new CD to be sold for charity

Subject: RE: new CD to be sold for charity
From: early
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 04:20 AM

oops forgot to credit reviewer review was by David Kidman thanks Dave

Subject: RE: new CD to be sold for charity
From: early
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 10:16 AM

recent review of CD
LOOKING BACK – Mark Longster (Own Label, no catalogue number)

Teesside-born Mark has been a familiar face on the Wharfedale folk scene for more than a dozen years, being involved in running the Pannal (Millfolk) club and sessions and as a regular performer at Otley Folk Club, both solo and with folk-bluegrass trio Northern Lights. His trademark rich, deep voice (with its overtones of Johnny Cash!), together with his easygoing guitar style, makes him an ideal performer of country music, but on this release the clue lies more in its title, for Looking Back is what Mark is doing here with a collection of ten of his own songs written over the past ten years. Around two-thirds of these can be placed firmly in the "tradition" of contemporary industrial/vocational balladry, the remainder being affecting songs of lost love. Mark's family made their living in the Staithes area, from the sea and mining (and his father eventually got his own boat), so many of Mark's own songs are well steeped in the sea and the fishing, compassionately and intensely expressing, in simple and direct language, the contradictory emotions, the sense of resignation and inevitable tragedy set against the deep lure of the sea and the straightforward justification for the employment. Natural nostalgia for the work and its happier times is always tinged with infinite regret at the lives lost. There are some outstanding songs in this category here that deserve a permanent place in the modern tradition – Waiting On The Shore, Gone To Sea, Mists Of Time and Lifeboat Song especially come to mind – and they stand the test of time well, being memorable both for their deeply-felt and thoughtful sentiments and their strong melodic content. The non-fishing songs provide a contrast, for they're couched in a different musical idiom, that of contemporary country singer/songwriter; 42 And Counting, Do You Think That I'm Crazy and Crimson Skies are attractive compositions evidently much inspired by the Hugh Moffatt/Kate Wolf repertoire which Mark performs live with Northern Lights, whereas Lost At Sea is more reflective, its catchy use of refrain reminiscent of Ewan Carruthers or vintage Allan Taylor. Finally a word of praise for Mark's decision to resist any temptation to over-arrange the songs, preferring instead to keep the accompaniment simple and unpretentious (just his own guitar, with well-judged contributions from John Savage (fiddle) and Steve Fairholme (melodeon) and fellow-Northern Lights members Anne Jackson and Chris Rawnsley; the production too is admirably unfussy, allowing the listener to concentrate on the songs. Congratulations to Mark on finally getting it together in the studio to set down these fine songs for posterity

Subject: RE: new CD to be sold for charity
From: early
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 10:14 AM

a charity concert would be great and pannal hall a good veue (millfolk)
not sure if amount of effort is deserving of the response given the last charity night we ran in April but thanks for the suggestion Gerry
will keep it in mind as a definate potion

Subject: RE: new CD to be sold for charity
From: GerryMc
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 09:40 AM

Mark

What about a fundraising gig? I'm sure there'll be plenty of willing performers.

Gerry

Subject: RE: new CD to be sold for charity
From: early
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 09:08 AM

the kiidney research people should now be able to process requests for the CD Telephone UK 0800 7832973 or you can email me on [e-mail] with Kidney CD as the subject thank you
All the proceeds of the sales will go directly to the research fund

Subject: RE: new CD to be sold for charity
From: early
Date: 04 Jul 06 - 02:46 PM

Sorry the site has not added the information yet as methods of payment etc. are still being sorted out
kidney research Fund site
please keep checking the site for updates or alternatively email me at my myspace site www.myspace.com/markalongster with Kidney Cd as the title and I can make arrangements to provide you with a copy
Thank You

Subject: RE: new CD to be sold for charity
From: black walnut
Date: 04 Jul 06 - 02:32 PM

Could you please provide a link to the site? Thanks.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: new CD to be sold for charity
From: early
Date: 04 Jul 06 - 01:27 PM

refresh

Subject: new CD to be sold for charity
From: early
Date: 03 Jul 06 - 11:36 PM

Hi, I have recently completed my first CD. It comprises ten of my songs written over the last fifteen years.
Accompnying me on the CD are :- fellow band members Anne Jackson (vocals and appalachan mountain dulcimer) & Chris Rawnsley(Double bass) with guest musicians Steve Fairholme (melodeons) & John Savage (fiddle).
As many of know I have suffered with Kidney failure over the last ten years and am once again on dialysis following the failure of my transplant last year. During this time my music has become more important to me than ever. The kidney research fund are doing some excellent work and I see this as an opportunity to give something back for the wonderful treatment I have been so lucky to receive. So I have donated 100 of my CD's to the Kidney Research Fund (UK) to sell & raise money for the charity, they will sell at £10 + £1.00 Postage and Packaging
To purchase the CD visit the Kidney Research fund web site or PM myself
Thank You Mark Longster