Fergus McCormick Jumping The Gun CD

New York City's folk scene has something in common with its hip-hop, alternative rock, jazz, salsa, and merengue scenes: it's crowded -- insanely, unbelievably crowded. And anyone who doubts just how crowded it is should spend a night at an open mic in an East Village coffee house, where singer/songwriters are lined up down the block for the chance to play a few songs for the tip jar. But despite that crowding (or overcrowding), many of the Big Apple's talented singer/songwriters persevere -- and in the early to mid-2000s, one of more noteworthy ones was Fergus McCormick (originally from New Jersey). Drawing on influences like Neil Young, Bob Dylan (minus Dylan's political leanings), and James Taylor, Jumping the Gun is a likable folk-rock effort that could also be described as Americana with British references. While most of McCormick's influences are from North America, there are hints of British artists as well; the late Nick Drake immediately comes to mind, as do the Beatles. No, the Beatles weren't folk-rock per se, but that doesn't mean that elements of their sound cannot influence a folk-rocker like McCormick. The recurring theme on this CD is McCormick's ongoing search for love -- a search he describes, in elaborate detail, on "Is It Over?" and "The Queen of Star 69" as well as "I Saw Her on Monday," "Girl in the Country Jeans," and "My Heart, Hold On to Me." It isn't an easy search; the search for love, McCormick reminds you, can be challenging and frustrating. But he keeps searching anyway -- and while the album has its share of melancholy moments, McCormick isn't devoid of hope or optimism. Jumping the Gun falls short of remarkable, but it's a pleasing, worthwhile example of what the Big Apple folk scene can offer in the 21st century. ~ Alex Henderson

Recording information: Andy Burton's Studio, Hoboken, NJ; Evil Genius Lab, New York, NY; Headgear Studios, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY; New Warsaw Studio, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY.

Photographer: John Sann.

ABOUT "JUMPING THE GUN":The Village Voice"An earth-toned vocal style."Alex Henderson, All Music Guide"One of the more noteworthy [singer/songwriters in the early to mid-2000s]... A pleasing, worthwhile example of what the Big Apple folk scene can offer in the 21st century."Kiki Alexander, The Music Edge"It's hard to come by an artist who can create a mostly fulfilling record the way McCormick has. His storytelling talents have already set the New Jersey native far ahead of the competition... A sophomore record released by a gifted, up-and-coming indie/folk singer that's worth a second look."Jason Warburg, Daily Vault"This fine disc finds McCormick illustrating his flawed characters' longings through one sharply-rendered musical setting after another... Songs this well-crafted don't need to be embellished with winks, nods or punchlines. Jumping The Gun is a worthwhile purchase for anyone who enjoys a good song, and a songwriter who isn't afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve."Fabio Cerbone, Rootshighway"A refined and intelligent songwriter."Bruce Greenberg, The Promise Radio, Live365.com"One of the best indie releases I've heard this year."Dan Herman, RadioCrystalBlue"One of my real favorite CDs."Pete Harris, Harris Radio"Some superb driving Americana tunes."Jon Worley, Aiding & Abetting"McCormick's...songs have something too say. The solid, yet understated production enhances his writing, making this an album that does, indeed, rise above the ever-increasing pack. "Todd Carlson, 1340 Magazine"In a time when most country artists sound either more pop or rock than country, Fergus McCormick...combines the old classic sounds of country along with a fairly strong folk influence which sets him apart from everyone else."François Braeken , Rootstime"Jumping The Gun"...meets all expectations. Each of these songs could be a brilliant music video, given the right director, due to the wonderful visual imagery they contain. I think things are just beginning for this young r