Customer Reviews

Mark-Almond 2

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I saw these guys in Santa Monica in '72. They were brilliant. But they had the misfortune of following Loggins & Messina in their first big gig. The crowd wanted to rock but Mark Almond was all about the dark and the cerebral. At one point, Jon Mark said with maximum sarcasm, "If you're here to see the Allman Bros, they're playing down the street."

This album is their masterpiece. Impossibly laid back, it weaves its tale of Bay area angst and ennui with the most marvelous unhurried sense of timing. Eloquently balancing Mark's classical guitar and wistful voice with Almond's tenor sax, the listener is plunged into the self-absorbed sense of lostness that was so commonplace in the early '70s. It's not exactly jazz but it will do.

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Hello there....
When I think back over my years of collecting records, very few of my purchases have embedded themselves so deeply into my mind as this album, (Mark-Almond 2)....
I would say that it is in my top'3, maybe even my number'1... I can even remember where, and when I first heard it... It was during an all night record session with my friends... It was in a cottage in Gloucestershire, near, Stow-On-The-Wold, and it was way back in the early 1970s....

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******(MARK-ALMOND 2)******

(MARK-ALMOND 2) commences with the 4part, 21minute long, (SAUSALITO BAY SUITE), which is penned by, (Jon Mark)...
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*(THE BRIDGE)(5'Min-55'Sec)*
*(THE BAY)(5'Min-34'Sec)*
*(SOLITUDE)(6'Min-10'Sec)*
*(FRIENDS)(4Min-13'Sec)*
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The first two parts are titled, (THE BRIDGE):(5'Min-55'Sec) and (THE BAY)(5'Min-34'Secs)....

****(SAUSALITO BAY SUITE)****
*********(PART-ONE)********
********(THE BRIDGE)*******

In these opening pieces we find ourselves being gently conveyed to the colourful, and vibrant world of holiday tourists, and marine county life of the San Francisco Bay area... This picturesque scene is conjured to the listener by, (Jon Mark's) imaginative, and vivid lyrics, such as:-

"I think i'll go get me a clean pair of Levi's, join all the tourists in white socks, and bright ties, cross to the city, and see how the night flies"... (Wow!, really nice lyrics arn't they)...

Now, it is at this point of the piece that the arrangement departs from its, gentle sea-front scenario and moves into a fast, slick, rapid paced night-life theme where, (Johnny Almond) takes over the proceedings with a very polished saxophone solo, (Dannie Richmond) is let loose on the drums, and (Tommy Eyre) plays his electric piano like a true maestro... The mood of everything has now completely changed, and in jazz terms, the piece, (really cooks!!).. After this brief, (fast paced) interlude the scene returns again to its gentle sea-front scenario, and in this mode on to the end of the piece....
These pieces are beautifully delivered by, (Jon Marks) haunting, soulful voice....

Please note: (Roger Sutton) provides the vocal for (Sunset)....

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****(SAUSALITO BAY SUITE)****
*********(PART-TWO)*******
*********(THE BAY)********

The second part of: (THE SAUSALITO BAY SUITE): penned by, (Jon Mark) is titled, (THE BAY) and has a (5'min-32'sec) duration....

Question: Have you ever felt all lazy, and lethargic, and been gazing morosely into the room?... Have you ever felt totally un-able to summon up the strength required in-order to raise yourself up out of that armchair?...
I'm sure that we have all felt this way at one time, or another... It may have been because of tiredness, maybe that bottle of wine, or most likely simply because of apathy....
What ever the reasons were for feeling this way, it is this, deep and (morose atmosphere) that has been skilfully conjured up in this beautiful piece called (THE BAY)....

Personally when ever I hear this, (stunning piece) a gorgeous dream-scape is conjured up within my imagination...
Within this, (fanciful), and (exotic) situation I see a lonely, and isolated beach house... Inside this, remote and, out of the way dwelling place a sea breeze is gently billowing the curtains of an open window...
In (THE BAY), (Jon Mark) writes, (visionary), and (temperamentle) lyrics, such as:-

"Chimes in empty rooms, un-made bed, dusty canyon, wine, cheese, and bread...

"In solitude, my melancholy room, weary of wandering, home soon, yellow candle light, sweet red wine"....

With such thought provoking, and evocative lyrics as these an (enchanting dream-scape) is vividly conjured... This exotic atmosphere is further enhanced by a wondeful use of echo, and wind chimes....

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***(SAUSALITO BAY SUITE)***
********(PART-TWO)*******
********(SOLITUDE)*******

Part'3, titled: (SOLITUDE):(6'min-10'sec)...

In Part'3 which is titled, (SOLITUDE) all these (engossments), and (atmospheric) themes that have been established in (THE BAY) are further developed....

Within this (sullen), and (emotive) rendition the listener is gently transported as if in a (dream-like state) by the enticing imagery of, (Jon Mark's) evocative, and picturesque lyrics....

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**(SAUSALITO BAY SUITE)**
*******(PART-FOUR)*****
********(FRIENDS)******

Part,4, titled, (FRIENDS):(4'Min-13'Sec) is an unnassuming, delicate little ballad which consists entirely of, (Jon Mark's) heart-felt vocal, whilst accompanying himself on an acoustic guitar.... Much of the charm of this lovely song is due to its perfect simplicity....

This is a truly sensative piece of music, and the lyrics are absolutely enchanting.. So enchanting are they that I easily find myself in complete empathy, and understanding with the reflective aspirations that are so skilfully conveyed within them....
These are the sort of lyrics that I really admire, (as is the case with every track on this brilliant album)....
They are the sort of lyrics that must have been, (artistically speaking) akin to, (human child-birth)....
There would have been the initial conception, and eventually, after much labour, the birth of a lovely song....
There must have been an, (artistic struggle) as this poet travailed in order to bring forth his (vision) that he had been conceived within his, (inspired heart)...
It would have been after a good deal of creative endeavour that his frustrations would have been replaced by the (far surpassing joy) of giving birth to this beautiful composition....
I love this songs, (heart-felt honesty), and (Jon Mark) must have felt (exulted) when he had finally succeeded in giving birth to this, (dream song) which he had translated from his heart, through to his pen, and down onto the page...
(Jon Mark's) gifted inventiveness has brought forth this, (delicate little gift), from the, (ethereal realm), through to our (material world) for us to love, and enjoy....
It is absolutely clear to me that the words that make up this beautiful song were borne from the heart... Thankyou Jon....

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*(JOURNEY THROUGH NEW ENGLAND)*

Next on the menu we have, (JOURNEY THROUGH NEW ENGLAND) which consists of 3'parts, and is 23'minutes long....
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*(ONE WAY SUNDAY)(5'Min-35'Sec)*
*(SUNSET)(6'Min-30'Sec)*
*(BALLAD OF A MAN)(11'Min-52'Sec)*
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*(JOURNEY THROUGH NEW ENGLAND)*
**********(PART-ONE)*********
*******(ONE WAY SUNDAY)******

First up is the, (serenely tranquil), (ONE WAY SUNDAY):(5'Min-35'Sec) written by, (Jon Mark).... Again, (Jon Mark's) lyrics are absolutely exquisite as he describes the more heart-breaking aspects of touring with a band, and having to leave his loved one(s) at home... It is in the (second from last) verse that he writes:-

"Maybe when my travelling days are through, I will come on back and stay at home with you"...
This piece closes with a masterful flute solo by, (Johnny Almond)....

But personnally I must say that it has often been the, (first verse) that has proved to be the most effecting to me... The first verse reads:-

"Here in the morning light I stand, with a suit-case and a guitar in my hand"....

It is many a sunday morning that I have felt, (spiritually inspired) to take a saunter across the fields to the river, or to amble down by the lakes with this lovely song flowing through my mind... It has always been theraputically up-lifting for me, but in a (self-possessing), and (introverted) kind of way....

The fact is this; (Mark-Almond 2) is one of those, uniquely, unparalleled, laid-back albums that has been, (imbued) with that very rare capability of (captureing), and (en-slaving) any listener who is possessed by a (vulnerable, poetic heart)....

This is what happened to me....

There seemed to be nothing particularly unusual, or ominous about that fateful night, and I had no sense of forbodeing, or any feeling that fate was waiting in the wings... Everything about that singular night seemed ordinary, mainstream, and quite unremarkable, until, (during the afore mentioned all night record session) my attention was drawn to some beautiful music playing on the hifi... Well, I took hold of the album cover, and having read it I noted that it was called, (Mark-Almond 2)....
This album got played a lot during that night, and my friend who owned it very kindly said that I could borrow it for a week, or two, (but I did not know my peril!!)....

As a result of borrowing it, (and also of having had the exceedingly good fortune of finding it among a stack of secondhand LP's), I had became aware that (Mark-Almond 2) was now an inseparable part of my life, (I had been extremely lucky to have found a copy at all, because even in those days this record was very hard to find)....
After a week, or so my situation had become startlingly clear to me, I had fallen (hopelessly, and helplessly) under its enchanting spell, my condition appeared to be irrevocable, and the prognosis was that I would never be the same again....

So what had happened to me, and what was it about this beautiful music that had so utterly overthrown me?....
I had fallen (head over heals) in love with an album called, (Mark-Almond 2)....

Well that is my story, and that is the way it was....

Now, in the face of what I have just said I really feel that I must give out a word of warning, because this singularly, (bewitching) condition to which I have become subjected is very, very infectious, especially to those who possess vulnerable aesthetic hearts that have been exposed to this, (contagiously tantalizing music)....
Since this time I have become aware that I am not the only one to have been struck down, and (ship-wrecked) upon the rocks of this lovely album....
So, please be on your guard, and be very careful, because when you do get to hear this, (perilously lovely) album it could completely overwhelm you, and leave you like me, (marooned) upon this, (island of ecstasy)....

Ok, having discharged my duty, and given out this gentle word of warning, I believe that we should all now be positive, and that we should focus upon the (valuable blessings), and (perceptive insights) that can be acquired from this (glorious creation)...

If you are one of those plucky, intrepid, (adventurous types), who is daring, bold, and up for the challenge, being fully (prepared), (determined), and (resolved) to (batten down the hatchways), fearlessly setting forth against any storms of (blissful enchantment) you will be (fabulously rewarded)...

And if you are firmly determined to patiently endure the (haunting motionless) of a becalming sea, where the mournful Albatross cries, you will find at your journeys end such (rare), and (beautiful treasure)...

And if you have spliced your main brace, hoisted up your mainmasts, daubed tallow grease to the hull, and assured yourself that any scary maritime phenomena such as, perilous ocean swells, rude billowing waves, and beguiling siren cries will be effectively pacified, quietened, and quelled...

And untimately, at the end of your (sojourning) through (Mark-Almond 2) you will have safely stowed away, deep down in the hold, all your precious treasures , and revelations acquired from your odyssey...

And finally, at your journeys end, you will be generously compensated for all your exquisite hurts...,

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*(JOURNEY THROUGH NEW ENGLAND)*
**********(PART-TWO)*********
***********(SUNSET)**********

Part,2, (SUNSET):(6'Sec-30'Sec), penned by, (Roger Sutton) is a morose, self-possessing piece which portrays aspects of isolation, despair, and loneliness... (Roger Sutton's) lyrics, and vocal are broodingly effective, and his acoustic fretless bass playing is very atmospheric....

This doleful, dirge-like piece is very, very powerful, and it succeeds wonderfully in capturing the moodiest of insolar sensations, such as, (lost-ness), (abandonment), and (soul-detachment)....
In this pensive, and introspective piece the listener is spirited to a (moody), (Sullen), and (temperamental) situation where the sun is sinking down...
Within this (transitional twi-light world) the darkness is coming on, and in its wake will be ushered the long vigil of the night....
All these wonderful (dream-scapes) are so vividly conjured, and portrayed by this wonderful ensemble of talented musicians who majastically capture this (deliciously melancholic dimension)....

(Mark-Almond) are masters at creating this kind of (engrossing forlorn-ness)....
I believe that (Mark-Almond 2), (although an early recording for the band) is their crowning achievement when it comes to their early canon of (moody), (insular) creations, this is especially evident with (Solitude), (Sunset), and (Ballad Of A Man)....
The first (Mark-Almond) album contains definate elements of this (soul abandonment), and its redolence can be detected in the haunting pieces titled, (Tramp And The Young Girl), and (Song For You), but (Mark-Almond 2) building upon this success has managed to really capture this genre... It positively oozes with these superlative refinements....

I would not for a moment describe this wonderfully creative music as being depressing, because it isn't, but it does elude to that (exquisite poetical abandonment), and its brooding atmosphere is really, really atmospheric....

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*(JOURNEY THROUGH NEW ENGLAND)*
*********(PART-THREE)*********
*******(BALLAD OF A MAN)******

Finally we have the (11'Minute, 52'Second long), (BALLAD OF A MAN) written by, (Jon Mark)....

This last piece opens up with a suitably sleezy saxophone intro by, (Johnny Almond)....
Again, (Jon Mark's) lyrics are well crafted as they venture into the theme of irresponsible lifestyle, and the eventual broken fallout of promiscuity, but seen from the retrospective point of view... A once youthful Lotharios wild past, seen from old age, and the grave....

Check out a latter recording by (Jon Mark) on his album, (Songs For A Friend) called, (Ballad Of The Careless Man) which touch's upon the above theme of irresponsible life style... I heard it on (YouTube) and I thought that it was really good, although I must say that I am not so enamoured with his more recent, (so called) New Age offerings... The reason for me feeling this way is because on these latter albums there is a total lack of lyric...It is all rather sad really because (exquisite phrasing), and (intelligent poetical imagery) are where (Jon Mark) really excels....

By now it must be clear to all that I harbour a great regard for (Jon Mark's) musical, and lyrical compositions, but in the same breath I must equally mention (Johnny Almond)(2009), (Tommy Eyre)(2001), and (Dannie Richmond)(1988) who have passed away....
Their musical offerings are unforgettable, and there is no reason why we should forget their musical greatness... Just listen to (Mark-Almond 2) and you will see what I meen....

I have not been able to glean any information concerning (Roger Sutton), and (Jon Mark),(apart from the fact that Jon Mark is now residing in New Zealand)...
I hope that they are both well... Any forth-coming information would be much appreciated, and may bring this review to a closure....

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******(MARK-ALMOND are)******
_________________________________
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(JON MARK):
**********
(Born:Cornwall,England,UK:1944)....

Classical Guitar: 12 String Guitar: Electric Guitar: Lead Vocal: and Percussion....
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(JOHNNY ALMOND):
***************
(BORN: Enfield, England, UK: 20th July 1949)-(Went To Sleep:18th November 2009)....

Baritone Saxophone: Alto Saxophone: Tenor Saxphone: Seprano Saxphone: Vibes: Concert Flute: Alto Flute: Bass Flute: Vocal Harmonies: and Percussion....
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(TOMMY EYRE):
************
(BORN: Sheffield, England, UK: 6th July 1949)-(Went to sleep:23rd May 2001)....

Concert Piano: Electric Piano: 2nd Flute: Second Guitar: Vocal Harmonies: and Percussion....
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(ROGER SUTTON):
**************
BORN: (???????)....

Bass: Cello: Second Vocal: Vocal Harmonies: and Percussion....
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(DANNIE RICHMOND):
****************
BORN: New York City, NY, USA: 15th December 1935)-(Went To Sleep:15th March 1988)....

Drums: Vocal Harmonies: Percussion: and good vibes....
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Conceived, Written, Produced, and Recorded in: San Francisco, Sausalito, London, and Los Angeles....

Album Produced by, Tommy Li Puma....
Engineered by, Bruce Botnick....
All Compositions: Published by, ALMO MUSIC, ASCAP, except. (SUNSET) BLUE FAME. ASCAP....
Recording Executives: USA, CANADA, JAPAN: Bob Krasnow... BLUE THUMB RECORDS, INC.. REST OF WORLD, Nick Mobbs. HARVEST RECORDS....
Concept Design by, Latimer/Field....
Photography by, David Field/Jon Mark/Chris Parker....

It has been a pleasure for me to write this review for what I believe to be a truly outstanding LP.. Why this (Masterpiece!) has not been re-released and made available for purchase upon the open market is a total mystery to me... It really is that good, and everybody should be given an opportunity to hear it....

But there is some good news....
Until, (Mark Almond 2) is re-released, (who knows, some one in the record industry may come to their senses) some of, (Mark Almond 2), all of it EXCEPT, (SUNSET)(6'Min-30'Sec) and (BALLAD OF A MAN)(11'Min-52'Sec) can be found on the, (expanded version) of the (Mark Almond) first album....

Oh, just one more thing: You may be interested to know that the whole of, (Mark Almond 2) can be downloaded via the, (Amazon MP3 downloadable department)....

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It is my hope that this review has been of interest to you....
****Happy listening.... Chris Stayt****

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