Mark Lennon

Bio:

Los Angeles based, North Carolina native Mark W. Lennon releases his full length debut album, Home of the Wheel.

Compared to 2009’s much talked about EP, Down the Mountain, Home of the Wheel has a raw - stripped down sound, due in part to producer Marvin Etzioni. A former member of Lone Justice, Etizoni (who has worked with Steve Earle, Counting Crows and Lucinda Williams) helped Lennon create an album centering on well-crafted songs of lost love, reflection and longing for the South.

Lennon’s twang-tinged voice is authentic. He has the ability to deliver a positive spin on even the most melancholy sentiments. His honest and personal lyrics evoke imagery deeply rooted in his southern upbringing and family history, that seamlessly transition from depression era themes to modern day introspective on his conflict with life in Los Angeles.

“We just took the reigns off without much of a plan on Down the Mountain, which led to more of a jam style record. With Home of the Wheel, we shaved it to the bone,” Lennon says joking about the record. “Marvin had me so far out of my comfort zone, I didn’t know which way we were coming or going.”

Home of the Wheel is an eclectic hodgepodge of Americana styles that will appeal to any musical taste. It ranges from Woody Guthri-esque folk “Home of the Wheel” to Gram Parsons-ish Country “California Calling,” to Desire era Dylan (“The River Stays the Same,” “Cold Mountain Steel” which feature Scarlett Rivera on fiddle), as well as rock “Stop and Go,” bluegrassy “These Times Better” and harmonic pop “Look for the Walls.”

News on Down the Mountain:

“This is fresh. This is simplicity at it’s finest.”
-Twister Valley Records

"...lovely sounding roots rock album with hints of Ryan Adams (especially vocally), the Grateful Dead and the Black Crowes. These songs are still on rotation after three weeks - a good sign - they're memorable, catchy and shouting out for recognition."
-Americana UK

"He’s not flashy, but then again he doesn’t have to be. Just listen to his music and you’ll realize he’s a savvy musician speaking simple, honest truths."
-Country Music Pride

"Mark is no slouch himself when it comes to vocals - there's a palpable yearning in his voice as he sings "My Hometown" another highlight from the album."
-Beat Surrender

"'What I Could Be with You' is a steel and piano led jam straight from the Dead playbook. Lennon's voice drenches the whole thing in a dose of California sunshine and brings a lightness to most of the tracks."
-A Fifty Cent Lighter & A Whiskey Buzz

"No production tricks, no esoteric instrumentation, just damn fine musicianship."
-John Davy
MedicineShow/Flyinshoes

"His music brings to mind the folk and country-rock sounds of early ‘70s Golden State transplants like Brewer & Shipley and Grateful Dead."
-Hyperbolium

"He never stays down for long, even when the songs express negative emotions. That’s appropriate, because this is comfort music. Lennon’s songs never present a situation without hope."
-Oliver di Place

"Down the Mountain opens with the title track, his comfortable vocals gliding effortlessly around a swirling Hammond organ and whipsmart pedal steel and acoustic guitars, inviting us to check out a view of life from a different perspective."
-Call it Folk

“...a perfect mixture of heartfelt lyrics, easing yet engaging melodies and, similar to each Mark Lennon song, it tells a story and takes the listener on their own musical journey of keeping roots while chasing dreams.”
-Performer Magazine

"Like any great artist he makes it seem effortless and timeless after just a single listen."
-Village Records