Uncommon Ground ^ Mark McKay

Mark McKay
Mark McKay has earned a reputation for writing rugged and beautiful songs in the tradition of rootsy rock’n roll; his work is often compared to that of Steve Earle, Alejandro Escovedo, Cracker’s David Lowry, and a Nebraska-era Bruce Springsteen. On his 2004 release, Shimmer (produced by Eric “Roscoe” Ambel), McKay unleashes material that is philosophical, romantic, and at times political. The songs retain a rich live vibe recorded in an approach that is both musically deliberate and spontaneous resulting in his boldest album to date. Shimmer is an album that sounds big and true; electric guitars churn and moan over a driving rhythm section while individual songs are colored by organ, piano, cello, trumpet, and other instruments from Ambel’s Cowboy Technical Services recording studio in Brooklyn. Shimmer is the sound of McKay’s adventurous creativity both as a recording artist and performing songwriter. Live from the Memory Hotel (Dren 2003) captures the intimacy and energy of Mark’s acoustic and electric performances from several shows in 2002 with special guests Kris Delmhorst and the band June Star. Renowned Brooklyn artist Steve Keene contributed original art for this album which was mastered by Scott Hull at the Hit Factory in NYC. Mark recorded his critically acclaimed debut album, Nothing Personal (Dren 2001) in Boston with producer Ducky Carlisle. Mark’s version of “Fatal Wound” appears on For Anyone That’s Listening, A Tribute to Uncle Tupelo (Flat Earth 2003). His interpretation of “I Know You Rider” appears on Ain’t No Grave (Dren 2003), a compilation of traditional music. His rendition of “Who'll Stop the Rain” is the lead track on Chooglin': A Tribute to the Songs of John Fogerty (Dren 2002) and his solo version of "St. Matthew" appears on Papa Nez: A Tribute to the Work of Michael Nesmith (Dren 2001), Mark performs in some of America’s finest rooms, including Iota Club in Arlington, VA, the Ram’s Head Tavern in Annapolis MD Fletcher’s in Baltimore, the Point in Philadelphia, the Rodeo Bar and the Lakeside Lounge in NYC, the Abbey and Lizard Lounges in Boston, and FitzGerald’s and Schuba’s in Chicago. His music is receiving airplay at over 100 stations worldwide, including WFUV in NYC, WXRT in Chicago, KDHX in St. Louis, WRNR in Annapolis, and WMBR in Boston.

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Uncommon Ground Past Show Dates

2008-01-15 (122 days)