A musicologist had heard tell of a woman who lived in a remote village in the far north of the U.K. She knew hundreds and hundreds of local folk songs going back centuries. There was much lore around her life in the town. This song attempts to tell her story. It will be included on The Mockingbirds new album "Chimera". 

Song For Freda Black

Cover version of one of my all time favorite songs by Kevin Ayers. No drums yet... those are to come.  Sonic excursions by Thomas Carnacki.

LadyRachel CarnackiRemix V1 25June2015

The Fallow Months is a poem by Daniel Ari included in his brilliant new book "One Way to Ask". This track is from a work in progress to set these poems to sound.  It will be included on The Mockingbirds' new album "a.no.mie". Find Dan's book here: http://norfolkpress.com/one-way-to-ask-daniel-ari/

The Fallow Months

The next album out of the Mockingbird's hopper will most likely be a recording of songs I used to sing with my elementary students.  This is an oldie.

Who Killed Cock Robin (Children's Songs)

As 15 of you know, I am releasing a record of new material. It is now in the art phase (thank you Derek Wilson!). I really wasn't planning to put any of this music out on the Interwebs, but this song just seemed too timely to wait any longer. Perhaps it will give you a soundtrack for your own insanity.

a.no.mie

The Whole World (is going insane)

I swore I wouldn't release any more of the new album online. But I just couldn't hold this one back any longer.  I think it's a real purty one. 
Thanks to the following musicians for bringing it to life:
J Clay K 
Dan Cantrell
Myles Boisen
Heather Davison
Micah McClain
Enjoy!

Soon Comes the Morning

One of the last things my father said to me:  he was gazing out of his hospital window a couple of days before his passing.  He pointed toward the sky and said, "Look at that beautiful cloud, Paulie."  That was Dad.  Even facing the end, he saw beauty.  

Dying Words (Lacuna)

A song adapted from a stunning poem by my good friend Daniel Ari.  Here is the final version.  To be released on my new album "Lacuna" this Spring!


Between the Sea and the Sky (Lacuna)

One of my very favorite Townes Van Zandt songs.  Such lovely lyrics.  Perhaps this will end up on the next album.

To Live's to Fly

between the sea and the sky - live

good soul - live

surprise  - live

An inspiring anthem for our troubled times.  Give it a listen... be sure to tune into the lyrics.  I hope they make you smile and inspire you to encourage the incredible creativity of our species!
Personnel:
Paul McNees - writer, acoustic guitar, vocals
Myles Boisen - engineer, electric and slide guitar, bass
Dan Cantrell - Hammond B3
Micah McClain - drums
Chris Grady - horns

Burden of the Spell

When I realized that my dad's dementia was worsening. I decided to record some of his stories.  This song is just what the title says... for memory.  The music is sensitively improvised by the group.  

In Memoriam (for Dad)

Raised in the suburbs of St. Louis County. Life lessons in Los Angeles. Residing in the Bay Area of California. Paul sings, writes, plays things with strings, and teaches stuff. The Mockingbirds is an ever-shifting kaleidoscope of musicianly characters trying their damnedest to make some nice art. Here's hoping that a heartstring is tugged, a toe is tapped, or a melody sings itself in your head.

The Mockingbirds Music

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