Album Notes

Growing up in New York, Mark’s musical journey has taken him around the world several times, however, he always returns to his roots as a singer songwriter of the world famous Bleecker Street in NYC. Since his early years as a Bleecker Street journeyman, Mark has never strayed from that recipe of cooking up a stew of honest, straight from the hip rock n’ roll, simmering with the subtle flavors of blues, r&b, funk, folk and soul music. Well known as the front man for the group Tao Jones whose album “Rorschash Sunset” was critically acclaimed and achieved worldwide distribution, Mark now releases his newest solo project, “Must Be A Pony”. At a time when the music industry seems to be taking a step back, peeling away some of its newer technology and production sounds, Mark Newman’s organic sounds and textured storytelling on this self-produced album seem to fill a musical hunger created a long time ago. “Must Be A Pony”, brings you back to a time when records were made by musicians instead of computer programmers. “Must Be A Pony”, lays out a feast for the ears and soul. The title song featuring guest musicians Anton Fig and Steve Holley is a story of a cynical adult’s attempt to rediscover the magic of being an optimistic child. The song that perhaps sets the strongest mood for the rest of the album is “Dead Man’s Shoes”. a layered story with twists and turns of a man who needs to run because he borrowed money from the wrong people. A haunting version of the Bee Gee’s classic "NY Mining Disaster" is perhaps more timely now than when it was written. There are many other guests featured in this project including Mark’s long time friend, Sam the Sham who shares both writing and vocal credits on "Hard In The Rain". On guitar it’s easy to see where Mark gets his musical seasoning. His influences might be considered the “usual suspects”; Eric Clapton, Duane Allman, Jeff Beck, Albert, BB. & Freddie King & Ry Cooder but there is nothing usual in the way he combines them with his songwriting influences; Lowell George, John Hiatt, Frank Zappa, The Beatles and his vocal influences Greg Allman, Paul Rodgers, & Paul Carrack. A strong rhythm guitarist, Mark is often mentioned alongside other greats like Steve Cropper. When it comes to slide he’s stirred together with Duane Allman & Lowell George. Mark uses “Must Be A Pony” to exemplify his mastery of guitar, lap steel mandolin, and dobro. His versatility in soloing on many instruments make him one of the most sought after musicians in the NYC area. Mark is currently touring the world with Sam Moore (Sam and Dave) and Sam the Sham.