Mississippi MacDonald - Slim Pickin' (2025) [Hi-Res]

Winner of two Acoustic Artist of the Year UK Blues Awards, Oli Mac now brings us a second helping of his alter ego’s acoustic oeuvre following 2024’s Call Me Mississippi lo-key release.
Slim Pickin’ is a significant progression. Reflecting the experience gained since the last album, on tour and in writing, the new acoustic album adds more instrumentation and production to deliver a wholly more comprehensive sound.

Mac is ably assisted as ever by his right hand band mate Phil Dearing, in the Producers chair and also on second guitar and keyboards. The duo are joined by Brent Cundall on Bass. Of Nashville origin Cundall is a very experienced session musician on whose CV is printed ‘bassist and percussionist at Dollywood’ – not many have that! Mac himself weighs in with more of his tasty guitar pickin’ and licks, plus piano, and that extraordinarily soulful and gospel tinged vocal.
Songs include excellent re-workings of live staples Trouble Doin’ the Right Thing, Strange Things Happening Every Day, and Bad Attitude – a recently Oli Mac penned song born of his times in Memphis over the last year. The album title track is also a new Mac song and it’s more than the title suggests i.e. a full acoustic band sound, and a song about a tired relationship.

This album sees Mac in slightly reflective mood too. His own songs I’m Sorry and Sad Songs represent a significant development in writing style, moving beyond the strictures of 12 Bar Blues towards a broader musical sophistication. Once again, born of his time in Memphis under the mentorship of The Reverend Charles Hodges and Boo Mitchell, the influence of Al Green is unmistakable.

Far from this being a side project Mississippi MacDonald Acoustic is a genuine show and album in it’s own right and worth the price of a pint or two to see and hear!