One Step Away

Track Listings

1. Not Now, Not Ever

2. One Step Away

3. By the Border

4. Marry Me

5. In the Mirror

6. Followed by the Sound

7. Feel You Only

8. Good for your Heart

9. When I Paint My Masterpiece

10. Curved Like a Bow

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
John Montgomery was born in New York City and grew up primarily in Brooklyn, New York. After living in Rio de Janeiro for several years, where his father was a correspondent for The New York Times, John attended Saint Ann's School in Brooklyn Heights. His father first encouraged John to play the guitar, and introduced him to his future songwriting idol, Bob Dylan. John' s mother is a talented singer who was a music teacher in the New York City school system. "My mother has one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard, anywhere," John says, "and she sang to me and for me a lot when I was young. So I feel like I get the will to sing from my mother, and the will to write from my father."

John graduated from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland with a degree in Genetics, and then received a doctorate in Neurobiology from the California Institute of Technology. It was in the middle of graduate school that John says he decided that, rather than becoming a working scientist, he was going to dedicate himself to pursuing music. "I literally woke up one day, " he says, "and realized that what I really wanted was to become a singer-songwriter. I ended up finishing my doctorate, but I found that my desire to play music just kept getting stronger and stronger."

Although he left science after graduate school, John believes his experience as a scientist has helped him greatly as a songwriter and musician. "For me, writing a song is very similar to doing scientific research. There's that same overpowering sense of excitement and release when you think you have something, when you think maybe you've found or rendered some little piece of the truth."

John's debut recording, "One Step Away," which has been described as an alternative folk-pop record, is being released on his own label, Circus Drum Records, in July of 2002.

Album Description
Beautifully crafted alternative folk-pop of unusual depth and power. Debut release from a singer-songwriter to watch.

Tracks:

Nice Work If You Can Get It
Isn't It Romantic
Swinging On A Star
Ask Me Again
Rhode Island Is Famous For You
'S Wonderful
Wonder Why
Too Marvelous For Words
Where Do You Start
Theme From The Bad And The Beautiful
Easy To Love
Alexander's Ragtime Band
Who Are You Now?
You're An Education
You Are There
Sophisticated Swing
Love Can Change The Stars
Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are
Half Of April (Most Of May)
Marianne
They Can't Take That Away From Me
I Love A Piano

Tracks:

That's Entertainment
My Favorite Year
Ten Feet Off The Ground (With Rosemary Clooney)
I Never Felt Better
Someone To Watch Over Me
Kiss Her Now
The Ugly Bug Ball
For You, For Me, Forever More
The Mole People
And So To Bed
You're All The World To Me
Old Friend
Isn't It A Pity (with Rosemary Clooney)
Pattisserie
Open Your Eyes
For Love Alone
I Won't Send Roses/Time Heals Everything
Get Out And Get Under The Moon (with Page Cavanaugh)
My Romance
Love Is Here To Stay
Violin (with Liza Minnelli)

Amazon.com

The line between evangelist and entertainer has always been somewhat indistinct. But as showcased on this 43-track, double-disc collection culled from his '87-'96 recordings for Elektra/Nonesuch/Atlantic, Michael Feinstein's dedication to spreading the gospel of the American song often blurs it beyond recognition. While the singer's pedigree for the task is impeccable (a long-term stint as Ira Gershwin's assistant and early career sponsorship by Liza Minnelli), his interpretations often succeed by playing off a tense axis of fervent emotionalism and a joyous sense of irreverence.

If his readings of romantic standards can sometimes tend toward the precious, they're often balanced here by sheer dramatic power and telling insights ("Isn't It Romantic" fairly bristles with ironic chauvinism) and a few loopy curves ("The Mole People," the Sherman Brothers' "The Ugly Bug Ball," and the previously unreleased "Rhode Island Is Famous for You"). Feinstein's dedicated song archaeology is also showcased on several gems: "Violin," a duet with Liza Minnelli; "My Favorite Year," a rejected ballad for the film of that name; the sublime "lost" Gershwin classic "Ask Me Again."

Sprinkled with live performances (the forum where Feinstein's talents seem most energized) and studio outtakes and featuring a lengthy print interview with the singer, the set chronicles both the pioneering efforts of one of pop music's most successful revivalists and, crucially, the cream of his beloved American songwriters, from stalwarts Gershwin, Berlin, and Porter to later legends like Herman, Styne, Lane, Martin, and Mercer. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

The definitive collection of performances by the Grammy nominated singer features 43 tracks from 14 albums released by Elektra, Elektra Nonesuch, and Atlantic labels from 1987-1996. Plus 8 previously unreleased live tracks only available here 'Rhode Island is Famous For You', 'S Wonderful', 'Alexander's Ragtime Band', 'I Love A Piano', 'Patisserie', 'Get Out And Get Under The Moon' (with Page Cavanaugh), 'Love Is Here To Stay' & 'Violin' (with Liza Minnelli). 2 Digipacks housed in a slipcase with a booklet. Rhino Records. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

Mixed feelings.......2005-10-05

This album has some GREAT songs on it; sophisticated swing being one of my favorites. However many of the other songs are too operatic and lame. I give three stars but this album is definatly worth it just for some of the better songs.

Your love for this superb collection will be here to stay..........2002-07-18

The magnificently talented Michael Feinstein has made one wonderful album after another for nearly two decades. Now that Elektra and Rhino have put together this anthology, I am blown away by the versatility and diversity in Feinstein's recorded output. Such amazing rare gems, combined with the most beloved favorites in the history of American Popular Song. Assembled with wit, intelligence, and obvious affection on the part of the record company, this set is a keeper. You'll love it!

He's done it again.......2002-07-15

Is there anything this man can't sing? This collection is so varied as to be the definitive collection of songs for any occassion.

This is perfect background music for a dinner party for a whole group but especially for two. Light, romantic and just gorgeous. You just can't go wrong when Michael Feinstein is your musical choice.

Way to go Michael, you've done it again!

Absolutely 'S WONDERFUL!.......2002-06-10

There are very few contemporary performers who can hold their own with the truly great interpreters of American popular song. Michael Feinstein is truly the ONLY performer of the "younger" generation who really understands what these songs are all about. His incredible knowledge of this music, and his enthusiasm and passion for it have fueled his career. Rhino Records has done a truly outstanding job of putting together an anthology that exemplifies why Mr. Feinstein has become so beloved by audiences around the world. The packaging is excellent, and filled with interesting photos and background information about many of the selections.

This collection not only contains all the favorites one would expect, but a neat group of surprises too. I especially love the duets with people like Liza Minnelli and Rosemary Clooney, and the various collaborative efforts with songwriters like Jule Styne and Burton Lane accompanying Michael at the piano.

This collection is a classic to be treasured. Bravo Michael!
Bravo Rhino!

A beautiful 2 disc CD-another hit for Michael.......2002-06-09

I have every CD Michael has ever made and this is by far one of the best ones because of Michael's range in singing and his wonderful singing voice. I love his duets with Rosemary Clooney and Liza Minelli. He is a wonderful performer on this double CD and am looking foward to the next CD.

Average customer rating:

A great CD at a really great price
Turn This One Up To Eleven
Too bad their career went to a hault
Can't belive I hadn't heard of these guys.
Friend Of The Band

One Step Away
Echo 7
Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0000A5A3X
Release Date: 2003-07-29

Tracks:

The Fair Man
Inside Out
One Step Away
Part Of You
Masquerade
The After
Beneath The Surface
Uninvited
Reason Why
Standing In Between
Once Before
Left Alone

Customer Reviews:

A great CD at a really great price.......2006-07-26

It is too bad that Echo 7 is no longer together, maybe some day the guys will realize that what they had was really good and get back together. I saw them in concert w/ Cold, Finger Eleven and Lennex in Dewey Beach. They totally rocked the joint. Buy this CD and you won't be disappointed!!!!

Turn This One Up To Eleven.......2006-06-07

Echo 7's demise is truly a travesty. Ronnie and Dave have at least 100 good songs left to write. This album is representative of the countless other tunes that didn't make it into the studio. These guys know what they are doing. The reason why the lead vocals sound different in some songs is because the ones Dave wrote are sung by him and Ronnie sang lead on his creations. I like that about them because it gave the show and their albums some variety. Not only are they great musicians, they are amazing people who have remained humble through the process of being on tour with their idols. Love you guys, miss you much!!!!

Too bad their career went to a hault.......2005-10-12

It's sad to see that the guys no longer are on the In De Goot Records label. I used to sell merchandise for them when they did their shows locally in Myrtle Beach. As a young teenager they really opened me up to the local music scene here in Myrtle Beach. They were really good friends to me and when this CD came out I actually bought 2. I had to, my name is in it. Too bad that I actually saw Ronnie with his wife, they now have a baby, and he couldn't even say hello to me. For being friends that long you think that he could say hello. Guess their 15 minutes of fame went to their head.

Can't belive I hadn't heard of these guys........2005-07-17

None of the other reviewers said what kind of music this is exactly so I basically just had to take a chance on it when i bought it, so I'll save you all the grief and explain what this is. The first song is an intro and then it jumps into Inside Out, a pretty heavy song and it's definitely got some catchy beats. Next up is the ever harder hitting title track One Step Away and man does this thing rock. Crunchy guitars and powerful vocals (the guy actually has a good voice *thumbs up*). Also, gotta love Part Of You, just another hard rocker. As for the rest of the cd, there's a few more rockers in there but also more than the average amount of slower songs for this type of band, which normally I wouldn't like too much, but these guys do the slower songs well also..heck for about $2 or under there's no reason any rock fan shouldn't check this out.

Friend Of The Band .......2005-04-19

Hey there. Just wanted to say hi and let you all know that unfortunaly Echo 7 is no longer together. I am a good friend of Ronnie and Dave and they are back home in Myrtle Beach doing their own thing now. Hate to see this happen cause they were great.!!

Average customer rating:

One Step Away
Lana Quinn
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000FTL5J6
Release Date: 2006-04-11

Tracks:

King of Eternity
One Step Away
Hold Thou My Right Arm
Mystical River
Glory Be to Thee
Rejoice
Angels in the World
Midnight Prayer
Servants of Thy Threshold
Prayer for Mankind

Average customer rating:

Invent Some Memories
Kirsten Winter , and Chris Peirce
Manufacturer: A40 Jazz
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CA6Z5M
Release Date: 2004-12-21

Average customer rating:

ONE CLICK AWAY
A solid collection of understated folk-pop - strong debut

One Step Away

Manufacturer: Circus Drum
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00006AKWX
Release Date: 2002-07-01

Tracks:

Not Now, Not Ever
One Step Away
By the Border
Marry Me
In the Mirror
Followed by the Sound
Feel You Only
Good for your Heart
When I Paint My Masterpiece
Curved Like a Bow

Album Description

Beautifully crafted alternative folk-pop of unusual depth and power. Debut release from a singer-songwriter to watch.

Customer Reviews:

ONE CLICK AWAY.......2003-09-21

"I literally woke up one day, " he says, "and realized that what I really wanted was to become a singer-songwriter. I ended up finishing my doctorate, but I found that my desire to play music just kept getting stronger and stronger."

Those are John Montgomery's own words. In response thereto, let me say this:

That was one lucky day for the rest of us out there listening. For rarely does someone come along with a CD on which every song is a joy to hear. You are instantly addicted.

And nowadys, rarely does one find music that is so hauntingly beautiful in its simplicty, so heartfelt in the complexity of its message, that it brings tears to one's eyes. This is what music should do - if it's good. It moves you. One way or another. (And hopefully not in the direction of turning it off. Think the polar opposite when you think of "One Step Away.")

"One Step Away" does just that. It moves you to listen to it over and over and over again. Instantly, these songs will be humming in your head. They transport you to a place that is so touching as to be almost heartbreaking.

John Montgomery's music is a wonderful surprise party, complete with fragrant flowers filling that room known as the space between your ears. It is a romantic gift.

BUY THIS CD!!
Only a person with a heart of stone would regret doing so.
Just do it.
You're one click away . . .

A solid collection of understated folk-pop - strong debut.......2002-09-03

First things first - John Montgomery is NOT John Michael Montgomery, the country singer of the '90's. THIS John Montgomery is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter who can most neatly be categorized in the "acoustic folk-pop" genre. One Step Away is his debut recording, and it surely will not be his last. Kindred spirits in the singer-songwriter fraternity, if you're looking for a convenient frame of reference, would probably include Freedy Johnston and Ron Sexsmith, among others.

Full of wistful reflections on love and longing, One Step Away is a beautifully rendered collection of songs that bespeaks a talent to be reckoned with. Montgomery weaves melodies that effectively set the mood of the piece, whether the pensive, melancholy reminiscences of "By The Border," "In The Mirror," and the haunting "Good For Your Heart," or the more urgent, insistent rhythm of "Followed By The Sound" and the title track. These well-crafted melodies provide the lush backdrop for Montgomery's explorations of relationships and the emotions that surround them. The mostly understated, even somewhat abstract lyrics belie a power of observation that Montgomery wields to shine a light on small details, and turn a simple phrase - like a pencil sketch study for a larger painting - into an evocation of a larger whole.

Montgomery does not beat you over the head with hooks; instead - especially in his more up-tempo tracks, such as the album-opening "Not Now, Not Ever" and the irresistible "Marry Me" - they tend to gradually work their way into your subconscious. Indeed, while the mood of the album as a whole is mostly subdued and somewhat melancholy, these upbeat tunes are the ones that will stay with you.

The songs are bolstered by accomplished musicianship throughout, from Montgomery and a talented supporting cast. With a pure, occasionally lilting voice (it somehow doesn't seem surprising to learn that Montgomery spent his college years in Ireland, nor that his mother was a music teacher) vaguely reminiscent of David Gray, Montgomery sings with clarity and conviction. The album's lone cover, a fairly straightforward but heartfelt reading of Dylan's "When I Paint My Masterpiece," replete with lap steel guitar and ringing Hammond organ, proves that Montgomery can hold his own in the midst of a full-on band.

Music Album:

Music Album

1. Not Now, Not Ever
2. One Step Away
3. By the Border
4. Marry Me
5. In the Mirror
6. Followed by the Sound
7. Feel You Only
8. Good for your Heart
9. When I Paint My Masterpiece
10. Curved Like a Bow