The McLain Conspiracy

All are forms of alleged conspiracies.  Stories that many wish to discard as irrelevant tales of the misinformed, cynical masses.  However, what history has shown us is that at the very core of many of these so-called conspiracies is a truth so profound it can alter our perception of our world and even ourselves.   

Every day we are surrounded and bombarded by images and sounds that we perceive without question or hesitation as reality. Yet, when researched and inspected more closely they fade or morph into something we never thought, or believed, to be possible. These are the things conspiracies are made of.  Stories propagated and prolonged day after day, year after year, generation after generation until they are so ingrained into our consciousness and being that we cannot imagine a world any different than what we live and breathe today.  

Did humans evolve from a microscopic organic speck in some primordial ooze or were we planted here by some space traveling "Johnny Appleseeds" in a grand scientific experiment to populate the galaxy?  Or maybe the tales of military conquest and mythical heroes performing remarkable feats that were alleged to alter the world order were merely the propaganda of the victorious?  And what of the Biblical stories of miraculous events and cosmic experiences that changed the course of history and even today continues to influence our lives and global socio-political decisions.  All of these events and individuals speak to each of us in their own special way about whom and what we are as a species, a culture and as individuals. 

So where does The McLain Conspiracy enter into all this? Well, that's the real question here isn't it?  Like all conspiracies it starts in the mind and evolves from there.  The McLain Conspiracy is no different, but it is a story created in music and sound.  Music heard within one’s mind and then performed for others to hear, consider and enjoy.  And the only true method of discovering this music is by personal exposure and interaction.  Only by conducting your own empirical observations can the truth of the music be truly discovered.  It is from these observations by which you derive your own theory and conclusions.  So, take the first step.  Explore the possibility of seeing and hearing the world around you from a new perspective.  Join us and test The McLain Conspiracy for yourself. Only then can you reach your own conclusion.   

Peace and Prosperity are our hope for all.

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COLIN McLAIN:                        Guitars, Keyboards, Bass and Vocals   

Colin began his musical journey at the early age of 10 in his home state of New Jersey. He started with the piano but soon realized there must be something "COOLER", so he switched to Bass Guitar with a violin-style--"Beatle bass".  Of course, after just a few bass lessons it was time to enter the "Garage Band Era" enlisting some of his neighborhood buddies. "Sunshine Of Your Love" by Cream was their first musical attempt. Let the "TRIP" begin!   

Colin played with several bands throughout high school performing at a variety of private parties, high school dances, college fraternity parties and clubs throughout South Jersey and the Shore area.   Besides rock Colin also had the opportunity to participate in bands that incorporated horn sections bringing on an entirely new sound to his world.  

He transitioned to guitar and eventually returned to piano where his journey started.   Ah, the mysterious intrigue of the musical circle of life!  Throughout high school he participated in the Concert and Stage Band Programs along with theater and musical performances both acting and providing set design and technical production.  Later, he participated in a wide variety of music and entertainment projects exploring Rock, Jazz, Country and Gospel styles.   Since 2000 he has worked steady with local Classic Rock bands and Rock & Blues Trio's demonstrating his talent as a distinctive musical artist. Colin has also contributed on some artist's recording sessions such as Lima Sugar, which led to their debut at the first Buzzfest (Radio 104.1) concert in The Woodlands, Texas.     

Like many musicians Colin has his daytime gig, but when the stage lights go up that's when the real fun begins.

DAN SMITH:                                         Drums, Guitar, Bass and Vocals

WALT SMITH:                                                                                    Guitar

Walt’s musical journey to the McLain Conspiracy can be described as somewhere between a magical mystery tour and what a long, strange trip it’s been, which started as a young kid who always had a guitar in his hands. Over the years Walt has played with numerous bands as well as with the acoustic trio Walt, Marie & Dan. Walt enjoys all styles of music but has a propensity for the classic rock which provided a soundtrack for so many of our lives. His guitar style can be summed up in the immortal words of George Harrison: “I try to play what the song calls for”. Walt firmly believes in the power of music, that it brings happiness and joy to both those who listen and perform, and that one of the keys to the McLain Conspiracy just might be a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma in how live music brings us all together, if only for a couple hours at each performance, bonded by the goodness, joy and magic of the music.

MARIE SMITH:                                                     Vocals and Percussion

  Marie’s love of music began at a very young age, listening to her mother sing as she went about her daily routines around the house. Songs like “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be),” “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” and “I Love How You Love Me” became part of the soundtrack of my childhood.

Marie was also captivated by musical films such as “The Sound of Music” and “To Sir, with Love.”  She looked up to iconic entertainers like Shirley Temple and Elvis Presley, whose talent and presence left a lasting impression on her.

During her adolescence, the experiences of heartbreak, love, and healing found their way onto blank pages, becoming original songs and poetry. Music became not only something she listened to, but a way to express the emotions and stories that lived within her.

Marie sang in choir throughout her school years, until work, motherhood, and the demands of life called for a temporary break from performing. But her love for music never faded. Eventually, she found my way back to singing, joining her husband, Walt, and her brother-in-law, Dan Smith, and rediscovering the joy of making music together.  Eventually, teaming up with Colin and Lee in the McLain Conspiracy.

For Marie, music has always been more than a song. It is a connection to family, memories, emotions, and the experiences that shape who we become. And after all these years, that love for music continues to be an important part of her journey. 

LEE STRING:                                                      Bass Guitar and Guitars

  Lee got his first real six-string . . . Ok, you knew where that was going.

But honestly that first guitar, a 1970's nylon string acoustic, would begin a lifelong fascination and exploration with music and musical instruments. That “first real six-string” remains a centerpiece amidst his collection of Fender and custom-built guitars and basses, several of these actually built by Lee himself.

Interested by anything that makes music, Lee has focused primarily on guitar since 1975, and has played Lead and Rhythm Guitar in multiple bands since 1989.  These bands have covered a variety of styles from Rock and Blues to club dance bands complete with horn sections.  Today, Lee considers himself a "recovering guitarist" and finds playing Bass Guitar a better fit for his style and aspirations.

A Day In the Life - Beatles

A Hard Days Night - Beatles

All Over Now - Rolling Stones 

All Right Now - Free

Almost Cut My Hair - Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young

Already Gone - Eagles

Before You Accuse Me - Eric Clapton 

Birthday - Beatles

Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen - Santana

Born To Be Wild - Steppenwolf 

Bring It On Home To Me - Sam Cooke/Animals 

Brown-Eyed Girl - Van Morrison

Call Me the Breeze - Lynyrd Skynyrd / JJ Cale

Can't Find My Way Home - Traffic

Can't Get Enough - Bad Company 

Can't You See - Marshall Tucker 

Cold Shot - Stevie Ray Vaughn

Come Together - Beatles 

Crossroads - Cream 

Don't Let Me Down - Beatles

Evil Ways - Santana 

Fire - Jimi Hendrix

For What It's Worth - Buffalo Springfield 

Fortunate Son - Creedence Clearwater Revival

Gimme All Your Lovin - ZZ Top 

Gimme Some Lovin' - Spencer Davis Group 

Gravity - John Mayer 

Heart Full of Soul - Yardbirds

Hey Joe - Jimi Hendrix 

Honky Tonk Women - Rolling Stones

Hoochie Coochie Man - Muddy Waters 

Hotel California - Eagles

I Can See Clearly Now - Johnny Nash

I Got A Line - Spirit

I Put A Spell On You - Creedence Clearwater Revival

I Saw Her Standing There - Beatles 

I'm A Man - Spencer Davis Group

Instant Karma - John Lennon 

It's Good To Be King - Tom Petty

Jesus Is Just Alright - Doobie Brothers

Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry 

Jolene - Dolly Parton

Jump Back Baby - Colin McLain 

Knockin' On Heaven's Door - Bob Dylan 

La Grange - ZZ Top

Lady - Colin McLain 

Let It Be - Beatles

Let The Good Times Roll - B. B. King 

Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix 

Mary Jane's Last Dance - Tom Petty

Midnight Hour - Wilson Pickett 

Mojo Working - Muddy Waters 

Money - Pink Floyd

Moondance - Van Morrison

Mustang Sally - Wilson Pickett 

Never Been To Spain - Three Dog Night

No Matter What - Badfinger

Ohio - Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young

Peaceful Easy Feeling - Eagles

Pride and Joy - Stevie Ray Vaughn

Red House - Jimi Hendrix 

Rocking In The Free World - Neil Young 

Rocky Mountain Way - Joe Walsh

Runaround Sue - Dion

Secret Agent Man - Johnny Rivers 

Simple Man - Lynyrd Skynyrd

Some Kind of Wonderful - Grand Funk Railroad

Something - Beatles

Spooky - Atlanta Rhythm Section

Story In Your Eyes - Moody Blues

Strange Brew - Cream 

Sweet Home Chicago - Robert Johnson 

Take It Easy - Eagles

Talk Is Cheap - Colin McLain 

The Breakup Song - Greg Kihn Band

The Thrill Is Gone - BB King

Time - Pink Floyd 

Too Rolling Stone - Robin Trower 

Vehicle - Ides of March

While My Guitar Gently Weeps - Beatles

White Rabbit - Jefferson Airplane

Wicked Game - Chris Issak

You Can Leave Your Hat On - Randy Newman/Joe Cocker

867-5309 - Tommy Tutone