If there’s one thing Gerry Jack Macks refuses to do, it’s follow the rules. The blues-roots-swing-folk-country-rocker has long defied genre conventions, and his latest release, Beautiful Noise, is no exception. 

A fresh and vibrant reimagining of the Neil Diamond classic, the track breathes new life into the song with a roots/Americana feel and a Latin beat, featuring the powerhouse drumming of Sara Varro.

Macks, who also runs the Beautiful Noise – a Canadian Music Showcase radio show, took inspiration from the original Robbie Robertson-produced hit but made it his own. Unable to find a Canadian cover version that met his standards, he decided to craft one himself—a version that both pays homage to the song’s timeless energy and injects it with his signature, multi-genre stylings.

"Recording such an iconic hit offers only two choices: imitate or create something new. I chose the latter," says Macks. "I wanted to take ownership of the song, give it a new dimension, and still stay true to its essence."

A ‘Beautiful’ Collaboration Recorded at Dusty Cottonwood Studios in Kamloops, BC, Beautiful Noise is a testament to Macks' independent spirit and musical vision. The track showcases Gerry Jack Macks on vocals, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, and electric bass, Sara Varro delivering dynamic Latin-infused drumming, and a production style that bridges folk, soft rock, country, and roots music.

Listen on Spotify here:
open.spotify.com/track/41AvcPbHszGMKdz5wzPxWw

With Macks producing, arranging, recording, mixing, and mastering the track himself, Beautiful Noise is a true indie effort, proving once again that great music doesn’t need industry gatekeepers—it just needs passion and talent.

Macks has spent decades carving his own path, earning a reputation as an outlaw musician whose sound is as unpredictable as it is authentic. From blues and country to rock and folk, his music defies easy categorization. He’s drawn comparisons to the likes of Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and John Fogerty, while maintaining a voice and style all his own.

"I never really know what genre my music falls into, and I think that’s the beauty of it," says Macks. "The industry loves to put music in boxes, but my job is to tear those boxes open."

His independent ethos extends beyond his music. Macks’ radio show and online Beautiful Noise community have become spaces where Canadian musicians can share their work, unfiltered by mainstream industry expectations.

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