" 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 once best known for writing the song ‘Summerbreeze’ that appeared in the TV show ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’, ’Secret Diary of a Call Girl’ and Brothers and Sisters’ and was recorded by Emiliana Torrini for her Roland Orzabal produced album ’ Love In The Time Of Science.
Or the song ‘For a Woman’s Love’ which featured in ‘Eli Stone’ ABC TV USA.
Both of which are on His own album ‘Changing inside’, which is acquiring a reputation as a contemporary classic.
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withdrawn than the other songs, they are no less indispensable for their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
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this folk-carol on myspace... Poem 230 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (see my blog for details): CHRISTMAS SUNG SIMPLY
As gospellers have said, Beneath signalling skies, On land dusty to tread, A trough in a stable Was the strawy first-bed Of a divine baby - The forgiving Godhead.
A season for new hope - There then and here now; The yuletide of goodwill - There then and here now.
In respect of this chance, Beneath bright or dark skies, Faith's the star that we glance Attending Christ's churches And trying to enhance, With singing and ritual, Our God-loving stance.
Dear Mark Thank you for your beautiful songs that inspire me greatly, by their simplicity, by the energy that lie within them. The world is full of musicians who enrich this world with sounds that affect us, let us together in a world without borders. Your songs bring me back to my roots. You give your songs with your pure, unaffected voice somewhat stable, earthy and accompanied by a simple acoustic Gitarrre, Mundharmonica much genuine charm - A wonderful listening experience. I wish you good luck, strength and joy on your way, perhaps not always been easy, but you to do what you're ...
Lots of Love to you on your raod you will walk... Mabi
Thanks for the add and reply Mark, and also for your Pink tulips. It is a wonderful song and brilliant writing. "Stronger than desire" is just magic and love the atmospheric sounds you have created for it. Your songs have top notch clever lyrics, looking forward to giving them a listen again. Cheers again, Keith
