John McDermott Albums (12)
'M When I Grow Too Old to Dream'
Release Date 1/1/2007
Tracks 18
Label EMI
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'On a Whim: Songs of Ron Sexsmith'
Release Date 1/1/2006
Tracks 12
Label EMI
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What The Critics Say
Not all singer/songwriters are equally talented as composers and performers, and though Ron Sexsmith is among the most gifted Canadian songwriters of his generation, a writer with an uncommon ability to capture the subtle details of life and love with compassion and emotional generosity, his voice is a more problematic affair, sometimes lacking the force and emotional gravity to make the most of his lyrics, especially on his early albums. John McDermott, a Canadian vocalist well known for his recordings of traditional Scottish and Celtic songs, has made a rare foray into contemporary material with On a Whim: Songs of Ron Sexsmith, in which he interprets a dozen songs by his fellow countryman, and hearing a singer of McDermott's skill perform Sexsmith's songs presents a welcome opportunity to give these tunes a second chance. As it happens, McDermott honors the intent (albeit not to the letter) of Sexsmith's original versions of these songs, and while his vocal style is a great deal more theatrical than the author's, for the most part he aims for a welcome subtlety and he plays the boyish side of Sexsmith's personality with skill and charm. McDermott sometimes goes for a slightly swinging, pop crooner approach on tunes like "You've Been Waiting" and "This Song," but the songs unexpectedly play well with these arrangements, and McDermott delivers the material with panache. If in some ways McDermott's crisp, well-disciplined tenor is a slightly curious fit for the rumpled, homey personality of Sexsmith's lyrics, his respect and enthusiasm for the material is never in doubt, and the beauty of the melodies is well served at all times. John McDermott doesn't reinvent Ron Sexsmith's music on On a Whim, but he does make a few of his songs easier for many listeners to approach without robbing them of what made Sexsmith's flawed but compelling recordings memorable. The result is a fine introduction to a great songwriter as well as a fascinating creative detour for a fine vocalist. ~ Mark Deming, All Music Guide
'Love Is a Voyage'
Release Date 7/26/1999
Tracks 16
Label EMI Music Distribution
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What The Critics Say
A little over-sentimental, but with an admirable honesty and melancholic integrity, McDermott drapes his vibrant tenor over the string quartet, harp, piano, tin whistle, and English horn backing. Tracks such as "Ave Maria," drawn from his school choir days, sit with trad Christmas numbers and more contemporary pieces like Murray McLauchlan's "Old Tin Star." ~ Roch Parisien, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Vocalist John McDermott's fourth solo album Remembrance pays tribute to all the soldiers who served their country during wartime. With a Memorial Day theme, the collection features music from the WWI era to Vietnam, the veterans of whom he honors with his song "The Wall." In the tradition of his Danny Boy and Christmas Memories albums, Remembrance focuses on McDermott's expressive tenor and the emotions he conveys in the songs. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide
'Old Friends'
Release Date 1/23/1995
Tracks 15
Label EMI Music Distribution
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