I first came in contact with flamenco musicians while making the Matt
Bianco
album 'World go round', back in the mid 90s.
We recorded with the flamenco /classical producer Jesus Bola, in his studio in Seville. I was taken by the whole experience, musically and culturally, most of all my friendship with Jesus and his family. Although the album was very successful in Japan, I thought we only touched the surface of what was on offer in a musical sense. I loved the open, acoustic sound of flamenco, the passion of its performers. I knew it was something I wanted to come back to. This is my first solo project as a performer, in collaboration with Jesus Bola. Many musicians in Seville
and London have given their time on these songs, I thank you so much.
Brief History
I joined the group Blue Rondo A La Turk in 1981 as guitarist and co-writer, we released 'Chewing the fat' on Virgin Records. I left the group in 1982/83 to form a new group Matt Bianco with
Danny White and Kito Poncioni. Kito left and went back to Brazil just before our first single release, in the meantime Basia completed the line up to create the Matt Bianco sound and we signed to Warners with our first album 'Whose Side Are You On'. Although this was a world wide success, we parted company and Basia and Danny went on to develop Basia's solo career.
In 1985 I enlisted the help of piano/keyboard player Mark Fisher, we soon struck up a good working relationship and a new chapter for Matt Bianco was born.
From 1985 - 1990 we made three more albums for Warners, 'Matt Bianco', 'Indigo', 'Samba
in your Casa'. The 90s, we signed a new deal with the Japanese company JVC Victor, were a new market developed with great success. To date we have made several albums and tours with them. In 2003, I got back together to make another album with
Danny and Basia for Universal Records after 20 years. We released 'Matts Mood' and toured America and Japan to promote it. It is now 2007 and I have reunited with Mark Fisher, we are currently writing a new album for JVC for a 2008 release.
In between times, I'm back and forward to Seville on my solo project. The odd music for Ads thrown in. We have enjoyed making albums in many places around the world, with great musicians. Rio, Miami, Havana, Los Angeles, Seville and of course London. It is still a pleasure and a privilege.
New track up called L!! (it's 12yrs old actually but someone told me they loved it so up it went!) Plus some amazing photos in an album called 'Marjorie j. Toro' who's from Canada. In one, she's standing almost at the end of a rainbow ~ Brilliant!!!
Hi Mark, Your tunes sound so warming especially with all this snow we're having at the moment.I hope things are great with you a CD of your new material would be fantastic. All the best Dan
Hello Mark, Snow is just the icing on the cake. Greetings, then, and hopes for the new year, Regardless of the temperature outside. Each gift of time is cause enough for cheer. Happy Holidays! XX~
Snow is just the icing on the cake. Even as the Earth begins to warm, And we reduce our footprints for its sake, So will light from dark again be born. Old customs, rooted deeply in the heart, Now live on as atmospheric joy. 'Mid pines or palms, mince pie or mango tart, Seasonal displays our spirits buoy. Greetings, then, and hopes for the new year, Regardless of the temperature outside! Each gift of time is cause enough for cheer; Each moment yet unlived a blushing bride. Though the world be dark and warming fast, In season's joy is something that will last. Nor will we soon forget to celebrate Grace so bountiful or gifts so great, Sensing well the fortune of our fate.
