Biography
Mr. Airplane Man is a garage rock and modern blues duo from Boston, Massachusetts, formed by Margaret Garrett (guitar, vocals) and Tara McManus (drums, keyboards) in 1998 after playing together since 1996. The band’s name pays homage to a Howlin' Wolf song, reflecting their deep roots in blues and rock traditions. Their early years were spent busking on Boston streets and playing frequent pub gigs, which helped them hone their raw, energetic sound and build a dedicated local following. In 1999, they were voted Best New Local Act by readers of the Boston Phoenix, signaling their arrival on the Boston music scene.[1][2]
Their debut album, recorded in 2001, showcased their stripped-down, primal style, drawing on influences from Mississippi blues and garage rock. The duo’s second album, 'Moanin’,' saw them collaborate with producer Jim Diamond and Greg Cartwright, further cementing their reputation for gritty, soulful music. Mr. Airplane Man toured extensively in the US and Europe, sharing stages with acts like The White Stripes, The Strokes, and local legends Lyres. Their music has been featured in pop culture, notably with their song 'Commit a Crime' appearing in Showtime's 'The L Word.' Over the years, they have remained a beloved fixture in both the blues and garage-rock circuits, known for their passionate performances and authentic sound.[1][2][3]
Mr. Airplane Man’s legacy lies in their ability to blend the raw power of garage rock with the emotional depth of blues, creating a sound that is both timeless and uniquely their own. Their influence can be traced in the resurgence of two-piece blues-rock bands in the early 2000s, and their dedication to their craft continues to inspire musicians in the Boston scene and beyond.[3]
Fun Facts
- Mr. Airplane Man began by busking on Boston streets and playing in pubs several times a week, which helped them develop their live sound.[2]
- Their band name comes from a Howlin' Wolf song, reflecting their deep blues roots.[1][2][4]
- Mark Sandman of Morphine not only mentored Margaret Garrett but also produced their first release, and his advice led to the band's formation during a road trip to Arizona.[3]
- Their song 'Commit a Crime' was featured in the Showtime series 'The L Word.'[1]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Mark Sandman - Garrett was a fan of Sandman's band Morphine and sought his advice on starting a band; Sandman produced their first release. (First release (2000)) [Late 1990s–2000]
- R.L. Burnside and Junior Kimbrough - Major stylistic influences from Fat Possum label bluesmen; inspired their early sound and approach. (Influence on early recordings and live performances) [Late 1990s]
- Howlin' Wolf - Band named after his song; foundational blues influence. (Namesake and stylistic inspiration) [Ongoing]
Key Collaborators
- Tara McManus - Co-founder, drummer, and keyboardist; lifelong musical partner. (All Mr. Airplane Man albums and live performances) [1996–present]
- Jim Diamond - Producer for their second record 'Moanin’.' (Moanin’ (2002)) [2002]
- Greg 'Oblivion' Cartwright - Collaborated during the recording of 'Moanin’.' (Moanin’ (2002)) [2002]
- Bruce Watson - Fat Possum’s chief engineer; recorded their earliest unreleased album in Mississippi. (Unreleased early album (2000)) [2000]
Artists Influenced
- Boston garage/blues scene - Inspired local musicians and contributed to the popularity of two-piece blues-rock bands. (Influence on local bands and scene) [2000s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Moanin' | 2002-01-01 | Album |
| The Lost Tapes | 2015-10-30 | Album |
| Jacaranda Blue | 2018-03-16 | Album |
| C'mon DJ | 2004-01-01 | Album |
| Mr. Airplane Man | 2013-07-22 | Album |
| Red Lite | 2010-01-05 | Album |
| C'mon DJ | 2004-01-12 | Album |
| C'mon DJ | 2004-01-12 | Album |
| C'mon DJ | 2004 | Album |
| Moanin' | 2002 | Album |
| Moanin' | 2002 | Album |
| Moanin' | 2002 | Album |
| Red Lite | 2001 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Sun Sinking Low (Moanin')
- Commit a Crime (Moanin')
- Not Living at All (Moanin')
- Moanin' (Moanin')
- Sun Going Down (The Lost Tapes)
- Wait for Your Love (C'mon DJ)
- Like That (Moanin')
- Moanin' for My Baby (Mr. Airplane Man)
- Jesus on the Mainline (Moanin')
- Very Bad Feeling (Moanin')
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Mr. Airplane Man has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 7, 2025 | 15:19 | Sun Sinking Lowfrom Root Damage | The Blues Breakdown | |
| Sep 25, 2025 | 22:34 | Sun Sinking Lowfrom Root Damage | Kitchen Sinkw/ Jennifer Brady |