Ronnie has sent me a bulletin to tell me that his latest CD is out this week:What do Smokey Robinson, Teena Marie, The Four Tops, David Ruffin, Eddie Kendrick, Kim Weston, L.J. Reynolds, Kirk Whalum, Rena Scott, Rene & Angela, Carrie Lucas, and Theo Peoples have in common? Well, Ronnie McNeir has produced, recorded with, written for, and/or played keyboards behind this all-star soul list. Despite his impressive resume, Ronnie McNeir is virtually unknown… in the United States. Across the Atlantic, he enjoys a high level of acclaim and his records go for thousands of dollars on the elite UK soul scene. As a vocalist, keyboardist, producer and songwriter in his own right, he has consistently had a hand in creating superb soul music since his debut on an obscure Detroit soul label many years ago.
His mellow tenor voice epitomizes smooth. His grooves, though always funky, define smooth. His songs are intensely personal , alternating between the sensual style of Marvin Gaye to the pointed social commentary of Curtis Mayfield. Like yet another great soul man, Stevie Wonder, he is a pioneer in using synth instrumentation to create funky and soulful grooves.
McNeir has been heard alongside Teena Marie on the classic 80s soul ballad, “We’ve Got To Stop Meeting Like This” from Marie’s “Starchild” album. He also lent backing vocals to Smokey Robinson’s “Love Breeze” LP. Currently, he sings tenor with the Four Tops, a position he has held for the past years, hand-selected by best friend, songwriting partner and original Four Top, Obie Benson.
Today, McNeir returns to the scene with his tenth album, Ronnie Mac & Company. With 14 smooth soul tracks, the album is a must-have for those who crave a contemporary spin on classic grown folks’ music.
Ronnie Mac & Company is the singer’s invitation to get to know Ronnie McNeir. Ronnie Mac has seen and done it all and he shares his rich life experience in tracks such as Ain’t It Good To Know You’ve Got A Friend and his honest commentary on the state of the world, It’s A Shame People Have To Live This Way.
Just when you thought the brother was getting too deep, he serves up steppers’ grooves like Summertime Medley II and In The Mood to take your mind off such troubles. He invites listeners into his own confessional chamber with the painfully beautiful “Personal Testimony” which features Theo Peoples, his fellow Four Top and friend. The album portrays Ronnie in all his human complexity, sinner and saint; profound and playful all at once.
An updated version of McNeir’s Down In The Neighborhood will be a welcome surprise to fans of his last album, of the same name. Neighborhood portrays a gritty tale of life in the inner city with stark detail. From the troubles of the world to the troubles of love to the joys of summertime, Ronnie Mac & Company portrays a complex man: profound, playful, sensual and painfully aware of shortcomings – of himself and the world around him. A bonus track is his spoken word personal tribute to his best friend, original Four Top Renaldo “Obie” Benson.
Some of soul music’s most talented artists know who Ronnie McNeir is. So should you. Get to know Ronnie Mac by downloading "RONNIE MAC" & Company;Ronnie McNeir's NEW SOLO CD set for release on June 18th.
Who is Ronnie McNeir? Your new favorite soul artist!
Ronnie McNeir has always been one of favourite artists and I will always treasure seeing him perform in a small club in Manchester called Parkers back in the early 90's - priceless!!!!
Drop over to his Ronnie's MySpace to hear some clips of the new CD
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