" My
vote for one of the best of the new generation."
Joe Boyd (Record
Producer: Nick Drake, Pink Floyd, Sandy Denny, REM, Fairport Convention)
Perhaps best known for writing the song 'Summerbreeze' that appeared in the TV show 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and was recorded by Emiliana Torrini for her Roland Orzabal produced album ' Love In The Time Of Science.
Introducing Mark Abis, British author,
composer and folk musician who has put together a compilation of his best
work since 1995. He is essentially a solemn man with a superb voice that
is not only soft and warm, but is also particularly sensual.
The voice is usually accompanied by a lone acoustic guitar when it
is not supported by arrangements which are either ethereal or have richer
bluesy strains.
Everything slips delicately into place as
you listen. The melodies are straightforward and refined. Dream Come True
and Steppin Out are truly likeable, and could have been written especially
for those comfortable evenings spent around a good fire in great company.
One is reminded of the subtle minimalism of Nick Drakes seminal and
sensitive Pink Moon.
Despite this, Abis doesnt confine himself to intimate folk and somehow
manages to emerge as a true, bluesy folk band with a sprinkle of
orchestral arrangements.
The addition of backing vocals, 70s style keyboards and bass give
pronounced bluesy tones, which can be heard in Through The Heart Of New
York featuring the hazy tenor sax of Eg White, a musician who shows a
forever evolving instrumental dexterity and who happily takes on several
different fundamental roles to complement the seemingly calm &
uncomplicated character of Mark Abis.
As in Stronger Than Desire, the use of harmonica can always bring a
sophisticated touch of blues.
Gently out of kilter with the other tracks on the album, Changing
Inside and Heaven Is Your Face have more of a Pop feel. Less intimate and
withdrawn than the other songs, they are no less indispensable for their
light-heartedness, and breathe a bit of variety into the compilation.
Mark Abis lullabies soothe us into a state of peace and tranquillity
far removed from the chaos of everyday life.
Review by Ejeh. In obskure magazine, France
Track List:
summerbreeze
memory
for a woman's love
dream come true
heaven is your face
steppin' out
changing inside
through the heart of new york
stronger than desire
already there
pink tulips
Hi Mark: Thanks for the ADD!....great material and a cool voice to listen to as well...Keep rocking, and stay in touch... Peace thru music, Jon..Worcester, Massachusetts
Hey Mark! Stopping in to catch a couple of tunes of yours!!! Also, like your new profile pic, heeheehee... Hope all is well my friend! Light, Love, and Peace~ PoppyGirl '-)
Mark, "River Roll" is featured in today's episode of The Mental Nomad Podcast -- available NOW, a day early, in my blog here at MySpace. (I'd told you it might be a few weeks, but the thing I thought would be keeping me away from the show didn't pan out.) Thanks for letting me play your music, and keep up the great work! - Best wishes, Jason
Merci de ton passage sur ma page. A mon tour de visiter la tienne; ce que j'y entends est toujours aussi bon et fait un bien fou. Je te souhaite un très beau week-end ensoleillé. Bisou.
It is always a wonderful thing to bump into a really fine musician out here in space. I love your music. Thanks you for the drive by. Pax in D Minor, Fly
Your cd cover with the golden letters is a really nice pic Nice to meet you man ! you're welcome at my place : www.jonathanzimm.com Cheers from Paris ;)
thank you for sharing this beautiful music....River Roll is so soothing....Blessings to you and all who surround you and give you peace of mind....respectfully, Lady Lee
