Howard Livingston and Mile Marker 24
Blame It On The Margaritas
© 2007 Southernmost Entertainment (826816125320)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
Load up the cooler and get on the boat and head to the islands. The tropical sounds of Howard Livingston and Mile Marker 24 have become the soundtrack to a lifestyle.
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HOWARD LIVINGSTON AND MILE MARKER 24
“Howard Livingston not only lives the island life, he writes and sings about the beautiful simplicity of island living. In essence, his music is the soundtrack to a lifestyle.”
-- Robert Reynolds (The Mavericks)
“I used to wear a three piece suit and wing tip shoes
I’d watch CNN and catch up on all the news
I don’t do that anymore, and my life is so complete
I traded in those leather shows for these flip-flops on my feet.”
-- “Local On The Eights”
(from Blame It On The Margaritas
by Howard Livingston
and Mile Marker 24)
Howard Livingston may not have a monopoly on the American Dream but one thing’s for sure – he does know how to live it. Comfortably ensconced on Summerland Key, Florida, a sun-soaked speck of land just 24 miles north of Key West, he’s a tropical troubadour in the truest sense. Having successfully jettisoned the stress and strains of everyday existence, he and his aptly-dubbed eight piece band, Mile Marker 24, intertwine carefree odes to the beach, booze and nature’s beauty with heartfelt hymns about the human spirit.
Some of the songs have a familiar ring, occasionally recalling another Key West singer/songwriter with a preference for booze in a blender. Nevertheless, Livingston’s music retains a universal appeal, an easy-going lilt and sway that places as much emphasis on pedal steel as on steel drums, all of it underscored with electric and acoustic guitars, brass, marimba and subtle strings. It’s a cheerfully upbeat sound that evokes the gentle feel of a tropical breeze, the bliss of a shimmering sunset, and a free-spirited, laidback lifestyle that’s bohemian and bucolic.
It’s rock ‘n’ roll, moving to the pulse of paradise.
Livingston’s self-released third album, Blame It On The Margaritas, provides the latest example of this carefree caress. Like his two earlier efforts, Livin’ On Key West Time (2005) and Meet Me In The Keys (2006), much of it is autobiographical in nature, with Livingston cast as an Everyman who’s opted to turn his fantasies into reality. Songs such as “Blame It On The Margaritas”, “Local On The Eights”, “Boondocks” and “Coconut Rum” espouse the joys of living life simply, but to the fullest. Yet, it tugs at deeper emotions as well, from sensitive ballads like “When I Think Of You” and “Love Is So Easy” to the spiritual affirmation of “Better Life” and “Sailin’ To I Don’t Know.” It also includes Livingston’s first outside cover, a spirited read of the Mavericks’ “ Dance The Night Away,” featuring backing from two members of that Grammy-winning band – drummer Paul Deakin and bassist Robert Reynolds. Reynolds also co-produced the album, which was recorded in Nashville with a host of stellar support players, Wilco drummer Ken Coomer, legendary steel guitar player Al Perkins, and singer/songwriter Kevin Montgomery among them.
Although Livingston lives in the tropics, he was raised in the heartland. Born in the coal-mining region of Kentucky and raised in Marion, Indiana, he first took up guitar at age six. He spent his teenage years playing in a band called The Juveniles and absorbing a variety of influences, from the Beatles and the Stones to Elvis, Hank Williams, Bob Marley, and Muddy Waters. However once he reached the age of 18 he put music on the back burner and turned his attention to earning a more reliable living. He relocated to Chicago, studying engineering by day and working as a machinist by night. Eventually he bought a business that manufactured parts for diesel engines, which subsequently occupied his energies for the next 22 years.
Beginning in the early ‘90s, Livingston began making regular sojourns to the Florida Keys, becoming so enamored with the area that he found himself gravitating there at every opportunity. Eventually he gave in to his wanderlust and decided to permanently relocate to a new home he purchased in tiny Summerland Key. The change in lifestyle prompted him to revisit his love of music, and after assembling Mile Marker 24 -- consisting of keyboardist Bobby Green, guitarist Jason (North) Miller, drummer Daniel (Danimal) Hiles, bassist George Schneller, Hulber Gagliardini on trumpet, Les Dudley on sax and Harry Schroeder on trombone – Livingston and company became known as a Portable Party Machine in the tiki bars, hotspots and hang-outs that litter the Florida Keys. That led to bigger venues, where the band found themselves sharing bills with the likes of America, Little River Band, Tim McGraw, Hank Williams Jr., Keith Urban, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Big and Rich.
Having garnered an enthusiastic following, the accolades soon followed. Livingston and Mile Marker 24 currently rank as the Number One Tropical Artist for the State of Florida on MySpace in the Indie category. Last October, the group won the Train of Thought Music Award for their participation in the annual Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum Fantasy Fest Parade in Key West.
“I’m writing about my life,” Livingston muses. “I’m so grateful and I feel so fortunate that I’m able to live my dream. I get so much feedback from people saying that my music makes them feel good, that it brings them a smile even when they’re stuck in traffic and the temperature’s 20 degrees. And that makes me feel good.”
reviews
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Island Sounds
author: Richard JohnsonAgain, I can't stress enough that the tunes reduce my stress level. I enjoy the light lyrics and the tropical instruments-steel drums etc.I heard a rumor of a new CD & DVD-hope it is true. See you some time this summer.
Blame It On The Margaritas...Tropical Breezes anytime you need them!!
author: Marcianna HowardI met Howard and the MM24 Band on My Space a couple of years ago and have been a BIG FAN since!! I purchased this CD for my birthday and am THOROUGHLY enjoying it!! I'm currently in Northern California, but my heart is in Florida!! Whenever I feel low and am missing my favorite beach spot in Florida, I just put on this CD and it brings me to it. Thanks Guys!! Keep em' coming!!
Blame It On The Margaritas
author: Helen ElliottThis was my first MM24 CD, and I love it! I took the CD to work for my co-workers to enjoy, and it was a big hit, especially since we are freezing our buns off here in Oklahoma. It made us all wish we were @ happy hour somewhere. Can't wait for MM24's next release.
Blame It On The Margarita's
author: Tim RyanTo Whom It May Concern: Met Howard Livingston & Mile Marker 24 on My Space. After many Cruises to the Islands it makes perfect sense to live the life style and that's exactly what the band is doing. It took a while to figure out the lingo... example: Local on the Eights. Once you have it you're surfing the waves and can smell the ocean. From the begaining of my life, living in CA. music has been the one constant that has always been there for me. You might say I'm a connoisseur of music. I'm a 55 male from Cali. I retired January of 2007. Always been a Parrot head; always been looking for more. Howard Livingston & Mile Marker 24 full fills that space. Howard and his band sings, writes and lives the life style! Buy any of his Cd's and you'll be on the islands before the end of the music. Sincerely, Tim R. Ryan
As amazing as I had anticipated!
author: Debbie HessHoward, you did it again! It's absolutely wonderful! The new music is a perfect combination of fun, great music, clever lyrics, humor, party time, and romance! All wrapped up with a tropical twist in every turn. And then, as on your other 2 cds, you also pen that one that gives me goosebumps & makes me cry. It shows what you're made of. There's a song here for every emotion but blue. And if one were blue, listening to this cd would certainly fix that! Can't wait to see you again in Key West! I'm so glad you'll be getting the recognition you deserve at MOTM. Just excellent! No pressure, but now I want more!
Another Hit! It's like having a summer vacation everytime you put it on.
author: Mike PoteeteYou can almost smell the ocean and taste the Margaritas. I'ts my vacation on disc. I play it whenever I need to get away.
- author: John Preacher
Great music. Talented and creative musicians. Excellent lyrics & composition. Perfect hammock music!
Great album for the summer
author: Norman Burn - England U.K.This is the perfect album for those lazy summer days & a perfect prelude to those crazy summer nights...BUY IT NOW.
Sun, fun and great music!
author: Karen, McHenry, IllinoisSitting at Blarney's Island on the Chain and heard this great CD.....with warm breezes, shimmering waters, cold beer and the music of Howard Livingston and Mile Marker 24 playing made me feel like I was back in the Keys! I had to have this CD and more! Great music!!!
My favorite CD in my collection. GREAT STUFF!!
author: VernettaThis CD is loved by everyone who has heard it including my 87 year old mother. Your tunes had a bunch of seniors dancing around the room. My favorite party CB.
another awesome album
author: bobcata bit mellow than the first two, but still has the Key's enchantment to it..keep up the good work Howard!!!
Great music. Listen to it all the time.
author: Bob NicholsI found this CD browsing the internet and fell in love with the music. I listen to it over and over. Makes me want to go back to the Keys. Great work!
Great music from The Keys...just right for getting in the holiday mood.
author: Kathy, Northampton, England.Love this music, just takes me back to the wonderful ambience of the Florida Keys....this gets us in the mood for our next trip in July. MM24 has been a lovely discovery for us.
I love the new cd and will be looking for HL&MM24 at MOTM 2007!
author: Tammy KotschI am totally enjoying the cd I got a sample in key west and wanted more. Blame it on the marguarita's takes me back to key west...while at work and in the car. I hope to see the band at MOTM in Nov. 2007
- author: Texas*Tart
Great music!! Takes my mind off the Seattle rain.....
This is Howards best of all we love it
author: Linda & Jim Flagler Beach, FlWe now have all of the Mile Marker 24 cd's. They are all very good. Blame it on the Margaritas is the best. We sit on our patio and can relate to all the places they sing about. We go to the Keys every year. Hoplefull someday we will be there when they are playing.
Watch Out Jimmy Buffet
author: Christopher Allen Christopher's E & E Cruise TravelThis new CD is just AWESOME!!!!! I have been a fan of Jimmy Buffet for many years and Now HL&MM24 this new CD makes you want to go back to the Keys and live the rest of your days!!!!!!! You better watch out Jimmy Buffet AWESOME!!!AWESOME!!!AWESOME!!!
Very relaxing and rewarding
author: Snake (Dale Gerber)The C.D. is great, I love the music. The music has great charm and will be enjoyed by my family. I am the owner and builder of the Margarita Jetski as seen at www.margaritavillejetski.com when people ask why I built it I blame it on the Margarita's. The song fits my moments The album fits my life. Good work and don't stop. I get my ideas from the music, ever wonder where they come up with the music.