Influences [IMPORT]

Mark King

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 26, 1993)
• Original Release Date: 1984
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Polygram UK
• ASIN: B0000071CW
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #52,255 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 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

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

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!!, April 18, 1999

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

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.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mark King Really is the King of Bass, November 11, 1998

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

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.