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The king of New York strikes again. I first met Mark a number of years ago when he was the lead vocalist and songwriter of a local group called Mother Kirk and I've been hooked ever since then. This is his second solo release and is again self produced and with a few exceptions is a solo album in the truest sense of the word. Mike Luisi plays drums and there are a couple of guest bass players on a cut or two but this is Mark's baby all the way. He plays acoustic and electric guitars, bass, mandolin, organ, piano, Wurlitzer, synthesizer, percussion and song flute. Guys that are this talented make me so jealous because I am totally a spazz when it comes to playing any instrument. Not only does he play everything you can think of but he has got a great set of pipes too, I'd say he is one of my favorite male vocalists without a doubt.

The packaging on the album is by local songstress Vesper, who also provides some harmonies, and is brilliant. It is in the form of a diorama, so you can use your imagination to tell various and sundry stories as the Spirit moves you. Whether singing of friends as in "Child of the Burning Heart,"  "Wake up my child can't you see that I'm calling you. You are a man after my heart...Arise and shine for your light has come". He can also sing about his car "Soft Engine," "Cause I've got a soft engine and I feel it's running down. All the miles and might haves take their toll." This guys lyrics speak to the Everyman in each of us. When I listen to this album it makes me proud to be connected with the music scene in New York City. Mark and his comrades in song, Stickman Jones, Sarah Lentz and the rest are making a significant impact in this area of the country. I have sen him play in various settings over the past few years, with a band and solo, and he is one performer that I would go see at the drop of a hat. Check out his web site at www.Marktunes.com

Chris MacIntosh aka Grandfather Rock 10/17/2001