Tim Mahoney
Live From The Sky
Review By Steven Stone

  Tim Mahoney's new album begins with an outtake. It gets better from there, yet continues to follow an unconventional path. His music combines elements of heavy-metal maxi power pop with ethereal folk ballads. Mahoney's unique mix of guitar raunch and lyricism makes for an addictive musical cocktail.

Based in Minneapolis, MN, Mahoney is part of a new generation of professional musicians who understand the importance of a fan base. For the last fifteen years he's made a living as a musician because he keeps communications open. For this album he planned a "fan appreciation show" where everyone in the audience was chosen based on their Facebook comments on why they wanted to attend the show. Mahoney said, "I want to get close with the people that support me. And I want to give them the first chance at any and all new music." Everyone at the concert received a signed copy of the CD.

Musically Mahoney is something of a chameleon. Songs like "Greatest Life" are riff-driven roots-rock anthems with soaring guitar leads. Others such as "Lay Down Low" is a jam-bandish groove tune that alludes to white soul bands like the Rascals as well as country-rock pioneers America. A big clue to where Mahoney's musical heart lies comes from his live version of Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing." It takes big nerve to do Marvin Gaye's signature tune. Mahoney not only covers it, but he owns it by 2:00 minutes into the song. Stein Malvey's guitar tone is crunchy yet clear and fits the texture of the tune perfectly. Kudos also to Chad Whittaker's pile driver bass playing lockstep with Tait Cameron's thunderous kick-drum.

Although conceived as a bon-bon for hardcore fans, Live From The Sky makes an ideal first album for anyone who wants to explore Tim Mahoney's musical universe.

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