Blues Guitarist Dan McKinnon Releases New CD As Sharp As Possible

Blues Guitarist Dan McKinnon Releases New CD As Sharp As Possible November 19, 2013          Mixing equal parts musical scholar, businessman and tattooed rock n’ roll rebel, Toronto guitarist Dan McKinnon is not your average bluesman. While his music is rooted in blues styles ranging from traditional, country and electric, McKinnon has also publicly declared his love for glam rock, fusion, hard bop, and heavy metal. It is this mélange of musical influences that has created the sound that McKinnon is known for and presents on his new CD As Sharp As Possible. His self-titled debut E.P. was released in early 2012 to glowing reviews and widespread airplay across North America - including regular positions on the Roots Music Report charts. “Dan McKinnon is certainly ready for the spotlight. His debut EP shines a light on the wide spectrum of sounds he can create. From the slow and soulful to the edgy solos that really bite, the road ahead knows no limits.” (Blues Rock Review)    As Sharp As Possible is McKinnon’s first full length CD release and with the high expectations placed on him after the first release - it does not disappoint.  It is musically deep but accessible with sharp lyrics, massive riffs, searing solos and catchy hooks. No two songs sound alike, but there is a common thread weaving each story and song together to create a new and exciting experience for the listener. "On "A.S.A.P", I wanted to capture the sound of a band that played as if it had something to prove. The common characteristic the musicians I admire most have is that they are constantly striving to outdo themselves while never accepting the notion that "Good enough is good enough" or that certain musical conventions can't be broken or challenged. What was most important was capturing the fire and intensity of a group that is looking to push beyond their own limits, striving to be better than what they are….to be as sharp as possible”, says McKinnon.   Produced by JUNO Award winning blues guitarist Jack de Keyzer and recorded at Canterbury Studios, As Sharp As Possible features Dan McKinnon on guitar and vocals, Aaron Carter on bass and Jon Foster on drums. Each of the ten songs were written by McKinnon with topics that range from relationships, self-reflection and personal loss. From the heavy opening riffs on the first track “Ain’t Looking Back”, to the slow groove and soulful solos on “Killing Time”, and the forlorn lyrics and classic blues feel on “One Regret”, the combination of McKinnon’s voice and guitar playing, along with the solid foundation from the band, As Sharp As Possible will quickly become a favourite among blues fans all over.   “Dan McKinnon is one of the brightest new lights on the blues scene.  A well schooled guitarist, he adds just the right amount of jazz intuition to his searing blues playing. With a nice vocal tone, killer riffs and wicked guitar chops Dan McKinnon is a name you will be hearing a lot about in the coming months, years and decades”, says producer Jack de Keyzer.  Only in his thirties, McKinnon’s education, life experiences and talent will certainly ensure a long and healthy career in the blues genre.          www.danmckinnonmusic.com   "This disc delivers the goods with room to spare. The passion and fire in McKinnon’s playing is stepped up a notch here. He’s a veritable Riffzilla, throwing out of big, meaty, juicy hooks”. - John The Rock Doctor, Newcap Radio     "5 stars for ‘As Sharp As Possible’ A really big contender for this year’s Best Canadian Debut Blues Rock Album..."  - The Blues Underground Network     Tracklist:   Ain't Looking Back King of the Hill Lucky One Got It Bad Killing Time Heart Attack Perfect Ten The Recipe (feat. Jack de Keyzer) One Regret A Different Road