Jon McLaughlin Preview

Jon McLaughlin
House Of Blues, Chicago
Friday, December 15, 2006

It’s all happening for singer-songwriter Jon McLaughlin. The Billy Joel/Ben Folds-influenced pianist debuts Indiana, his first album for Island Records, early next year and coming this summer he’ll put his Andy Roddick-like good looks to use in Disney’s Enchanted, a mix of animation and live action starring Patrick “McDreamy” Dempsey.

McLaughlin hits Chicago again after an appearance at Lollapalooza last August, this time opening for Better Than Ezra at the House of Blues. His upcoming release, named after his native state, showcases an ivory tickling precision and vocals belonging in the same camp as Goo Goo Dolls’ Johnny Rzeznik. The title track is a beautiful ballad glorifying his hometown of Anderson, accompanied sparsely by piano and swelling cello. Its intimacy and beguiling simplicity has much in common with another small town dweller, Josh Ritter. McLaughlin croons “The trick of love is to never let it find you/ it’s easy getting over missing out” longingly in the heart-on-your-sleeve pout currently working so well for Illinois neighbors Augustana.

The Matrix, Jamie Houston, and Better Than Ezra’s Kevin Griffin, among others, clocked in writing time with McLaughlin for the record, so it’s hard not to wonder how much of a part the artist had to play in the compositions. Not to sound snarky, but enlisting the hit makers credited with the success of bubble gum princesses Avril Lavigne and Hilary Duff doesn’t do much for the serious songwriter label McLaughlin is trying to cultivate. But then again, The Matrix’s writing trio also worked with Korn, so go figure.

McLaughlin opens for Better Than Ezra on the first night of the band’s two-night HOB stand. Graham Colton opens on Saturday. Also, this show is an early 18+ show; Al Roker Jr.’s XXXlmas is the late show.

– Janine Schaults

Click here for streaming samples of John McLaughlin.

Category: Stage Buzz, Weekly