Category: Uncategorized

Raised on Songs & Stories is a new kind of recording, borne of a collaboration between me and musician/arranger Eric Robertson.

For the last ten or so years Eric Robertson and I have toyed with the idea of recording an album with no breaks, no silence between the tracks – just one single, continuous flow of music from start to finish. That idea finally bloomed this year.

All of the songs you will find here are ones that I have enjoyed my entire life, deeply rooted in my Scottish heritage—but with the occasional nod to my Irish ancestry—with “Dublin in the Rare Ould Times” and  “Yesterday’s People” (written by Finbar Furey) truly heartwrenching.

Eric’s skill as a musician and arranger shine through in many places, but particularly in two medleys “The Way It Was” and “Aunt Margaret’s Mirror” – as well as short musical interludes that link each song together. Truly beautiful.

“And I no more Shall be Passing this Way” is very special to me. It was  written by Darcy Broderick (Irish Decendants) for my father shortly after his passing in 1995. I think it’s a beautiful tribute to “my old man”.

Songs include: Auld Lang Syne • The Way It Was (a medley of four of our favorite Scottish songs. “Kate Dalrymple”, “Auld Reekie”, “Road to the Isles” and “The Skye Boat Song”) • Leezie Lindsay • Ae Fond Kiss • The Rare Ould Times • The Bluebells of Scotland • Aunt Margaret’s Mirror (a set of four Scottish airs: “Almond Water”, “Lord Balgonie’s Favorite”, “O’re the Hills and Far Away”, and “The Lee Rig”) • The Rose of Allendale • Comin’ Thro’ the Rye • Yesterday’s People (written by Finbar Furey of The Fureys) • The Loch Tay Boat Song • Flower of Scotland • I No More Shall be Passing this Way

Now available for purchase from my online store.

We’re very close with the new box set “From There to Here“ and it will be available this Spring in a limited edition. Each set will include 3 DVDs that will trace my career from its very beginning in 1992 – as well as a CD of the songs from my very first concert in Halifax in 1994.

I was amazed at the amount of footage we had from my very beginnings and the interviews are truly enlightening with so many beautiful memories captured and I am looking forward to sharing them with all of you.

Preliminary title: When Worlds Collide, My Journey

As we progress with the collection of stories and source all the characters and people who have impacted my family and my life, it is taking just a little bit longer to complete a first draft. Hopefully by early February we will have it complete.

There are so many wonderful recollections and stories that we just could not rush ahead without including as many as we could. We are still receiving letters and e-mails from people across the country and around the world. I am amazed at the volume and so we are a little delayed but I promise it will be worth the wait.

Ron Hynes passed away this evening—he truly was “the man of a 1000 songs”. God’s speed Ron, you will be missed.

I am saddened at the news of Michael’s passing. He was a beautiful man, a loyal friend and an incredible talent. I will miss his presence.

John was on hand on behalf of McDermott House Canada to receive a donation from students, teachers and veterans at Heydon Park Secondary School who helped raise $500 for McDermott House Canada.

Thank you so much for your support of our girls and their donation to your organization. Our girls really enjoyed the visit to Sunnybrook and they are all excited about doing some more fund raising in the next school year. You have inspired them.

Pictured above are Vice Principal MaryAnne Regan, Mac Joyner, Jaclyn G, John McDermott, Elah G-R, Sarah P, Jack Ford, and Kathryn Grimbly. Their principal’s name is Donna Drummond.

Well what a year this is shaping up to be – one of the busiest in the last 10 years and 2016 is shaping up to be even busier. We have a lot on the go in the touring and recording areas with a major tour in the works for April/May 2016. This will be a Canadian coast-to-coast, beginning in western Canada. We are in the process of routing the cities and towns we plan to visit and hope to post them in early September.

The Book

At the present time I am in the process of completing “the book” – a look back at my life and family, where we came from and where we are today. There are many stories and each of them an intimate part of this ribbon of life. I expect to be looking at a rough draft of the book in the early fall and hope to complete it in time for Christmas. It has been a wonderful journey revisiting the faces and places that have been so much a part of my life’s path. We have collected stories from my friends and family and from supporters and fans all over the world, and we will be sharing many of them with you. If you still have a John McDermott story and want to share it with us please send it in… we may even post it in the upcoming letter of the month section.

New Recording

Our recording efforts are in top gear and I have a new recording in the works with my good friend Eric Robertson. The new release for September of this year will be called “Raised on Songs and Stories“, a collection of songs with a remarkable history attached – some very old and some more contemporary – each song a story to tell and a memory for the ages. Working with Eric is always a joy and his arrangements are beautiful.

From There to Here

I have almost completed the DVD box set “From There to Here“ and it should be available in the fall in a limited edition. Each set will include 4 DVD’s that will trace my career from its very beginning in 1992 with footage from the very earliest performances, a documentary on me and my family entitled “Love is A Voyage“ and the launch of my career, an extensive behind the scenes look at the making of “A Time to Remember“ and a DVD of the concert itself, interviews with all of those who have played a role in my journey “from there to here” – all never seen before. I was amazed at the amount of footage we had from my very beginnings, footage from The Congressional Medal of Honor Society Patriot Award in October 2001 through my world tour with Nana Mouskouri and our final show at Herodes Atticus. The interviews are truly enlightening with so many beautiful memories captured and I am so looking forward to sharing them with all of you.

More information to follow…looking forward to hearing your stories.

John

Me and NHL great Sidney Crosby.

A Family Christmas Concert with John McDermott and Friends
Fourth Presbyterian Church
115 E. Delaware (Across from Four Seasons Hotel)
Chicago, Illinois
December 10th, 2015 – 7:00pm

Sponsored by  

For tickets:

Eventbrite: https://ashjohnmcdermott.eventbrite.com or call
Angela Gerontakis Agerontakis@asafehaven.org or call 773.435.8374

For more info contact
Kylie Weller kweller@100ClubChicago.org or call 312.265.0920 or
Angela Gerontakis Agerontakis@asafehaven.org or call 773.435.8374

A Safe Haven Foundation is a 501(c)3 not for profit, social enterprise that partners with public/private entities to help people aspire, transform and sustain their lives as they transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency with pride and purpose.  A Safe Haven provides the tools for each individual to overcome the root causes of homelessness through a holistic, scalable mode. A Safe Haven’s visible social and economic impact unites families, stabilizes neighborhoods, and creates vibrant, viable communities.

The 100 Club of Chicago is a non-profit organization that provides for the surviving spouses and children of law enforcement officers, firefighters and paramedics who lose their lives in the line of duty.  This includes all federal, state, county and local sworn personnel stationed in Cook County. Thousands of brave men and women risk their lives daily so that we can be safe and secure in our homes, workplaces and communities.  While money can never replace the loss of a loved one, funds can be extremely helpful in easing the financial burden associated with the tragic event. Beyond financial assistance, the 100 Club’s network of members and friends care deeply about the families’ sacrifices and offer many forms of appreciation and support.