Jon McCann Releases New Album, Too Far From Here
Jon McCann has unveiled his wonderful new LP Too Far From Here.
With a drummer for a father, the die was cast. Born a musician, Jon McCann has served as a drummer with several artists over the years; some notables include Guided By Voices, Tangiers, Blurtonia, 13 Engines, and most recently Sarah Harmer. His last songwriting efforts culminated in two records with his band Nassau which were released with Outside Music in the early 2000’s; both records offered a Rock and Roll heart with a dash of psychedelic melancholy.
Too Far From Here was recorded over the fall of 2021 into the winter of 2022 in Toronto at the cozy Lincoln County Social Club, with John Dinsmore at the helm. The album takes twists and turns like a long drive in a 1979 Mercury Cougar; built for comfort, not for speed. Inspired by equal parts The Byrds, Neil Young, and The Jesus and Mary Chain, Too Far From Here plays like an old movie in its own genre ‘Cosmic Western Noir’.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
It’s been a while!
I’ve taken a huge break from recording my music, Nassau was the last project I headed up whose last record ‘Machines to Paradise was released back in 2006.
While I’ve played drums on several other artist’s records since- most recently Sarah Harmer’s latest ‘Are You Gone’ I always knew I’d come back to writing and recording more music- I just didn’t think it would take quite this long to get to it…. I guess I can thank Covid-isolation for the opportunity to get back to work.
Tell us a bit about your most recent release.
I had a great time making this record with John Dinsmore at Lincoln County Social Club; while I played the majority of the instruments- it was a real pleasure having incredible musicians like Jason Sniderman, Bahamas Christine Bougie, and Sarah Harmer / Kathleen Edwards guitarist Gord Tough come in and lend some colour and texture to the music.
“Too Far From Here” is best listened to from start to finish- I’m very inspired and influenced by 60’s psychedelic / country music as well as 90’s dreamy shoegaze pop songs, so there are a lot of twists and turns on the record… it’s best played loud.
Do you have any upcoming shows you’d like to tell us about?
Nothing booked as of right now, but hope to get something together in the new year.
If given the chance, which Canadian artist would you love to work with in the future?
Oh, tough question.
Lots of great artists here for sure- but I suppose if I had to pick one to ‘work with’ it would be Daniel Lanois, his approach to recording music is so unique, textural, and rich- it would be a real honor.
What’s your goal for 2024?
There will be a new release in 2024, I’m about halfway through recording a new record now.
If all goes to plan, it will be released in May or June with hopes of some live dates to support it.