Don McAvoy & The Great Whatever Honors Their Hometown Hero, Mark Melvin, with Song “Hometown Hero”
(Collegeville, Pennsylvania)
Don McAvoy & The Great Whatever® are based in Collegeville, PA. They have been writing, performing and releasing original music since the 1990’s.
The band is pleased to announce that they have released their new single, “Hometown Hero.” “Hometown Hero” was written by the band to honor the memory of their friend, mentor and hometown hero - Mark Melvin. Mark's memory lives on in the hearts of the band and through their music. Mark's father, Bill Melvin, is heard (posthumously) in the song about his son - this remarkable addition was made possible by a previously recorded interview.
“Indeed, life is a song. You never stop singing along. Even when life throws you a curve, or kicks you right in the shins, you never stop being a friend, or lose your classic grin. Your example is your legacy, of which, we’re forever in debt.”
The sensitive and meaningful song was written with great care and consideration yielding a wonderful tribute. In addition to honoring their friend, "Hometown Hero" also honors other heroes such as police, fire, military and emergency personnel, clergy, teachers, single parents, and all unsung heroes who have a great impact on the lives of others.
“Hometown Hero” features the talents of: Don McAvoy (Acoustic 10-String Puerto Rican Cuatro, Electric 10-String Lead Puerto Rican Cuatro, Lead Vocals, Alto Saxophone, Keyboards, Xylophone, Hammered Zither, selection of Mr. Melvin cassette samples and Chimes), Marc Arot (Electric Bass Guitar and Harmony Vocals), Mike McAvoy (Drums), John Ginty (Acoustic Bagpipes and Electric Bagpipes), Ryan Kelly (Keyboards, Rhythm Guitar and Harmony Vocals), Jim Walsh (Electric Guitar and Harmony Vocals), and Bill Melvin (Interview commentary from cassette - circa early 90s).
Credits: Recorded at: 'On The Way To Emmaus Studios' in Collegeville, PA.
Engineer By: Ryan Kelly
Mixed By: Ryan Kelly and Don McAvoy in consultation with Marc Arot and Mike McAvoy Produced By: Don McAvoy
Mastered By: Joe Stout - East Norriton, PA
About Don McAvoy & The Great Whatever
Ribsy Records recording artists Don McAvoy & The Great Whatever® is comprised of Don McAvoy (songwriter, lead vocalist, multi-instrumentalist), Marc Arot (bass, vocals), and Mike McAvoy (drums, percussion, vocals).
Their latest release, There's Time Between The Bridge & The Water contains 23 original songs in a variety of genres, and started in the studio in 1999 after the regional success of their first two releases Sometimes The Characters…, and Peace, Love and Scrapple. The songs are a mixture of many different styles, tempos and instrumentation.
Listen on Spotify
Contact: greatwhatever@aol.com