Tim McDonald

It's an honor to be Artist of the month at FHR radio Miami, FL. I would like to thank Orlando and FHR radio for what you do for Independent artists such as myself. I would like to personally thank all of my fans for rallying and getting all of their friends involved in voting for me. It took hard work and dedication and a never give up attitude. It required hundreds of calls, texts and emails. I had alot of my #1 fans involved in doing the same and without everyone this honor would have been impossible. The music biz is the toughest of all business but with the help of stations like FHR radio and all the fans out there it makes this biz more enjoyable. May we all stand in unity. Peace and Love, Tim McDonald - FHR Radio

They honestly loved her

In the midst of a gruelling Asian tour Olivia Newton John showed the stuff she’s made of as she stepped on stage to wow audiences in Colombo

By Smriti Daniel
She doesn't like the words 'bucket list', considers allowing oneself negative thoughts a form of self-defeat and bristles at the implication that it's time to retire 'Let's Get Physical'. "You think it stops now?" she asks, obviously enjoying putting a journalist on the spot. A few minutes later she says, "Someone told me in Sri Lanka that if you're over forty they think you're over the hill.

Let me tell you, I'm not.” The stage at the Musaeus auditorium is bathed in lights, the instruments stand waiting to be claimed, and somewhere behind us, the audience has already begun to pour in. We’re seated off to the left of the stage - three reasonably star struck journalists sitting down for a few minutes with the evening’s luminary. The question is - have I just succeeded in mortally offending Olivia Newton John, beloved of millions? Probably not, Olivia is far more resilient than one would imagine.

Her fight with breast cancer and eventual triumph is a perfect example of this. Olivia, who seems to attribute her recovery as much to her positive attitude as to her treatment has dedicated a great deal of her energy to raising awareness about the disease and after a decade of campaigning she’s ready to throw open the doors to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre this June. She and her husband ‘Amazon John’ Easterling got married in the Amazon, and their interest in alternative medicines and treatments extends into their business – The Amazon Herb Company. In fact, her trip to Sri Lanka might inspire a new range of products. “My husband is meeting tomorrow with some Sri Lankan herbalists to talk about the plants here,” she tells us.


Time for the press: ONJ at the pre-show interview. Pix by Indika Handuwala
She doesn’t hide her eagerness for their work; gesticulating gracefully, those famous blue eyes alight with enthusiasm. The years have been kind to her. Her age, when it shows at all, is only visible in the gentle lines that form in the creases at the corner of her eyes. She glitters – dressed in white and pale blue, she wears diamonds at her throat and sequins on her slippers. In an interesting contrast, her nails are painted black. But none of it conceals the fact that Olivia is clearly tired.

It only adds to my curiosity – why would a star who should be able to rest comfortably on her laurels still sign up for relentless touring? This time, she’ll do something like 19 shows on her Asia 2012 tour, hopping between Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Hong Kong and Indonesia with only a day off in the whole time. It’s clear she’s finding it tiring: “It’s been a lot of the travel.

Two or three times it felt like we were going to Australia every day from LA.” A scheduled press conference was cancelled and in person, she does seem weary. It shows in the cast of her face and the way she responds to some questions with almost uncharacteristic brevity – sometimes her answers are shorter than the questions themselves.

When she says she still touring because “I like to sing, it’s who I am. I’ll do it until I don’t enjoy it or people don’t show up,” it sounds like an easy answer. It’s only later, when Olivia steps onto stage that we realize it’s the exact truth – and that at 63, she still has what it takes. She loves performing, she loves her crowd, and they can’t seem to help but love her back – it’s clear this Sri Lankan audience adores her. They’re clapping even before she steps on stage, and when she does walk on dressed all in glittering black, the applause swells. (The De Lanerolle brothers having already done a stellar job of warming us up for her with renditions of ‘Spanish Eyes’ and ‘Show Me The Way to Amarillo’.)

The next hour and a half is an education in how a star gets a crowd eating out of her hand. We’re up on the balcony (somewhere below are people who’ve paid Rs.15,000 a head to get as close as they can) from where we have a clear view as she launches into the first song of the evening - a quiet, heartfelt rendition of ‘Pearls on a Chain’. She follows with her hit ‘A Little More Love’ off her 1978 album ‘Totally Hot’. Wrapping up, she turns to us and says “Ayubowan,” and bows and then spoils the solemnity with a smiling “Did I get it right?”

It’s the first time she wins a laugh from us, but it’s far from the last. Olivia is warm and forthcoming with her audience; she displays a quirky, irreverent wit, and reveals a more vulnerable aspect when she confesses to having nights during her illness where she would wake up in her bed, afraid. “I thought I was going to retire,” she says in her husky voice, “but then I realized I could never give into it.” You get a sense, she relies greatly on the members of her band whom she tre - The Sunday Times

They honestly loved her

In the midst of a gruelling Asian tour Olivia Newton John showed the stuff she’s made of as she stepped on stage to wow audiences in Colombo

By Smriti Daniel
She doesn't like the words 'bucket list', considers allowing oneself negative thoughts a form of self-defeat and bristles at the implication that it's time to retire 'Let's Get Physical'. "You think it stops now?" she asks, obviously enjoying putting a journalist on the spot. A few minutes later she says, "Someone told me in Sri Lanka that if you're over forty they think you're over the hill.

Let me tell you, I'm not.” The stage at the Musaeus auditorium is bathed in lights, the instruments stand waiting to be claimed, and somewhere behind us, the audience has already begun to pour in. We’re seated off to the left of the stage - three reasonably star struck journalists sitting down for a few minutes with the evening’s luminary. The question is - have I just succeeded in mortally offending Olivia Newton John, beloved of millions? Probably not, Olivia is far more resilient than one would imagine.

Her fight with breast cancer and eventual triumph is a perfect example of this. Olivia, who seems to attribute her recovery as much to her positive attitude as to her treatment has dedicated a great deal of her energy to raising awareness about the disease and after a decade of campaigning she’s ready to throw open the doors to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre this June. She and her husband ‘Amazon John’ Easterling got married in the Amazon, and their interest in alternative medicines and treatments extends into their business – The Amazon Herb Company. In fact, her trip to Sri Lanka might inspire a new range of products. “My husband is meeting tomorrow with some Sri Lankan herbalists to talk about the plants here,” she tells us.


Time for the press: ONJ at the pre-show interview. Pix by Indika Handuwala
She doesn’t hide her eagerness for their work; gesticulating gracefully, those famous blue eyes alight with enthusiasm. The years have been kind to her. Her age, when it shows at all, is only visible in the gentle lines that form in the creases at the corner of her eyes. She glitters – dressed in white and pale blue, she wears diamonds at her throat and sequins on her slippers. In an interesting contrast, her nails are painted black. But none of it conceals the fact that Olivia is clearly tired.

It only adds to my curiosity – why would a star who should be able to rest comfortably on her laurels still sign up for relentless touring? This time, she’ll do something like 19 shows on her Asia 2012 tour, hopping between Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Hong Kong and Indonesia with only a day off in the whole time. It’s clear she’s finding it tiring: “It’s been a lot of the travel.

Two or three times it felt like we were going to Australia every day from LA.” A scheduled press conference was cancelled and in person, she does seem weary. It shows in the cast of her face and the way she responds to some questions with almost uncharacteristic brevity – sometimes her answers are shorter than the questions themselves.

When she says she still touring because “I like to sing, it’s who I am. I’ll do it until I don’t enjoy it or people don’t show up,” it sounds like an easy answer. It’s only later, when Olivia steps onto stage that we realize it’s the exact truth – and that at 63, she still has what it takes. She loves performing, she loves her crowd, and they can’t seem to help but love her back – it’s clear this Sri Lankan audience adores her. They’re clapping even before she steps on stage, and when she does walk on dressed all in glittering black, the applause swells. (The De Lanerolle brothers having already done a stellar job of warming us up for her with renditions of ‘Spanish Eyes’ and ‘Show Me The Way to Amarillo’.)

The next hour and a half is an education in how a star gets a crowd eating out of her hand. We’re up on the balcony (somewhere below are people who’ve paid Rs.15,000 a head to get as close as they can) from where we have a clear view as she launches into the first song of the evening - a quiet, heartfelt rendition of ‘Pearls on a Chain’. She follows with her hit ‘A Little More Love’ off her 1978 album ‘Totally Hot’. Wrapping up, she turns to us and says “Ayubowan,” and bows and then spoils the solemnity with a smiling “Did I get it right?”

It’s the first time she wins a laugh from us, but it’s far from the last. Olivia is warm and forthcoming with her audience; she displays a quirky, irreverent wit, and reveals a more vulnerable aspect when she confesses to having nights during her illness where she would wake up in her bed, afraid. “I thought I was going to retire,” she says in her husky voice, “but then I realized I could never give into it.” You get a sense, she relies greatly on the members of her band whom she tre - The Sunday Times

Since a very young age, Tim McDonald has been captivated by music. His love of it shows in his musical performances which, over the years, have ranged from Country to Jazz and all the way back around. On his latest album, he shows his Country side for all the world to hear and see, and for my money, it sounds pretty dang good.

Kicking off with “Every Song Sounds The Same,” which is one of the most traditional sounding tunes on the album, Tim shows a ton of personality, which helps to sell the song. That wit and wisdom is also very apparent on the hilarious “A Drinking Song,” which is not exactly what you think it is – if you just go by the first verse. It’s very reminiscent of early Brad Paisley or some of Roger Miller’s finest work.

Other standout cuts on the album include the infectious “Shore Drive,” with its’ contemporary arrangement as well as some brilliant steel work from Mike Daly, “I’d Be Screwed,” which in spite of its’ irreverent sounding title, is a tribute to the significant other in his life, and the thumping beat of “Straight Up.” He gets a helping hand from the very talented Julie Forester (who should be a star herself) and Kristi Manna on “Cool Kind Of Crazy,” and closes out the disc with a track that I think is the highlight – “Shit List,” though for obvious reasons, I don’t see it being a single!

All in all, a very good album from a gentleman who has paid – and continues to pay his dues. I think it’s all about to pay off, but then again, someone who has played behind Olivia Newton-John hasn’t done too bad, has he?

For more information, log on to www.TimMcDonaldBand.com
- Music News Los Angeles

Since a very young age, Tim McDonald has been captivated by music. His love of it shows in his musical performances which, over the years, have ranged from Country to Jazz and all the way back around. On his latest album, he shows his Country side for all the world to hear and see, and for my money, it sounds pretty dang good.

Kicking off with “Every Song Sounds The Same,” which is one of the most traditional sounding tunes on the album, Tim shows a ton of personality, which helps to sell the song. That wit and wisdom is also very apparent on the hilarious “A Drinking Song,” which is not exactly what you think it is – if you just go by the first verse. It’s very reminiscent of early Brad Paisley or some of Roger Miller’s finest work.

Other standout cuts on the album include the infectious “Shore Drive,” with its’ contemporary arrangement as well as some brilliant steel work from Mike Daly, “I’d Be Screwed,” which in spite of its’ irreverent sounding title, is a tribute to the significant other in his life, and the thumping beat of “Straight Up.” He gets a helping hand from the very talented Julie Forester (who should be a star herself) and Kristi Manna on “Cool Kind Of Crazy,” and closes out the disc with a track that I think is the highlight – “Shit List,” though for obvious reasons, I don’t see it being a single!

All in all, a very good album from a gentleman who has paid – and continues to pay his dues. I think it’s all about to pay off, but then again, someone who has played behind Olivia Newton-John hasn’t done too bad, has he?

For more information, log on to www.TimMcDonaldBand.com
- Music News Los Angeles

Although Tim McDonald's range of musical style is versatile, his music leans in the direction of Country music. His new album available on flash drives is a mix of Country, Americana, and Western Swing.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



PRLog (Press Release) - Oct. 26, 2009 - Columbus, Ohio – Tim McDonald is promoting his recent album, "May I live in Your World" through performing live, and keeping in touch with the DJs who are currently playing his Album. He is working to gain a fan base world-wide where music lovers will take notice of his talent. He is using old and exciting new technology to make his album available not only through CDs and downloads, but with flash drive albums.

Tim McDonald has been playing piano since the age of five. Being trained in classical piano helped Tim to develop his natural music abilities. By the age of nine, he became a member of the distinguished Classical Guild Society, while continuing his classical training throughout his teens. Tim briefly attended Montreat Anderson where he learned to play a variety of musical styles. After leaving college, Tim joined the US Army Band and was later assigned to teach piano at the Armed Forces School of Music in Virginia. Tim has also played in several Jazz bands, and opened for legendary Country artist Mark Chesnutt.

When asked what makes his music different, Tim replied, "My goal is trying to become the Brad Paisley of the piano. My playing and singing styles are very unique." The album, "May I live in your world" was recorded at Omni Sound Studio and vocal overdubs were done at Warner Music in Old Hickory, TN. The album is currently for sale at CDBaby.com, iTunes, and Indiedrive. Tim takes pride in being one of the first artists to sell music on flash drive albums in Nashville, and one of the first to offer flash drive albums on CDBaby.com. When Tim McDonald wanted to release his latest album, he decided to work with Indiedrive. Tim explained that Indiedrive is a company that offers flash drive album duplication, and sales. He urges other musicians to join him at the forefront of the music industry by working with Indiedrive (www.indiedrive.com). As a bonus, each flash drive album purchased is signed by Tim McDonald. His recent album is also available at http://www.ivorytickler.com
- PRLOG

I must admit, it wasn’t a typical Sunday afternoon. There Bill and I were, sitting at a living room house concert, a mile from our house, being completely blown away by two well known Nashville musicians. One is our longtime, dear friend, piano player extraordinaire/recording artist Tim McDonald and the other, a new friend, Shrapnel recording artist/guitar genius Johnny Hiland. They are two of the most amazing players I have ever heard. Completely inspiring with unbelievable facility and gifted with talent. I felt so grateful to be in the midst of all that great music.

What are some of the most inspiring performances you have ever seen? I’ll bet they were the ones where the performer entertained with complete joy and made it look so easy. I would call that kind of performer a natural.

Some performers just seem to be naturals. They have it all…can work a crowd, ooze confidence, transcend thought and just go with their emotion. It’s exciting to be in the presence of someone who is so free and wants to take their audience along for the ride.

Some are just born with a gift of being naturally great singers, players, actors, dancers or painters.

Are you a natural? is it possible to become a natural? What are the “secrets” to becoming one?

Here are a few tips to help you feel more like a natural when you perform.
- Kirsti Manna

I must admit, it wasn’t a typical Sunday afternoon. There Bill and I were, sitting at a living room house concert, a mile from our house, being completely blown away by two well known Nashville musicians. One is our longtime, dear friend, piano player extraordinaire/recording artist Tim McDonald and the other, a new friend, Shrapnel recording artist/guitar genius Johnny Hiland. They are two of the most amazing players I have ever heard. Completely inspiring with unbelievable facility and gifted with talent. I felt so grateful to be in the midst of all that great music.

What are some of the most inspiring performances you have ever seen? I’ll bet they were the ones where the performer entertained with complete joy and made it look so easy. I would call that kind of performer a natural.

Some performers just seem to be naturals. They have it all…can work a crowd, ooze confidence, transcend thought and just go with their emotion. It’s exciting to be in the presence of someone who is so free and wants to take their audience along for the ride.

Some are just born with a gift of being naturally great singers, players, actors, dancers or painters.

Are you a natural? is it possible to become a natural? What are the “secrets” to becoming one?

Here are a few tips to help you feel more like a natural when you perform.
- Kirsti Manna

written by Rick Amburgey

While Nashville is sometimes considered a guitar town, Tim McDonald and his keyboard have developed quite a following.


He’d often be requested to play some of his originals such as “Beer’s Good Food” and “Every Song Sounds The Same.” McDonald recently released his “Livin’ Breathin’ Havin Fun” CD that contains those two tracks, along with eight other great songs. The CD is available at McDonald’s web site, www.ivorytickler.com.

McDonald is an Army veteran and has taught at the military school of music. He’s also toured with Olivia Newton John, Mark Chesnutt and Blake Shelton.

He does weekly shows at stageit.com, which allows fans to watch a show from the comfort of their own home. Some of the shows have an admission charge of $5, but he also does many “Pay What You Can” shows. He makes clear that he loves to play his music for people.

McDonald supports a number of charities, including the Wounded Warrior Project, Olivia Newton John’s Wellness Center and any charity that supports children.
- www.givealittlenashville.com

I would like to thank legendary critic Chuck Dauphin for such a great review. - Music News Nashville

Here is an article on Tim McDonald when he moved to Nashville, Tn - Jim Newsome

Here is an article on Tim McDonald when he moved to Nashville, Tn - Jim Newsome

Legendary East Coast Drummer records an album around Tim McDonald - Jim Newsome

Legendary East Coast Drummer records an album around Tim McDonald - Jim Newsome

Here is a fan of Tim McDonald adding Tim to his travel log. - Tim McDonald Publishing

Here is a fan of Tim McDonald adding Tim to his travel log. - Tim McDonald Publishing