”I’ve had the pleasure of working with Daddy Mack over the years both in the studio and live performance. A true gentleman and top notch music professional. Gonna spotlight some of those moments in time here. I encourage you to support by purchasing the records/songs (click album covers) that are available on many online platforms. Hope you enjoy.” BG
Daddy Mack Orr
A Como, Mississippi native who made his way to Memphis, TN. Worked as an auto mechanic by day and a musician by night. Prolific songwriter and recording artist for the Memphis indie label, Inside Sounds. Eventually taking his music from a regional focus to a national one.
“Inspired by Albert King and others, he put down some money on a six-string electric at a Memphis pawn shop. He practiced and practiced at his North Memphis home until he got good. Real good.” Inside Sounds President, Eddie Dattel
Goin' Down South Vol. 2 Music Sampler (2004):
Slowride (2006):
Memphis-based Daddy Mack Blues Band takes '60s & '70s arena-rock staples on a Slow Ride back to the blues. Featuring guest Billy Gibson, tracks include Foghat's 'Slow Ride', Zeppelin's 'Whole Lotta Love', John Cale's 'After Midnight', Eric Clapton's 'Lay Down Sally', as well as 'Can't Get Enough' (Foreigner), 'Honky Tonk Women' (Stones), 'Black Magic Woman' (Santana), the Beatles' 'Get Back' and more.
Bluestones (2006):
Following the success of the early 2006 release Slow Ride, The Daddy Mack Blues Band began generating a momentum almost unheard of in blues music. The idea of bridging juke house blues with classic ‘60s and ‘70s rock captured the critics’ attention and talent buyers alike. Without taking a breath, the band went back into their label’s Memphis studio, this time to record a stone cold blues CD with Billy Gibson as producer. Steeped in the tradition of earlier Memphis blues bands, The Daddy Mack Blues Band focused on their soulful blues roots, with more than a nod to Stax Records. Recording mostly a new batch of original songs, the band also adeptly covers Booker T. & The M.G.s, Sam Cooke, and a raucous version of “Shade Tree Mechanic.” To say “Mack is Back” is an understatement. Daddy Mack’s fiery, emotional blues guitar playing is likely to turn the heads of the often disappointed critics wading through piles of CDs at Guitar Player magazine. His vocals are equally convincing and the rhythm section of brothers Harold and James Bonner (bass, guitar), drummer William Faulkner and guest musician Charlie Wood on organ and piano creates a dynamic cohesion that would be impossible to find anywhere but Memphis. If these musicians are the living connection to the legendary Fieldstones, what awaits them is the type of recognition that few blues bands ever achieve. Although still keeping busy in his Memphis garage, mechanic/musician Daddy Mack is currently the subject of a one-hour documentary to be broadcast in 2007. A ten-minute segment of the film is included on this enhanced CD-- an intimate glimpse of the band working in the studio alongside producer Billy Gibson. Bluestones is an absolute gem and a CD that will likely become a blues classic.
Blues Finger (2010):
Bluesfinger is the fourth release from the Daddy Mack Blues Band, an electric blues band fronted by the charismatic and entertaining Daddy Mack Orr. Opening with ;Great Recession Blues, Daddy Mack immediately grabs your attention with a song describing the current economic situation as only a bluesman could. The CD's title track is a new arrangement of the Stax classic "Soul Finger," first made popular in 1967 by the Bar-Kays. Substituting Soul Finger shouts with an exotic, Eastern European Bluesfinger coolness, the song is given an entirely new vibe. Harmonica wizard Billy Gibson jams with Daddy Mack throughout this unique performance, recreating the original horn lines with gritty Mississippi soul blues. Another instrumental gem is the juke joint classic Honky Tonk, highlighting Daddy Mack's lead guitar expertise. On both "Can't Make It Without Your Love" and "Always Want You," the band effortlessly embraces Southern soul. Other mid-tempo blues include "Soda Pop," "Blues Highway," "Mailman," and "You Got My Money." It only seems appropriate that Daddy Mack covers "If You Got It," another Stax recording by Albert King, the artist with whom Daddy Mack is most often compared. While "All Tore Up & Cryin'" will satisfy fans of simmering slow blues, "Long Hard Road" is a straight-forward twelve bar blues reflecting the trials and tribulations of a traveling blues musician. The simple chemistry of this extraordinary band remains the same as their previous release Bluestones. Brothers James and Harold Bonner keep it soulful on guitar and bass, while William Faulkner plays it steady behind the drums. Billy Gibson is featured on two tracks. Bluesfinger may be the best Daddy Mack Blues Band release so far.
Pay The Piper (2012):
Pay The Piper is Daddy Mack Blues Band's fifth CD and features the charismatic Daddy Mack Orr in fine form. Opening with "Showtime," he confidently introduces the band, asking the listener to "sing along" while a soulful horn section jabs and swells throughout the track. "Best In Town" continues the light mood and includes a searing harmonica solo by special guest Billy Gibson. The band slows it down for track three, "Como," a song referencing Daddy Mack's childhood home in Mississippi. The CD takes on a more serious tone on the title track. The band is super tight and funky while Daddy Mack sings and plays lead guitar like a man who's seen it all. On tracks like "Workin' Man" and "Black & Blue," the theme of struggle continues. While "Woman Do Right" is the quintessential blues song about a misguided woman, "Let's Get Together" is an unusual, slow blues with Billy Gibson on chromatic harp. "Sugar Daddy" is co-penned by Mack and is absolute, unadulterated fun! "Of Blues I Sing," co-written by rhythm guitarist James Bonner, features an inspiring performance by Daddy Mack on vocals and guitar. Bonner is heard as lead vocalist for the first time on CD on "Trickle Down Blues," an entertaining song with a keen economic/political perspective. The CD closes with "If We Never Meet Again," a beautiful soul ballad, simple and honest.
(2024):