Chuck McCabe has recorded for Capital Records, ABC and GRT in both Nashville and Los Angeles, where he was a staff writer for ABC. Through his career, McCabe has made choices that have allowed him to express himself in a unique and non-commercial form that has despite some narrow misses steered him clear of both fame and fortune.
McCabe now lives, writes, performs and teaches in the San Jose, California area. He is a songwriting clinician and frequent guest songwriting judge for the West Coast Songwriters and the Sisters Folk Festival. In addition to touring and teaching, last year he performed more than 100 shows for the non-profit Young at Heart Project that provides a musical respite for seniors in care facilities.
Sounds Like
A vein of humor and a theme of respect run through McCabes distinctly American songwriting. From those clever missives that make us laugh and shake our heads (Dont be rude to the people who bring your food) to poignant social commentary (Minimum Wager, Deliver us from Evil), McCabe makes us think about how we treat our fellow-man. His delivery demonstrates an understated elegance that is a rare find among performers especially those who cross the lines between wit and wisdom.
The songs and stories of Chuck McCabe are testimony to a life that began on the road. Born into a Navy family, McCabes wanderings began early and continued through years of playing summers on Cape Cod, winters in Vail and every gin mill and Holiday Inn lounge in between. As a 5-string banjo player he was part of Disneylands Golden Horseshoe Review. As a guitarist hes played rock, blues, jazz and bluegrass from the trendy bars on the Sunset Strip to USO shows in the wilds of Southeast Asia.
All the while, McCabe gathered fodder for what has become a significant and important body of work. Since his song of the plight of the working class, Minimum Wager, won the Woody Guthrie Songwriting Competition in 2002 McCabe has joined the ranks of the master story tellers in the tradition of the great folk troubadours. His songwriting also has been honored by the Boston Folk Festival, Sisters (Oregon) Folk Festival, Napa Music and Wine Festival, Founders Bluegrass Festival, Sierra Songwriters festival, Wildflower! (Dallas) and the Tucson Folk Festival.
"Ticklin' The Strings" by Sweet Hollywaiians
Amazing Japanese hot string band playing 1920's, 30's, 40's style hawaiian, swing, calypso, blues, italian music and originals,featuring vintage instruments.3 songs with Robert Armstrong and Tony Marcus(from Robert Crumb and His Cheap Suit Serenaders)
"The Sweet Hollywaiians have probably the best feel for this 20's music of any string band working today. They manage the rare feat of sounding relaxed even when their playing is hot, are top notch musicians with tasteful arrangements and a full, rich, warm sound.Plus, they have a nice gamut of tunes, from King Nawahi to Giovanni Vicari to Bobby Leecan. See them live, if you can, for an unforgettable experience. If you can't, buy their Cds!" ~ Terry Zwigoff
Hey Chuck, The Rose and Ben Band would like to thank you so very much for your friendship and support. And appreciate you accepting our invitation, VOICE IT IN MUSIC
Chuck, Thanks for staying over and playing Sunday morning so this old Saturday night bar picker could enjoy your show too. I really enjoyed your songs and respect your experience. Regards, Tony
Thanks for the add and support. Great Sound Keep up the good work! Please be sure to visit my page and check out my music! Best of luck to you! God Bless David Brendan Hunt
Hey, we hope everyone can make it to our show at Moe's Alley on Tuesday April 28th. It's a double bill with Still Time from San Luis Obispo, and they rock the house! The show starts at 9pm. See you there!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY RADIO COUNTRY CLUB
1st March 2006 - 1st March 2009
The Biggest French Radio
Country Music - Best Regards
http://www. radiocountryclub. com
Hi Chuck, I just wanted to make sure you knew how honored we are to have you and your song HOLIDAZE as new additions to our Original Christmas Song Site this year...It's a great song and a fantastic performance...Take care, Richard
Hey Chuck, me again...dropping in to say your songs posted on our site again today and it's doing GREAT...It's a real pleasure having you on our site and we'll be rotating it throughout the YEAR...We don't stop on Christmas Day... Take care, Richard
