Mark's a laid-back performer: the sandals come off, and the music is on! A very pensive & moving vocal rendition of "My Funny Valentine" led things off. For solo sections, since he's playing alone, Mark will set up a groove on his guitar, into a looping device, and then start burning over it, sometimes grabbing his other axe and burning some more. He then got things moving with a latin number; I missed the name, but it was a toe-tappin' highlight of the set.
The result of Mark's music is an enjoyable, hazy euphoria in which one feels that the whole world doesn't have a care, if only for a few hours. As a guitarist Mark is impressive and fluent, and continues to reach and grow. A neat surprise was a medley that seemed to accidentally bump into "From the Beginning" - ELP's jazziest ballad; and after a verse or two the chance meeting was over.
If you missed Mark's show he will be back to the Three Dog's Grille for Mother's Day Brunch May 13th. You can also pick up a copy of his new self-titled album, filled with jazz and funky blues, and Mark at his best both vocally and on guitar! His wife Robin handed one off to me, you'll be sure to hear a cut in an upcoming podcast! Get yours at Itunes or CDBaby.
Mark just took the plunge and got himself a Facebook page! Please go have a visit, click that like button and show some love to a real nice guy! Thanks for stopping by our blog! - PCJ
