John Finnigan

    Way Up The Sky

Former Chicagoan John Finnigan has just released his second record on the Mid Ear Record label from Willis, Texas. A pleasant blend of rock and country, Way Up The Sky has numerous Midwestern connections.

Lead guitarist, Lenny Kerley, (Cryan Shames) is red hot on John's ode to Houston's traffic "Bumper to Bumper" (sounds like the Dan Ryan), and stands out on slide guitar on Finnigan's version of Dylan's "Tomorrow Is A long Time". Two of the stronger tunes are contributed by Thom Bishop: "Just Because You Didn't Answer" is a country weeper expressively sung by Maureen Finlon, and the title track begins with synthesizer and chimes before evolving into a handclapping gospel number with just drums and vocals.

Maureen also vocalizes the Byrd's "Feel A Whole Lot Better", and John sings best on "Lost In Our Dreams", a song by Perry Jordan of Heartsfield. All in all, Way Up The Sky is a well-produced and performed country-rock record which will appeal to fans of the genre and, hopefully, bring John and Maureen up here to sing for us.

Rick Swenson, Illinois Entertainer

Song List        The Players