Sean Patrick McGraw

--A party vibe ruled the evening with hard-driving opening sets from promising newcomer Sean Patrick McGraw and seasoned hitmaker Trace Adkins.
-Boston Globe

--THE SURPRISES: Adkins and Keith delivered as expected; the real surprise was the strong opening set from Sean Patrick McGraw. Most of those in attendance had probably never heard of him before Saturday, but he won over many with his great songs and even greater stage presence
--WilkesBarre Times-Leader


--The greatest undiscovered talent in Country Music. That's all
-- Claude Camacho, Dagwood Radio

--Such an Amazing Voice, This guy could go far"
--Eleanore Rees, MAVERICK

--I just hope one of these major country labels doen't take this uniquely talented singer/songwriter and assembly-line him into another country singer
without any individual style, He's got the songs, the look, and just enough attitude to make him a star
-John Hood, BLINK

—The classiest country rocker I’ve heard all year. Everything works here—the kick-butt tempo, the personable lead vocal, the squeeze-box and electric guitar solos, the little yodel touch, the perfect production and the solid songwriting. Count me in.
--Robert K Oermann, Music row

SEAN PATRICK McGRAW/What I’d Do
Writer: Sean Patrick McGraw/Amy Chappell/Jason Jones; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Seananigan/Songs of Amy Chappell/Warner Chappell, ASCAP; Seananigan (www.seanpatrickmcgraw.com)
—Love the shuddering, smoldering guitars at the bottom of this mix. The ballad is wonderfully written, and his performance is note perfect. This deserves to be a massive hit.

--McGraw is a lyricist first. His ability to transfer words to sound naturally, combines with a powerful hook to make "Undone" a natural hit.
-Ken Diardis, Rradio.com

--Sean -

I love your "Songs For Saturday Night" CD so much I'm going to
feature it on the FRONT PAGE of CD Baby for a few days.

We're REALLY picky about what goes on the front page. We get about 75 new albums a DAY coming in here now, (about 30,000 total), and yours is one of the best I've ever heard.

OUR REVIEW (feel free to quote it anywhere!)

Sean Patrick McGraw's release, "Songs For Saturday Night" packs in twelve solid tracks of quality modern country. From upbeat to downbeat, his songwriting never falters. With strong vocals, solid footing in the tradition of country music and a forward-looking approach to the future of the genre, his songs are full-bodied and nutritious to the ears. With this album, it's not all about the bells and whistles but about the heart and substance of the song. His strong sense of story and direction gives the impression that his priorities are with quality and not flash.

When quoting the review, please just credit it to, "CD Baby", because sometimes the review is written by Tamara Turner, sometimes Pamela Rooney, sometimes me.
-Derek Sivers CDBaby.com

- Various

--A party vibe ruled the evening with hard-driving opening sets from promising newcomer Sean Patrick McGraw and seasoned hitmaker Trace Adkins.
-Boston Globe

--THE SURPRISES: Adkins and Keith delivered as expected; the real surprise was the strong opening set from Sean Patrick McGraw. Most of those in attendance had probably never heard of him before Saturday, but he won over many with his great songs and even greater stage presence
--WilkesBarre Times-Leader


--The greatest undiscovered talent in Country Music. That's all
-- Claude Camacho, Dagwood Radio

--Such an Amazing Voice, This guy could go far"
--Eleanore Rees, MAVERICK

--I just hope one of these major country labels doen't take this uniquely talented singer/songwriter and assembly-line him into another country singer
without any individual style, He's got the songs, the look, and just enough attitude to make him a star
-John Hood, BLINK

—The classiest country rocker I’ve heard all year. Everything works here—the kick-butt tempo, the personable lead vocal, the squeeze-box and electric guitar solos, the little yodel touch, the perfect production and the solid songwriting. Count me in.
--Robert K Oermann, Music row

SEAN PATRICK McGRAW/What I’d Do
Writer: Sean Patrick McGraw/Amy Chappell/Jason Jones; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Seananigan/Songs of Amy Chappell/Warner Chappell, ASCAP; Seananigan (www.seanpatrickmcgraw.com)
—Love the shuddering, smoldering guitars at the bottom of this mix. The ballad is wonderfully written, and his performance is note perfect. This deserves to be a massive hit.

--McGraw is a lyricist first. His ability to transfer words to sound naturally, combines with a powerful hook to make "Undone" a natural hit.
-Ken Diardis, Rradio.com

--Sean -

I love your "Songs For Saturday Night" CD so much I'm going to
feature it on the FRONT PAGE of CD Baby for a few days.

We're REALLY picky about what goes on the front page. We get about 75 new albums a DAY coming in here now, (about 30,000 total), and yours is one of the best I've ever heard.

OUR REVIEW (feel free to quote it anywhere!)

Sean Patrick McGraw's release, "Songs For Saturday Night" packs in twelve solid tracks of quality modern country. From upbeat to downbeat, his songwriting never falters. With strong vocals, solid footing in the tradition of country music and a forward-looking approach to the future of the genre, his songs are full-bodied and nutritious to the ears. With this album, it's not all about the bells and whistles but about the heart and substance of the song. His strong sense of story and direction gives the impression that his priorities are with quality and not flash.

When quoting the review, please just credit it to, "CD Baby", because sometimes the review is written by Tamara Turner, sometimes Pamela Rooney, sometimes me.
-Derek Sivers CDBaby.com

- Various

Thank you for a fantastic performance last weekend....there are very few people whose voices are a direct reflection of their heart's and soul's duet and your voice is one of them...It was a treat to listen to your songs and truly enjoy the music and the dancing together! Thank you very much for that!
Sincerely,
Elena G., Rochester NY

“The event was wonderful!! Sean was a BIG hit on campus, people are still talking about him...everything was great and we hope to have you all come back again!!!”
Doris, Student Advisor, Methodist College

“The event was wonderful. They were the perfect band for the relay for life event.”
Laura D Fallow, Lander University

“The event went very well. Sean and the band made our jobs as event planners quite easy. They were very easy to work with and interested in talking with the students. The Music was high quality and kept drawing more and more people...hopefully we can have them back again sometime”
Willis Thompson, College of William and Mary Office of Student Activities

“SEAN WAS AMAZING!! So many people have commented or asked where to buy his CD/find out more”
Laura, Assistant Dir Student Programing, VA Polytech

“The show was great–to be honest, I think Sean was better than the Wreckers...and he sold a ton of CD’s (100+) so apparently the students enjoyed him as well
Jon Hardage, Assistant Dir Student Programing, VA Polytech

From the Palm Bay, FL City Planners:
Did the Event go well? Extremely well....We would welcome (back) Sean anytime to Palm Bay. He is a wonderful person and an outstanding entertainer. He was very kind to his fans and to all of our staff. This includes his band members as well. They were very professional and the crowd loved them. I have received nothing but postive feedback from patrons, members of our city council and management and my staff..thank you for great show!

“The band did a great job and you were superb. I received several accolades from the production company and (Positively) 4th Street”
Doc, WiseSmith Management Group, Louisville, KY.

“I did catch most of the show and you were just fabulous. You and your boys are the real deal and we are honored that you came to our little town and lit things up. I could not have asked for more from any performer.”
Donna Scott, Executive Director, Naples Grape Festival. Naples NY

“You guys made a believer out of me. Great band, songwriting, stage presence, delivery & vocals”
Ken Biringer, Sportsmens Tavern, Buffalo, NY

The concert opened with an surprise artist that is just getting his name out there in country music. His name is Sean Patrick McGraw (no relation to Tim) and he and his band opened up the show with enthusiasm and a huge amount of talent. St. Louis LOVED him and so did I. Anyway, McGraw mentioned where to find him on the web, so I "friended" him on Facebook, telling him what an awesome job he did in St. Louis and that I was a new fan. Guess what? He responded back to me. He actually took the time to write back, thanking me. Wow!

Also notable: Sean Patrick McGraw played a mini-set of four songs that included his current single, “Dollar Ain’t Worth A Dime”. You can catch the video online at CMT.com. And what country music concert would be complete without a song about that popular pastime, “Cow Tipping.”
From the Palm Beach Post

Jodi Lynn Barton-Whaley I saw you on the America's Toughest Tour when it was in St. Louis last month. You were incredible. I hope you make it to St. Louis again. I'd love to go see you play again.

Darren Redmond Hey Sean, caught your show with Toby and Trace in Phoenix, you rocked the place. I bought your CD and listen to it in my truck all the time now. Thanks for the music and passion

Susan Geurian Really enjoyed seeing ya'll this year with Toby! Cow Tippin' was so funny and you looked like you were having a great time! See you again soon!

Sean Patrick McGraw played @ the Toby Keith/Trace Adkins concert on Sat. I'm a fan!! "Dollar Ain't Worth a Dime" is my new fav song!

Amanda Seal
yep seen u guys at Nissan too..great show. even if toby n trace called it DC..lol
6 minutes ago ·

Toby Keith, Trace Adkins & Shawn Patrick McGraw Concert
I went to see Toby Keith & Trace Adkins in Tinley Park Saturday Night... It was a good night! My son and I stayed in a hotel and crashed early. We managed to get a few good pix. There was a new artist there by the name of Shawn Patrick McGraw he was quite good, needless to say his CD came home with us. Tinley Park is quite far but it was a nice drive, hardly any traffic at all.
Enjoy the pix.

Brea Powers
i LOVE U! I saw u in Bristow and u were AWESOME! ♥ U!

Marcie Buchanan
Sean ... you sure did rock Nissan. I saw you there on 9/12 with Toby N Trace!!!
Stephanie Smith Y'all are a great band! Y'all should try and book a show at Sam's Town Casino Tunica, MS! I would love to come see y'all perform again! :-)

Nancy Ardillo
I - various

Thank you for a fantastic performance last weekend....there are very few people whose voices are a direct reflection of their heart's and soul's duet and your voice is one of them...It was a treat to listen to your songs and truly enjoy the music and the dancing together! Thank you very much for that!
Sincerely,
Elena G., Rochester NY

“The event was wonderful!! Sean was a BIG hit on campus, people are still talking about him...everything was great and we hope to have you all come back again!!!”
Doris, Student Advisor, Methodist College

“The event was wonderful. They were the perfect band for the relay for life event.”
Laura D Fallow, Lander University

“The event went very well. Sean and the band made our jobs as event planners quite easy. They were very easy to work with and interested in talking with the students. The Music was high quality and kept drawing more and more people...hopefully we can have them back again sometime”
Willis Thompson, College of William and Mary Office of Student Activities

“SEAN WAS AMAZING!! So many people have commented or asked where to buy his CD/find out more”
Laura, Assistant Dir Student Programing, VA Polytech

“The show was great–to be honest, I think Sean was better than the Wreckers...and he sold a ton of CD’s (100+) so apparently the students enjoyed him as well
Jon Hardage, Assistant Dir Student Programing, VA Polytech

From the Palm Bay, FL City Planners:
Did the Event go well? Extremely well....We would welcome (back) Sean anytime to Palm Bay. He is a wonderful person and an outstanding entertainer. He was very kind to his fans and to all of our staff. This includes his band members as well. They were very professional and the crowd loved them. I have received nothing but postive feedback from patrons, members of our city council and management and my staff..thank you for great show!

“The band did a great job and you were superb. I received several accolades from the production company and (Positively) 4th Street”
Doc, WiseSmith Management Group, Louisville, KY.

“I did catch most of the show and you were just fabulous. You and your boys are the real deal and we are honored that you came to our little town and lit things up. I could not have asked for more from any performer.”
Donna Scott, Executive Director, Naples Grape Festival. Naples NY

“You guys made a believer out of me. Great band, songwriting, stage presence, delivery & vocals”
Ken Biringer, Sportsmens Tavern, Buffalo, NY

The concert opened with an surprise artist that is just getting his name out there in country music. His name is Sean Patrick McGraw (no relation to Tim) and he and his band opened up the show with enthusiasm and a huge amount of talent. St. Louis LOVED him and so did I. Anyway, McGraw mentioned where to find him on the web, so I "friended" him on Facebook, telling him what an awesome job he did in St. Louis and that I was a new fan. Guess what? He responded back to me. He actually took the time to write back, thanking me. Wow!

Also notable: Sean Patrick McGraw played a mini-set of four songs that included his current single, “Dollar Ain’t Worth A Dime”. You can catch the video online at CMT.com. And what country music concert would be complete without a song about that popular pastime, “Cow Tipping.”
From the Palm Beach Post

Jodi Lynn Barton-Whaley I saw you on the America's Toughest Tour when it was in St. Louis last month. You were incredible. I hope you make it to St. Louis again. I'd love to go see you play again.

Darren Redmond Hey Sean, caught your show with Toby and Trace in Phoenix, you rocked the place. I bought your CD and listen to it in my truck all the time now. Thanks for the music and passion

Susan Geurian Really enjoyed seeing ya'll this year with Toby! Cow Tippin' was so funny and you looked like you were having a great time! See you again soon!

Sean Patrick McGraw played @ the Toby Keith/Trace Adkins concert on Sat. I'm a fan!! "Dollar Ain't Worth a Dime" is my new fav song!

Amanda Seal
yep seen u guys at Nissan too..great show. even if toby n trace called it DC..lol
6 minutes ago ·

Toby Keith, Trace Adkins & Shawn Patrick McGraw Concert
I went to see Toby Keith & Trace Adkins in Tinley Park Saturday Night... It was a good night! My son and I stayed in a hotel and crashed early. We managed to get a few good pix. There was a new artist there by the name of Shawn Patrick McGraw he was quite good, needless to say his CD came home with us. Tinley Park is quite far but it was a nice drive, hardly any traffic at all.
Enjoy the pix.

Brea Powers
i LOVE U! I saw u in Bristow and u were AWESOME! ♥ U!

Marcie Buchanan
Sean ... you sure did rock Nissan. I saw you there on 9/12 with Toby N Trace!!!
Stephanie Smith Y'all are a great band! Y'all should try and book a show at Sam's Town Casino Tunica, MS! I would love to come see y'all perform again! :-)

Nancy Ardillo
I - various

McGraw’s latest release is the stuff of pop-country hit making. His songwriting is as good as anything else coming out of Nashville right now. McGraw’s had little tastes at success, songs in movies, performed at the Grand Old Opry and has made fans throughout the nation, but he’s still waiting for that big break. Songs for Saturday Night should be just that opportunity. This is an incredibly professional
album, with top-quality production and great instrumentation. McGraw’s writing and voice sound great. - Chautauqua WORD

McGraw’s latest release is the stuff of pop-country hit making. His songwriting is as good as anything else coming out of Nashville right now. McGraw’s had little tastes at success, songs in movies, performed at the Grand Old Opry and has made fans throughout the nation, but he’s still waiting for that big break. Songs for Saturday Night should be just that opportunity. This is an incredibly professional
album, with top-quality production and great instrumentation. McGraw’s writing and voice sound great. - Chautauqua WORD

"McGraw has penned tunes hrough various publishing houses for mainstream artists...but as is often the case the songs sound a helluva lot better coming out of the mouth that wrote them....his music is tempered with easy hooks and lyrics more important than the genre they threaten to bust open.
It's country in it's honesty and it's earth, but moreover it's just good
music you should hear"

Frank Deblase 02/05
Rochester City News
- Frank DeBlase

"McGraw has penned tunes hrough various publishing houses for mainstream artists...but as is often the case the songs sound a helluva lot better coming out of the mouth that wrote them....his music is tempered with easy hooks and lyrics more important than the genre they threaten to bust open.
It's country in it's honesty and it's earth, but moreover it's just good
music you should hear"

Frank Deblase 02/05
Rochester City News
- Frank DeBlase

Sean Patrick McGraw's last name is no doubt familiar to country fans, but if he has his way, his music will soon clearly distinguish him in country-music circles.

In spite of the fact that the New York native, along with his band, has logged more than a million miles, the seasoned artist is still considered a newcomer on the national country circuit. However, these days he's making faster career progress than ever, thanks to the fact he's now signed with Little Engine Records, yielding some airplay on country radio and currently celebrating the debut of his new video for “Dollar Ain’t Worth A Dime” on Country Music Television.

The clip was unveiled on CMT on May 15, and the tune, which was written a little more than a year ago, the Nashville-based McGraw has said, still carries a timely message in today's economic climate.

Sean Patrick McGraw garners critical acclaim

In his own view, the singer-songwriter describes his sound as "something like Lyle Lovett singing Springsteen songs while wearing Dwight Yoakam's hat." And following the 2005 release of his critically acclaimed CD dubbed Songs for Saturday Night, he hit the road nonstop to take his music to country fans where they live, and in the process, he's managed to earn respect among his fellow songwriters as well.

As evidence, his song titled "Fiona," which is about a heart-breaker of a gal, won top honors at last year's Independent Music Awards, first place at the American Songwriting Competition and at the Mountain Stages New Song Festival, as well as being named finalist in the International Songwriting Competition and the Mid Atlantic Song Competition.

Hailed by one esteemed Music Row critic/columnist hailed as "the classiest country rocker I've heard all year," the "Fiona" track, along with other cuts from McGraw's Songs For Saturday Night release, are featured in the short-length documentary titled Ten Days on Tour, which aired on CMT in 2006.

Nashville-based singer-songwriter lands opening slots on Toby Keith's tour

More recently, the one-time Nashville Star semifinalist has scored a stint as the opening act for country superstar Toby Keith on his America’s Toughest Tour. In particular, McGraw will open Keith's shows on June 20 in Indianapolis, ind.; June 26 in Tampa, Fla.; June 27 in West Palm Beach, Fla.; and June 28 in Jacksonville, Fla.

But don't expect McGraw to be one of those openers that country fans don't mind missing, for his live show's garnered acclaim from hard-to-impress critics, including the Los Angeles Times, who wrote that his recent Stagecoach performance delivered "a zeitgeisty brand of country-rock that confirmed why he did well on the show. His tenor is strong and befitting of the bar-brawler ruckus that so many of his younger peers are working in right now.”

Lisa Rollins - Country Music Examiner

Sean Patrick McGraw's last name is no doubt familiar to country fans, but if he has his way, his music will soon clearly distinguish him in country-music circles.

In spite of the fact that the New York native, along with his band, has logged more than a million miles, the seasoned artist is still considered a newcomer on the national country circuit. However, these days he's making faster career progress than ever, thanks to the fact he's now signed with Little Engine Records, yielding some airplay on country radio and currently celebrating the debut of his new video for “Dollar Ain’t Worth A Dime” on Country Music Television.

The clip was unveiled on CMT on May 15, and the tune, which was written a little more than a year ago, the Nashville-based McGraw has said, still carries a timely message in today's economic climate.

Sean Patrick McGraw garners critical acclaim

In his own view, the singer-songwriter describes his sound as "something like Lyle Lovett singing Springsteen songs while wearing Dwight Yoakam's hat." And following the 2005 release of his critically acclaimed CD dubbed Songs for Saturday Night, he hit the road nonstop to take his music to country fans where they live, and in the process, he's managed to earn respect among his fellow songwriters as well.

As evidence, his song titled "Fiona," which is about a heart-breaker of a gal, won top honors at last year's Independent Music Awards, first place at the American Songwriting Competition and at the Mountain Stages New Song Festival, as well as being named finalist in the International Songwriting Competition and the Mid Atlantic Song Competition.

Hailed by one esteemed Music Row critic/columnist hailed as "the classiest country rocker I've heard all year," the "Fiona" track, along with other cuts from McGraw's Songs For Saturday Night release, are featured in the short-length documentary titled Ten Days on Tour, which aired on CMT in 2006.

Nashville-based singer-songwriter lands opening slots on Toby Keith's tour

More recently, the one-time Nashville Star semifinalist has scored a stint as the opening act for country superstar Toby Keith on his America’s Toughest Tour. In particular, McGraw will open Keith's shows on June 20 in Indianapolis, ind.; June 26 in Tampa, Fla.; June 27 in West Palm Beach, Fla.; and June 28 in Jacksonville, Fla.

But don't expect McGraw to be one of those openers that country fans don't mind missing, for his live show's garnered acclaim from hard-to-impress critics, including the Los Angeles Times, who wrote that his recent Stagecoach performance delivered "a zeitgeisty brand of country-rock that confirmed why he did well on the show. His tenor is strong and befitting of the bar-brawler ruckus that so many of his younger peers are working in right now.”

Lisa Rollins - Country Music Examiner

Jagermeister Country Tour brings Sean Patrick McGraw, Eric Church to town Feb. 25
February 24, 5:13 PMNashville Country Music ExaminerLisa L. RollinsPrevious Comment Print
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Sean Patrick McGraw is set to release a new album
later this year. (Photo courtesy of Wortman Works)Country music's Sean Patrick McGraw will unleash his “zietgeisty brand of country-rock” at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon on Thursday, Feb. 25, when he sets the musical pace for headliner Eric Church on the Jagermeister Country Tour.

Last year was a highly successful one for the New York-born, Nashville-based McGraw, who hit the road with Toby Keith and Trace Adkins, playing 25-plus shows on the America’s Toughest Tour.

Once hailed as one of the hardest-working unsigned touring acts in the U.S., McGraw is now signed to Little Engine Records, with plans to release a new album this year.

Not long ago, he made a rare hometown performance stop when he headlined at Nashville's Hard Rock Cafe, but for those who missed out, Thursday's concert is a prime opportunity to see the hard-driving singer-songwriter deliver a set that's destined to please, including his 2009's “Dollar Ain’t Worth A Dime" single, which proves timely in today’s economical climate.

This scribe's made it no secret that Sean Patrick's one of her favorite new artists; thus, for those who like their country that goes a bit off the beaten path as it were, the Steve Earle-meets-Dwight Yoakam-inspired performer is worth investigating.

Lisa Rollins
- Country Examiner

Jagermeister Country Tour brings Sean Patrick McGraw, Eric Church to town Feb. 25
February 24, 5:13 PMNashville Country Music ExaminerLisa L. RollinsPrevious Comment Print
Email
RSS Subscribe
Subscribe
Get alerts when there is a new article from the Nashville Country Music Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use. Email Address


Include other special offers from Examiner.com
Terms of Use



Sean Patrick McGraw is set to release a new album
later this year. (Photo courtesy of Wortman Works)Country music's Sean Patrick McGraw will unleash his “zietgeisty brand of country-rock” at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon on Thursday, Feb. 25, when he sets the musical pace for headliner Eric Church on the Jagermeister Country Tour.

Last year was a highly successful one for the New York-born, Nashville-based McGraw, who hit the road with Toby Keith and Trace Adkins, playing 25-plus shows on the America’s Toughest Tour.

Once hailed as one of the hardest-working unsigned touring acts in the U.S., McGraw is now signed to Little Engine Records, with plans to release a new album this year.

Not long ago, he made a rare hometown performance stop when he headlined at Nashville's Hard Rock Cafe, but for those who missed out, Thursday's concert is a prime opportunity to see the hard-driving singer-songwriter deliver a set that's destined to please, including his 2009's “Dollar Ain’t Worth A Dime" single, which proves timely in today’s economical climate.

This scribe's made it no secret that Sean Patrick's one of her favorite new artists; thus, for those who like their country that goes a bit off the beaten path as it were, the Steve Earle-meets-Dwight Yoakam-inspired performer is worth investigating.

Lisa Rollins
- Country Examiner

Country musician Sean Patrick McGraw gaining national exposureBy Don Rhodes
Columnist
Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010
Sean Patrick McGraw was born and reared in western New York, but last week he was ready to head for the Deep South.

"I've been at my mom's house at Dunkirk (near Buffalo, N.Y.), and I've been trying to dig my SUV out of the snow," he said in a telephone interview. "I live in Nashville, and last week they closed the schools because they had an inch of snow.

"Here, I've seen white-outs the snow was so heavy, and still the school buses are running."

McGraw (no kin to Tim) performs at 9:30 p.m. Saturday at The Country Club on Washington Road. Tickets are $5 for men, $3 for women. Doors open at 7 p.m.

McGraw and his band recently made their national TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live and served as the opening act on the "America's Toughest" tour featuring Toby Keith and Trace Adkins. They recently performed on the main stage at the massive Stagecoach country music festival near Palm Springs, Calif.

"We thought we were going to be the entertainment in the beer tent, but there we were opening for Kid Rock, Kenny Chesney and Brad Paisley.

"We came off stage bouncing off the ceiling with excitement because it had gone so great, and we went in this tent and there was (bluegrass performer) Doyle Lawson and his great Quicksilver band. He was blowing me away. I told my band that he so much more deserved to be on that main stage than us."

Like many entertainers, McGraw has worked a variety of jobs, ranging from asbestos remover to bartender at the 1996 wedding of Wynonna Judd to her first husband, Arch Kelley III.

"I worked briefly as a bartender for Naomi Judd's Nashville restaurant, Trilogy," McGraw said, "and ended up bartending at Wynonna's first wedding. I was a pretty lousy bartender. They let me go by saying, 'We don't have any shifts for you.' "

For three years, McGraw played in Steve Holy's band.

"I was with him during his lean times after his hit Good Morning, Beautiful came off the charts, but I had to leave right before he hit big again with (I've Got a) Brand New Girlfriend .

"I was being featured in a CMT cable television series called Ten Days on Tour and was having to spend time away from working with Steve to be on that show. So I had to quit Steve's band."

McGraw is working on an independent CD, Must Be Living Right, tentatively set for release in late spring. Learn more at seanpatrickmcgraw.com.

Dan Rhodes

- Augusta Chronicle

Country musician Sean Patrick McGraw gaining national exposureBy Don Rhodes
Columnist
Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010
Sean Patrick McGraw was born and reared in western New York, but last week he was ready to head for the Deep South.

"I've been at my mom's house at Dunkirk (near Buffalo, N.Y.), and I've been trying to dig my SUV out of the snow," he said in a telephone interview. "I live in Nashville, and last week they closed the schools because they had an inch of snow.

"Here, I've seen white-outs the snow was so heavy, and still the school buses are running."

McGraw (no kin to Tim) performs at 9:30 p.m. Saturday at The Country Club on Washington Road. Tickets are $5 for men, $3 for women. Doors open at 7 p.m.

McGraw and his band recently made their national TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live and served as the opening act on the "America's Toughest" tour featuring Toby Keith and Trace Adkins. They recently performed on the main stage at the massive Stagecoach country music festival near Palm Springs, Calif.

"We thought we were going to be the entertainment in the beer tent, but there we were opening for Kid Rock, Kenny Chesney and Brad Paisley.

"We came off stage bouncing off the ceiling with excitement because it had gone so great, and we went in this tent and there was (bluegrass performer) Doyle Lawson and his great Quicksilver band. He was blowing me away. I told my band that he so much more deserved to be on that main stage than us."

Like many entertainers, McGraw has worked a variety of jobs, ranging from asbestos remover to bartender at the 1996 wedding of Wynonna Judd to her first husband, Arch Kelley III.

"I worked briefly as a bartender for Naomi Judd's Nashville restaurant, Trilogy," McGraw said, "and ended up bartending at Wynonna's first wedding. I was a pretty lousy bartender. They let me go by saying, 'We don't have any shifts for you.' "

For three years, McGraw played in Steve Holy's band.

"I was with him during his lean times after his hit Good Morning, Beautiful came off the charts, but I had to leave right before he hit big again with (I've Got a) Brand New Girlfriend .

"I was being featured in a CMT cable television series called Ten Days on Tour and was having to spend time away from working with Steve to be on that show. So I had to quit Steve's band."

McGraw is working on an independent CD, Must Be Living Right, tentatively set for release in late spring. Learn more at seanpatrickmcgraw.com.

Dan Rhodes

- Augusta Chronicle

Stagecoach 2009: Missing a stage, gaining a McGraw
04:31 PM PT, Apr 25 2009


One of the first things you might notice upon arrival at this year's Stagecoach is that despite all the barbecue, it feels a bit slimmer. It's not for a lack of lawn chairs, beer koozies or brisket though -- the fest is just down one stage this year. What was the Outdoor Stage last weekend has become barbecue alley, leaving a Mane Stage, a Mustang Stage and a new Palomino Stage in what was the Sahara Tent at last week's Coachella.

It's not all lean times early this Saturday, however. The Mane Stage saw a last-minute early addition, and a welcome one at that. Sean Patrick McGraw, a "Nashville Star" semi-finalist (and, as he specified, "not related to Tim, so I didn't pull any strings to be here") scampered in at the last minute to ply a zeitgeisty brand of country-rock that confirmed why he did well on the show. His tenor is strong and befitting of the bar-brawler ruckus that so many of his younger peers are working in right now. (It doesn't hurt that he kind of looks like Dwight Yoakam to boot.)

His early contender of a hit, "A Dollar Ain't Worth a Dime," is one of the first of what will surely be many recession-themed laments, but unlike John Rich's "Shutting Detroit Down," McGraw keeps his sociology enticingly vague, warning that "People do desperate things in desperate times/ if a man don't turn to Jesus, he'll turn to crime," but it doesn't feel like Christian proselytizing -- more an acknowledgment that neither course of action is likely to help in the long run.

But it's not all doomy warnings -- in between song banter, McGraw welcomed the occasion to be in California, where he could "let his freak flag fly" and indulge in our lax botanical pharmacopeia laws, which is our kind of country music philosophizing. As far as unexpected visits go at Stagecoach, McGraw can swing by any time he likes.


-August Brown - L.A. Times

Stagecoach 2009: Missing a stage, gaining a McGraw
04:31 PM PT, Apr 25 2009


One of the first things you might notice upon arrival at this year's Stagecoach is that despite all the barbecue, it feels a bit slimmer. It's not for a lack of lawn chairs, beer koozies or brisket though -- the fest is just down one stage this year. What was the Outdoor Stage last weekend has become barbecue alley, leaving a Mane Stage, a Mustang Stage and a new Palomino Stage in what was the Sahara Tent at last week's Coachella.

It's not all lean times early this Saturday, however. The Mane Stage saw a last-minute early addition, and a welcome one at that. Sean Patrick McGraw, a "Nashville Star" semi-finalist (and, as he specified, "not related to Tim, so I didn't pull any strings to be here") scampered in at the last minute to ply a zeitgeisty brand of country-rock that confirmed why he did well on the show. His tenor is strong and befitting of the bar-brawler ruckus that so many of his younger peers are working in right now. (It doesn't hurt that he kind of looks like Dwight Yoakam to boot.)

His early contender of a hit, "A Dollar Ain't Worth a Dime," is one of the first of what will surely be many recession-themed laments, but unlike John Rich's "Shutting Detroit Down," McGraw keeps his sociology enticingly vague, warning that "People do desperate things in desperate times/ if a man don't turn to Jesus, he'll turn to crime," but it doesn't feel like Christian proselytizing -- more an acknowledgment that neither course of action is likely to help in the long run.

But it's not all doomy warnings -- in between song banter, McGraw welcomed the occasion to be in California, where he could "let his freak flag fly" and indulge in our lax botanical pharmacopeia laws, which is our kind of country music philosophizing. As far as unexpected visits go at Stagecoach, McGraw can swing by any time he likes.


-August Brown - L.A. Times

The 2010 Jagermeister Tour pulled into Joe's Bar on Weed Street and bought some fun and warm weather with them. On an odd February night in Chicago it was 40 degrees which to those who live around the city it was like a nice spring evening when short sleeve shirts and shorts become the norm. Inside Joe's it was even hotter as Sean Patrick McGraw, Josh Thompson and Eric Church kept the sold out crowd singing and dancing. Ed Warm and his crew at Joe's continue to prove why they are a major stop on the road for many of country music's finest artists. Continue to keep an eye on the schedule as they continue to add more shows to their calendar at www.joesbar.com The bar was taken over by Jager for the night. With a giant windsock out front, posters covering every wall and the Jager girls; Joe's Bar become the Jager Lounge for the evening. The night began as host Rick Monroe took the stage. Rick who is also and singer/songwriter, raised a shot of Jager and toasted the crowd. "I will be your host for the evening as well as playing some acoustic sets between tonight's acts," said Monroe. As he announced the line-up for the evening the crowd was excited for the show to begin.
Sean Patrick McGraw - The rough and gritty singer took over the stage at 7:30pm and the show was off and running. Sean had just come off the Trace Adkins/Toby Keith tour as the opening act. If you have seen him before, you may want to check him out again. As he has explained that they don't use a set list and every show is different because they wing it. Not only do they wing it, but they bring it and throw it down. The drums and the driving beat of the bass lead the show off with, "Long Way From Slowing Down." As the cheers die down, McGraw says, "first things first, my name is Sean Patrick McGraw and this is my friend Jager," as he toasts the audience and dives back into the music with his hit, "Dollar Ain't Worth A Dime." Quickly he adds, "this next is for ya'll. It's about hooking up, drinking and smoking weed," with a little twang we found ourselves doing some "Cowtippin'" with Sean and the band. "I have some cd's in the back for sale, it that's not doing it for you I have t-shirts," laughs Sean. He rounded out the set with "Rockstar" and "My So Called Life." Once again proving why he deserves to be on tour with acts like Keith, Adkins and Church. McGraw is a hard working, true blooded redneck and makes no apologies for who and what he is.


David Pierce - Today's Country

The 2010 Jagermeister Tour pulled into Joe's Bar on Weed Street and bought some fun and warm weather with them. On an odd February night in Chicago it was 40 degrees which to those who live around the city it was like a nice spring evening when short sleeve shirts and shorts become the norm. Inside Joe's it was even hotter as Sean Patrick McGraw, Josh Thompson and Eric Church kept the sold out crowd singing and dancing. Ed Warm and his crew at Joe's continue to prove why they are a major stop on the road for many of country music's finest artists. Continue to keep an eye on the schedule as they continue to add more shows to their calendar at www.joesbar.com The bar was taken over by Jager for the night. With a giant windsock out front, posters covering every wall and the Jager girls; Joe's Bar become the Jager Lounge for the evening. The night began as host Rick Monroe took the stage. Rick who is also and singer/songwriter, raised a shot of Jager and toasted the crowd. "I will be your host for the evening as well as playing some acoustic sets between tonight's acts," said Monroe. As he announced the line-up for the evening the crowd was excited for the show to begin.
Sean Patrick McGraw - The rough and gritty singer took over the stage at 7:30pm and the show was off and running. Sean had just come off the Trace Adkins/Toby Keith tour as the opening act. If you have seen him before, you may want to check him out again. As he has explained that they don't use a set list and every show is different because they wing it. Not only do they wing it, but they bring it and throw it down. The drums and the driving beat of the bass lead the show off with, "Long Way From Slowing Down." As the cheers die down, McGraw says, "first things first, my name is Sean Patrick McGraw and this is my friend Jager," as he toasts the audience and dives back into the music with his hit, "Dollar Ain't Worth A Dime." Quickly he adds, "this next is for ya'll. It's about hooking up, drinking and smoking weed," with a little twang we found ourselves doing some "Cowtippin'" with Sean and the band. "I have some cd's in the back for sale, it that's not doing it for you I have t-shirts," laughs Sean. He rounded out the set with "Rockstar" and "My So Called Life." Once again proving why he deserves to be on tour with acts like Keith, Adkins and Church. McGraw is a hard working, true blooded redneck and makes no apologies for who and what he is.


David Pierce - Today's Country

Sean Patrick McGraw may have a familiar last name, but he's no relation to Tim. He is, however, hanging with another of country's big dogs -- Toby Keith. Sean is the opening act on Toby's tour with Trace Adkins, a journey that will end on Sept. 19 in Illinois, but for the Fredonia N.Y. native, it's been a great ride. But how have two of country's most notorious tough guys treated him?

"They've been absolutely wonderful and so gracious," Sean tells The Boot. "They've got to be nice to me. They're both about three feet taller than I am. [laughs] They could crush me if they wanted to."

Sean, who was a 'Nashville Star' semi-finalist in 2005, adds that no one has helped him more in his career at the moment than Toby, and taking him along on the America's Toughest tour has been a "huge boost."

While he's not exactly a newcomer to Music City ("My expiration date passed up a long time ago in Nashville," he jokes), Sean's inclusion on the tour has introduced him to a much wider audience. It's also taught him that great advice can come from everywhere, not just fellow artists.

"Toby's stage manager has taught me about everything he could possibly teach me," he says. "I didn't think I was very green when I came out here, but he pretty much let me know how green I was when we started this. The best advice was: 'You'll never be a star if you don't present yourself as a star. You must use a balance of humility and just own it.' Sometimes I think it's kind of hard to figure out how you do that. I'm humble but I have to be confident and walk out on stage like I belong here."

Sean will follow up his single, 'Dollar Ain't Worth a Dime' with a full album, which he expects to release by the end of the year.


- The Boot

Sean Patrick McGraw may have a familiar last name, but he's no relation to Tim. He is, however, hanging with another of country's big dogs -- Toby Keith. Sean is the opening act on Toby's tour with Trace Adkins, a journey that will end on Sept. 19 in Illinois, but for the Fredonia N.Y. native, it's been a great ride. But how have two of country's most notorious tough guys treated him?

"They've been absolutely wonderful and so gracious," Sean tells The Boot. "They've got to be nice to me. They're both about three feet taller than I am. [laughs] They could crush me if they wanted to."

Sean, who was a 'Nashville Star' semi-finalist in 2005, adds that no one has helped him more in his career at the moment than Toby, and taking him along on the America's Toughest tour has been a "huge boost."

While he's not exactly a newcomer to Music City ("My expiration date passed up a long time ago in Nashville," he jokes), Sean's inclusion on the tour has introduced him to a much wider audience. It's also taught him that great advice can come from everywhere, not just fellow artists.

"Toby's stage manager has taught me about everything he could possibly teach me," he says. "I didn't think I was very green when I came out here, but he pretty much let me know how green I was when we started this. The best advice was: 'You'll never be a star if you don't present yourself as a star. You must use a balance of humility and just own it.' Sometimes I think it's kind of hard to figure out how you do that. I'm humble but I have to be confident and walk out on stage like I belong here."

Sean will follow up his single, 'Dollar Ain't Worth a Dime' with a full album, which he expects to release by the end of the year.


- The Boot