THE FORREST MCDONALD BAND
“STAND MY GROUND”
By The Fairy Rock Mother Kiki Plesha
www.facebook.com/TheFairyRockMotherKikiPlesha
Photography by Graham Whittington
https://grahamwhittingtonlensart.smugmug.com/
Bluesman FORREST HOWIE MCDONALD is no stranger to this publication—as he was featured in the column
“Twelve Bars Stars”, written by our own Managing Editor/Senior Photojournalist JB BRIDGES back in 2014--not
long after the launch of ION Indie Magazine. Forrest was an obvious choice for a column paying homage to this
genre, as he encompasses the spirit of the blues—and his mark is indelibly etched in the genre, as evidenced by
his impressive resume of accomplishments.
If by chance the name does not strike a familiar chord with you—perhaps that blazing guitar solo in the anthemic
song “Old Time Rock & Roll” (BOB SEGER) might ring a bell—as that was Forrest laying down those searing licks.
The song leapt back into the public eye with the release of the movie “Risky Business”. The voracious vocals of
Bob Seger coupled with Forrest’s sizzling solo--served up with heartthrob Tom Cruise dancing in his underwear
was a winning combination with movie goers.
His last CD “Turnaround Blues” (June, 2014)
is a staple in both my household and my
car…as this fairy proudly favors blues. In
fact, my affection for the genre found me
attending the INTERNATIONAL BLUES
CHALLENGE in Memphis, TN this year,
where by happenstance, Forrest and the
band were competing. Life has a funny way
of coming full circle sometimes, and I have a
tendency to think there are no “accidents”
in our journeys. And it was in one of the
many participating music venues along
Beale Street, WET WILLIE’S, that I found
Forrest holding court during this popular
blues-centric event. You really couldn’t miss
“Dapper Forrest”—in his starched white
pants and shirt and the white felt fedora
with royal blue band, which were only
outshone by his warm smile and welcoming
hug—which was bestowed upon me in the
manner of a longtime familiar friend. But those that embrace the blues are beacons of fellowship, as I found
was a commonality at the IBC. There’s no pretense or posturing…just a “we’re in this thing called life
together…let’s jam about it” attitude.