Ian McFeron and Alisa Milner perform Feb. 14, 6 p.m., at Love Dog Cafe in Lopez Village. Call 468-2150.
McFeron, a prolific songwriter whose lyrical prose and fervent work ethic has drawn comparisons to Bob Dylan, broke into the Seattle music scene after his self-produced debut album “Don’t Look Back” (2003) was discovered by “The Mountain” in Seattle (KMTT at 103.7 FM).
An independent and virtually unknown local artist at the time, McFeron’s heartfelt lyrics and tightly composed songs inspired the Seattle media giant to put the album’s lead-off single, “Love Me Twice,” into rotation. Listeners responded strongly, and within months, McFeron and his newly formed band would share the spotlight with international and national artists such as Patty Griffin, Nanci Griffith, Shawn Mullins, Amos Lee, Sister Hazel, Missy Higgins, Carbon Leaf, and Hayes Carll.
A compulsive tunesmith and obsessive writer since childhood, McFeron has continued to release a steady stream of albums since his debut. His blues-rock sophomore release, “A Long Way To Freedom” (2005), was soon followed by the rock-Americana record “Fistfight With Father Time” (2006), and the rootsy-pop anthem “Let It Ride” (2007). His fifth full-length LP, “Love Me Blue” (2009), is a ghostly, melodic album with themes of unrequited love and trials of faith, delicately laced with the unyielding voice of hope that has created lifelong fans out of his listeners.
Still a fully independent artist and self-functioning record label, McFeron has dedicated himself to building audiences the old-fashioned way: on the road. Living for months on end in his vintage 1970 tour bus, McFeron travels from city to city, state to state, inspiring listeners with his beautifully crafted songs and his sincere heart. On the road, McFeron (vocals, guitars, piano) is joined by Alisa Milner, a Texas-style fiddler, cellist, and harmony vocalist.
Gene Stout, Seattle pop music critic, wrote of McFeron, “The Ian McFeron Band plays an earthy yet sophisticated blend of folk, rock, alternative-country and blues that belies the band’s youthfulness. And it’s danceable too.”
Online: www.ianmcferon.com
Online: www.myspace.com/ianmcferonband
Online: www.sonicbids.com/ianmcferonband
