back Tonight,” and “Tell Me,” but they also remain on the safer side of the pop spectrum when and where it counts for something – which can’t be said for the competition.
Emotion is an ever-present component of the storytelling in “These Cool Years (Graduation),” “Tomorrow is Today,” and the harrowing “The Dark Sky Sea,” and it’s Macre’s unfiltered vulnerabilities that can be credited with fostering the most chills-inducing moments in these tracks in particular. He’s got quite the pulse even when he isn’t singing, and the delicate weaving of verses into harmonies alone could stand out as a reason for audiences to fall in love with the cosmetic scheme in The Dream is Free. It’s not all flash, but when it has to be, this artist supplies the fireworks.
I really love the sublime fretwork in “Ride or Die” and “Get Up, Crack Down,” both of which bring to mind some of the heavier classic rock tunes to have remained on the FM dial in the past ten years without slipping into the dreaded retro territory so many similar offerings have. If there’s one thing that Macre isn’t trying to do with this record, it’s recycle someone else’s sound – or even that of another scene – and he clearly goes out of his way to separate every homage from an honest lyrical commentary in all of the aforementioned songs.
There aren’t many records in the progressive rock genre that do as well with critics as they do audiences, but from what I can see at the moment I would have to say that Joe Macre’s The Dream Is Free is on pace to break past a lot of burdensome conventionalities in this style of music. Macre doesn’t have a hard time sporting the natural charisma he brings into the studio with him here, and if he can produce the same kind of energy in a live setting then I think this material will do all the better on the road in comparison to its already impressive reception online.
Trace Whittaker
Here's a review that I missed from the Netherlands by Jan Buddenberg. Thanks Jan!
tracks:
Drag It Down (3:41), Bring On The Night (3:56), You Can't Take It With You (3:30), Slow Ryder (4:20), Diesel Locomotive (2:54), That's Summer (3:39), At The Roadhouse (3:35), If I Only Had A Brain (2:45), Safety In Numbers (6:41), Goodbye (3:07)
info: joemacre.com, Bandcamp, Soundcloud, Facebook
samples: Bandcamp
8Jan Buddenberg
Devoted fans of Crack The Sky (CTS) will have instant recognition towards the name Joe Macre, seeing he's one of the founding members of this illustrious Àmerican band. He played with them during their successful 'progressive' 1975-1980 years and joined their ranks again briefly from 2004 to 2009. A very early successful achievement is their debut album Crack The Sky which Rolling Stone Magazine voted debut of the year at the time. A status still recognised in light of its ranking in the top 50 progressive albums of all time.
For many a European fan, let alone Dutch ones, this recognition is very much under the radar. A somewhat peculiar case, for under the guidance of the charismatic John Palumbo the band has released quite a strong legacy amounting to roundabout 30 albums up to present day. Many of those I hold dear, especially the brilliant 1978 effort Safety In Numbers which, although recorded without Palumbo, contains the exquisite Palumbo-penned Nuclear Apathy, with its majestic title track coming close second. Rather surprisingly Macre's Bullet Train marks the first ever CTS-related album to be featured on DPRP.
Over the years Macre has worked with many well known artists (The Brecker Brothers, David Sanborn, Oliver Wakeman to name a few) and won several award-winning mixing/composing credits for films and commercials. After the brief CTS-stint in recent years, Macre is now focussed on recording music at his own Joe Mac's American Garage. The resulting debut album Bullet Train features many visiting guests each adding their own juicy flavours to the spicy musical mix of the album. Talented musicians which next to several unknown names, at least to me, includes members from CTS (Palumbo, Bobby Hird, Joey D'Amico and Rick Witkowski) and Chris Elliott and Jerry Oxidine from 86 Bullets, whom in fact I don't know as well.
Much like CTS, who never shied away from incorporating genres like punk, rock, new wave and prog into their music, Bullet Train is a wondrous collection of different styles in line with this appetising eclectic mixture, thriving upon foremost Southern rock, blues and classic seventies rock with a delicate touch of prog on a few occasions.
Drag It Down's catchy West Coast rock, slightly reminiscent to Michael Stanley Band, opens the album vibrantly with some lovely organ touches, a delightful vintage sound and well balanced mix bringing out all the individual instruments. The captured energetic performance sees, next to upfront bass parts, some tantalising fireworks from Chris Elliot on guitar, who manages to bring equal steamy performances in the sleazy classic rocker Slow Ryder and bluesy Beatles-esque You Can't Take It With You.
Both of these tracks are surrounded by rupturing blues harp melodies from Al Macre, which sees a fuming reprisal in the Southern blues rock of Diesel Locomotive, a composition perfectly in place on any Lynyrd Skynyrd album. The sheer intoxicating spicy rock, with Beach Boys/Beatles-appeal, continues in the mildly prog-ish That Summer which is embedded with a tangible time-warping atmosphere mindful to Prins Obi's deliciousness. At The Roadhouse, effectively a CTS composition, concludes the bluesy aspect of the album with some elegant jazzy notes, signature vocal deliveries by Palumbo and a finger-licking tasty Kentucky Fried slide-guitar solo by Hird.
Many of these songs sound refreshingly spontaneous, surpassed by the quirkiness of If I Only Had A Brain, a song originally from the 1939 movie The Wizard Of Oz. With a memorable seventies Brian May (Queen) inspired solo from Jim Griffiths it delicately shows the fun elements encountered by the individual musicians during their Garage rendezvous moments.
For prog enthusiasts Bring On The Night might be more their cup of tea, showing an upbeat groovy drive and structural progressive twists accomplished through enticing complex organ/guitar interactions. The formidable submissions of Elliot, Witkowski and Jeff Adams on lead guitar furthermore bring instant memories of CTS formative years, which is a lovely reminiscing moment.
The revisitation of CTS's Safety In Numbers greatly exceeds this marvellous feeling. With minor detailed alterations/enhancements and a scrumptious tweak in Macre's bass lines, now brightly smouldering in the mix, the composition's natural grace has been carefully preserved, serving as a joyous and strong embracive momentum on the album. The vocals from original vocalist Gary Chappell, in fine form after an absence of 40 years, adds further nostalgia and warmth to this wonderful composition giving it the same enchanting and majestic appeal as it did four decades ago.
Bullet Train ends on the wings of the uplifting Lennon/McCartney composed Goodbye which exhales mild comforting Elvis Presley vibes as it trails off into the sunset with a sweet lingering finish, readying musical tastebuds for supplemental well-seasoned treats out of Joe's Garage. With summer approaching fast and an announced spring release of Macre's second album The Dream Is Free precisely my Cuppa Joe.
Harking back to alluring seventies inspired (blues)-rock and tasteful CTS infused prog escapades Bullit Train's infectious diversified blend most effectively lightens up my present days. Fans of CTS will know exactly what to do, while the accomplished variety of the album should hopefully bring Macre towards new shores. Thankfully The Netherlands falls into this category for once. Here's hoping that the mentioned tour does as well.
https://youtu.be/F_fD0sNofSw
From six degrees entertainment. Westervoort, The Netherlands.
Q&A with multi talented musician Joe Macre - the original bassist for the progressive rock band “Crack The Sky”
Posted by Michael Limnios Blues Network on March 1, 2021 at 11:30am
"Believe in yourself and pursue music and not fame."
Joe Macre: American Garage Dream
Joe Macre is best known as the original bassist for the progressive rock band “Crack The Sky”, whose debut was voted album of the year in Rolling Stone Magazine and is still included in the top 50 progressive rock albums of all time. The new release from Joe Macre is a collection of ten songs written and recorded at Joe Mac’s American Garage. “Bullet Train” (2021) is one of two albums written and recorded by Joe with friends who visited his American Garage studios. Joe’s second album entitled “The Dream Is Free” is scheduled for a July 2022 release. Made famous for housing cars, the garage has become a recording studio for musicians all over the world. This album was written and recorded from 2019 to 2021. Many friends brought their talents to the garage and those shut in during the pandemic were recorded via the internet. The recording was recorded, mixed and mastered by Joe utilizing Pro Tools, of which Joe is an instructor. Joe Macre was a member of Crack The Sky from 1975–80 and 2004-09. (Photo: Joe Macre)
Interview by Michael Limnios Special Thanks: Billy James (Glass Onyon PR)
How has the Rock and Music Counterculture influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?
Having performed and worked with many races on recording projects, my feeling is that music sees only talent and messages from artists. I have produced Hip Hop, Rap, Pop, Rock, Celtic and many other genres. My relationships with these artists are based on talent. Politics doesn’t enter into it.
How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? Where does your creative drive come from?
My musical style is very diverse. I have progressive, Rock and Pop genres throughout my productions. This was the same for my former band Crack the sky. My music philosophy is develop every song idea to see where it leads. I believe that diversity is the key to keeping my fanbase engaged.
How started the thought of American Garage? What touched you about the making of the new two albums?
The American garage is the place where musical art is developed with friends and collaborators who visit the studio. An example is that the Bullet Train project was near completion when Jim Griffiths (original Crack guitarist) visited the studio to hear the records progress. During his visit, he began playing “If I Only Had A Brain” from the Wizard of Oz. I immediately asked Jim to share it with my fanbase. The impetus for writing and recording the next two records came from a Pit bull attack with which I developed vertigo. I could not drive so I wrote and recorded thirty songs. The vertigo is now gone and we’re rehearsing for our tour to support these projects.
"My musical style is very diverse. I have progressive, Rock and Pop genres throughout my productions. This was the same for my former band Crack the sky. My music philosophy is develop every song idea to see where it leads. I believe that diversity is the key to keeping my fanbase engaged." (Photo: Crack The Sky c.1976 / Joe Macre was a member of Crack The Sky from 1975–80 and 2004-09)
What's been the highlights in your career so far? Which meetings have been the most important experiences?
Currently the Crack the Sky debut album was Rolling Stones debut of the year and remains in the top 50 Progressive rock albums of all time.
Why do you think that Crack The Sky and Joe Macre music continues to generate such a devoted following?
Because of the uniqueness of the band. It’s a band that is difficult to describe. Prog, Rock, Pop, AOR? All of the above.
If you could change one thing in the musical world and it would become a reality, what would that be?
Eliminating pay for play (payola).
What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?
Believe in yourself and pursue music and not fame.
What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want it to affect people?
Music and art when uncensored can be a powerful tool. I want my songs to make people think while enjoying the songs. A Crack the sky album revue called it Music that thinks while it rocks.
(Joe Marce / Photo by Tom Hill - Getty Images)
For Immediate Release
Original Crack The Sky Bassist Joe Macre To Release New Album “Bullet Train”
Joe Macre is best known as the original bassist for the progressive rock band “Crack The Sky”, whose debut was voted album of the year in Rolling Stone Magazine and is still included in the top 50 progressive rock albums of all time.
The new release from Joe Macre is a collection of ten songs written and recorded at Joe Macs American Garage. Scheduled to drop March 1, 2021, “Bullet Train” is one of two albums written and recorded by Joe with friends who visited his American Garage studios. Made famous for housing cars, the garage has become a recording studio for musicians all over the world.
This album was written and recorded from 2019 to 2021. Many friends brought their talents to the garage and those shut in during the pandemic were recorded via the internet. The recording was recorded, mixed and mastered by Joe utilizing Pro Tools, of which Joe is an instructor. Visit Joe’s blog at joemacre.com for details on instruments and software incorporated on this album
Joe Macre was a member of Crack The Sky from 1975–1980 and 2004-2009. Joe has also worked with The B. E. Taylor Group, Wild Cherry, King Friday, Jim Croce, David Sanborn, The Brecker Brothers, Marie Osmond, Grammy Award Artist, Oliver Wakeman (and Eddie Offord Yes), Andy Timmons (Danger Danger), Robert Schindler (Johnny Nash), Madukwu Chinwah (Erikah Badu), Keith Green, Clint Brown, and others.
Joe’s award-winning Mixing/Composing credits in films and commercials include “Monster in Law,” “House of D” and “Fire Down Below.” Super Bowl Tabasco’s “Mosquito”, Corona’s “Ship in a Bottle”, Nickelodeon, Showtime, Ford, McDonald’s, Corona, Hyundai, and Oprah Winfrey to name a few.
2018 Joe began work on his latest project Joe Mac’s American Garage with the debut album, “Bullet Train” featuring a cast of musicians including Chris Elliot and Jerry Oxendyne of 86 Bullets, Al Macre, Pete Hewllett (Billy Joel), Jeff Adams (Facedancer), John Palumbo, Rick Witkowski, Jimmy Griffiths, Bobby Hird and Joey D'Amico (Crack The Sky), Vince Guarnere and many talented friends who visited Joe’s American Garage Studios.
Joe was inducted into the board of directors for SPARS (Society of Professional Audio Recording Services) with Leslie Ann Jones, Audio Director at Skywalker Sound, Kevin Mills at Larrabee West Studios, Tim Butler at Chicago Recording (CRC), Jeff Greenberg at The Village Recorder and Steve Davis at Crawford Communications Atlanta. Joe is an active member of AES and the American Federation of Musicians.
Joe’s second album entitled “The Dream Is Free” is scheduled for a spring release. Also, tours are currently in the works.
Discography:
Joe Macre - Bullet Train (2021)
Joe Mac’s American Garage (2016)
King Friday - Let the song begin (2014)
Crack the Sky – The Machine (2010)
Crack the Sky – All Access DVD (2009)
Crack the Sky – The Sale – (2007)
Crack the Sky – Alive and Kickin’ Ass – (2005)
Crack the Sky – Alive and Kickin – (2005)
The Precious Brothers – The Precious Brothers (2005)
Crack the Sky –Dogs From Japan (2004)
B.E. Taylor Group – Love Won The Fight (1983)
B.E. Taylor Group – Intermission – (1982)
Crack the Sky – Classic Crack – (1980)
Crack the Sky – Live Sky – (1978)
Crack the Sky – Safety in Numbers – (1978)
Crack the Sky – Live on WBAB – (1976)
Crack the Sky – Animal Notes – (1976)
Crack the Sky – Crack the Sky – (1975)
Song previews: Soundcloud.com/joe Macre
To purchase:
For more information:
Facebook.com/joe macre and Facebook/joemacre.com
https://soundcloud.com/cuppajoemusic
Instagram.com/Atomicbass1
https://www.metallivillezine.com/joe-macre
Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, Billy James, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com