Hughie Mac

Hughie Mac’s music isn’t about breaking new ground or broadening your perspective. It’s entertainment and nostalgia wrapped up in a neat package. Mac sings songs plucked from throughout our mutual past reminding us of childhood memories, lost loves, and the overall sparkle of bygone days. He doesn’t sing these classics chosen from the history of American songwriting with the technical precision of other performers; it isn’t about that for Hughie Mac. The latest installment in his Sings Some Great Songs Series, Vol. 4, is about conveying experience through song and Mac often does that as splendidly as anyone who has ever sang this material. 

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It is a wide-ranging album, like previous entries, and takes on twenty-three tracks virtually covering the gamut of modern pop. His DIY ethic requires Mac to make accommodations with some of these tracks that, ultimately, don’t serve the song as well as he hopes they will. His voice, however, overcomes any potential obstacle placed in the collection’s path. Kicking the album off with such a recognizable standard helps. “Almost Like Falling in Love” has instant familiarity for a wide range of listeners. It’s been covered by many different artists over the years, but Mac doesn’t attempt to imitate anyone. 

His easy and amiable grace gives a nearly imperceptible lift to the song appropriate for its emotions and point of view. The backing is minimal but never an afterthought. He shows an obvious preference for Jimmy Buffett songs and the first of the tracks, “Changes in Latitudes”, delivers all of the winking wisdom we hear from the song’s original version. There’s a deep knowledge communicated in songs such as this that the writing and performances convey with a nudge. Mac seems to understand this, and he fills his vocal with real character rather than merely hitting his marks. Another artist that Mac owes a clear allegiance to is Frank Sinatra. His influences on singers of Mac’s generation remain incalculable. He isn’t afraid of tackling ‘Ol Blue Eyes standards such as “New York, New York” and “My Way”. 

Sinatra’s presence is stronger on earlier albums in the series and Mac brings the same respectful, yet individual interpretation to these iconic tracks. He gives a spirited performance of the Glen Campbell gem “Galveston” without his version ever suffering too great from the comparison. Mac isn’t ever trying to duplicate these legendary songs but, instead, produces versions of those cuts faithful to the original, yet somehow expressive of his experience. 

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 He revisits Buffet for a final time with the crowd favorite “Cheeseburger in Paradise”. It’s a reflection of Mac’s previously mentioned commitment to entertaining his listeners and his ability to balance that with satisfying himself makes for another fine release. There are many other fine songs remaining for Mac to claim as his own and, based on the energy you hear over the course of these 20 plus songs, there’s no doubt he has plenty of fuel left for a future Part 5 in his Sings Some Great Songs series. 

Joshua Beach 

Melbourne, AUS 

4/2022