John McNally-Songwriter

jjr · Post by **jjr** » Sun Nov 12, 2000 11:29 pm

I've enjoyed all the writing about Chris Curtis, and his influence on the band. But I think in recognizing his prodigious poweres as a writer, we're being a little myopic. Although the topic of Searchers as songwriters can get pretty muddy after Chris left (shared credit on songs, etc.), it seems clear that John McNally developed into a very fine tunesmith. I still think "'Til I met You" is one of the prettiest and melodic ballads I've ever heard. Yet his writing seldom gets mentioned, I guess in part, because it is overshadowed by his phenomenal guitar work. Still, his body of work is substantial, and eclectic, and should be recognized.

admin · Post by **admin** » Mon Nov 13, 2000 4:19 am

John: It is true that "Till I Met You" is a great tune and John deserves much credit for this work. His tendency to stay in the background may be one of the reasons that his efforts are sometimes overlooked. To me, this Searchers' song is sung much like the Beatles' "Till There Was You" and it is beautifully written and performed by John. Too bad there weren't more of these gems from McNally. I regret that John and the others did not rely more on their own compositions. Thankfully, he did write this one for his wife which we can all enjoy.

admin · Post by **admin** » Sun Mar 11, 2001 1:01 pm

I understand that John still performs this song. I would like to hear from someone who has heard this song live. Does he play it on a classical guitar or acoustic?

jjr · Post by **jjr** » Sun Mar 11, 2001 7:53 pm

I haven't seen it myself, but I've been told it's part of an acoustic set they do "Four Strong Winds" is also part of it.

royclough · Post by **royclough** » Mon Mar 12, 2001 10:53 am

John plays this number on a acoustic guitar, with Spencer also playing abn acoustic, when they do this number, although sometimes has stuck to the synth Guitar.

This song started to surface in the Searchers act circa 86/87. I remember a gig at Liverpool Empire, whem someone shouted out for the song and it seemed to take John by Surprise.

A while later they put it in the act, but without the guitar solo, I remember kidding John about this, saying had he forgot how to play it, a few gigs later they did the full version.

For those who think John performed this on record however in terms of vocals it was Mike's.

admin · Post by **admin** » Mon Mar 12, 2001 4:41 pm

Roy: Since you have heard both versions which one do you prefer, the recorded one or John's live version?

royclough · Post by **royclough** » Thu Mar 15, 2001 10:48 am

Peter,

The recorded version is always the one that I would have to choose, but I have to give credit to John for producing a brilliant live version, considering he had not played the song for years.

Had McCartney wrote this song in 64, it could well have been on a par with Yesterday, I believe.

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri Mar 16, 2001 2:24 am

Roy: It would be tough for any ballad to reach the popularity of Yesterday, however, I see what you mean. The melody of 'Til I Met You is beautiful and the harmony line really makes the song. With regard to his live performance, does John perform it alone or is he joined by Frank or Spencer as far as the harmony goes?

royclough · Post by **royclough** » Sat Mar 17, 2001 12:32 am

Peter,

Virtually a McNally solo, Spencer does the minimum as far as harmony goes on this one