Influences [Import]

Mark King | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 26, 1993)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Universal I.S.
• ASIN: B0000071CW
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #182,977 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Essentials

2. Clocks Go Forward

3. I Feel Free

4. Pictures On The Wall

5. There Is A Dog

Editorial Reviews

Remember the days of Miles Davis in patchwork flares and "Bitches Brew" of John McLaughlin and Miroslav Vitous and Mahavishou and Return To Forever; of Herbie Hancock with an enormous Afro and Headhunters? No, nor do I... leastwise, not first hand. But Level 42 bass man Mark King does and here's his first solo album to prove it. Spectrum. 2004. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars There is a God, September 14, 2000

By 

Philip MURRAY (Sydney, AUSTRALIA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Influences (Audio CD)

I only have 2 regrets when it comes to Mark King - Firstly, that he and his co-stars ended Level 42. But equally as important, was that, during his 15 years as frontman of that band, King only recorded 1 solo album......well, thank god we at least got that - and you'll understand what I mean when you listen to it. Right from the start, the album cuts straight to the chase and the music is well and truely in your face with "The Essential"....a long and enthralling journey that saves the very best until last: the most incredible delivery of bass playing I have EVER heard in my entire life. Other tracks like, "Pictures on the Wall" and "There is a Dog" showcase King's creative excellence as a songwriter. Recorded when he was 25, Mark King's "The Essential" is a must for the serious music lover who demands quality. The only reason I gave it 4/5 and not 5/5, was because it has one fault; track four titled, "I Feel Free" which has been covered by other artists before and after this offering, but like many others, this version is not a masterpiece. Having said that, however, the album, overall is a dream....enjoy! Phil MURRAY

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!!, April 17, 1999

By 

Scott Boepple ([e-mail]) (Los Angeles, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Influences (Audio CD)

Our fearless Level 42 bassist shows us that he can hold his own. With superb songwriting and the help of some old Level chums, this album is top -notch. Mark's playing is impecable (as always), and his Jaco-esque phrasing is apparent on "THE ESSENTIAL", and "THERE IS A DOG". As a fellow bassist Mark, you help give us a good name.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mark King Really is the King of Bass, November 10, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Northern Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Influences (Audio CD)

Mark was the bassist/vocalist/songwriter for the band Level 42. He is a masterful Bassist and extremely versatile musician. I bought this CD several years ago at its first US release and Ive about worn it out. If you enjoy upbeat jazzy music you cannot go wrong here. Mark plays Bass guitar, guitar, keyboards, percussion & drums on this album. The first track, "The Essential is 18.5 min. long and exibits Marks versatile style and ability. Mark also has some of his Level 42 band-mates back him up on a few tracks. This CD is pure auditory heaven . You can't go wrong with this CD. There are'nt words to describe the way his music affects me. And if you like this, you will love Level 42 as well. I just ordered his New CD "One Man". I can't wait till it arrives. Enjoy.