Artist description Solo artist blends radio friendly easy listening country pop with introspective lyrics and melodic hooks.

Music Style Pop, Rock, Easy Listening, New Country, Folk

Musical Influences Eagles, Beatles, Hollies, Bruce Springsteen, Everly Brothers, Elvis

Similar Artists Jimmy Buffet, Ricky Nelson, Al Stewart, David Grey, America, Eagles

Artist History Mark W. Curran is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he began performing at an early age as a singer in local churches and clubs. At the age of 20, he embarked on his first nationwide tour as a professional performer. After his six year sojourn with this trio, Mark took his own unique brand of original folk-rock and cover songs on the college and coffeehouse circuit, playing the southeast and in local venues. He received critical acclaim on campuses and on the folk circuit, then entered the recording studio to capture a series of songs on his first master quality demo tape. Few performers can claim the versatility of this artist, for in the past 5 years he has explored such diverse styles as Elvis (in a full blown Elvis show,) REM, and even Frank Sinatra (In his own Tribute To Las Vegas Review.) But his own blend of original pop-folk-rock remains his true passion and focus. In 2002, Curran is recording his latest CD, "From The Heart," which will contain many of his best originals and covers. Curran tours annually and is currently pursuing a career on the college gigging circuit

Group Members Mark W. Curran - Solo Performer

Instruments Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Bass, Piano, Organ, Synths, Strings, Sax, Harmonica, Drums, Percussion.

Press Reviews This impressive debut from singer-songwriter Mark W. Curran, a Los Angeles performer, offers 11 original songs in a variety of styles, Country Pop, R & B, Oldies Rock, Ballad and Folk. CD is well-produced, featuring a full complement of instruments, including guitars, piano, bass, fiddle, strings, percussion, sax. CD is a pleasant fusion of these styles, augmented by outstanding lead vocals and punctuated throughout with first class musicianship. Effort largely dominated by LA Session player and record producer Bud Martin, who plays lead and back up guitar, bass, and provides additional drum programming to Mark's live drumming. Curran also plays acoustic guitar and sings much of the vocals, with additional back up harmony and acoustic guitar by Thomas Haney. Lyrically, the songs tend to center on the central themes of traveling the rural US, namely, Route 66, referred to here numerous times, and most notably in the track "Route 66 Rock," an homage to old time rock and roll and rockabilly stylings. Interesting turns of lyrical phrases such as "It's not just a highway not another road/The place of dreams and the motherlode/", makes the stories the songs tell visually compelling. The ballad "She Will Fly" offers the thoughts of a man reflecting on a love lost as he drives cross country providing strong imagery with great phrasing: "She's always thinking forward/But her thoughts are not on me/Now she's somewhere over Texas/And our love is out to sea." "Whiskey River" tells the story of a western hero caught up in the bottle, while "Queen Of Diamonds" recounts a woman who throws her diamond ring to the stars and the interesting results that follow. "Bright Lights Small Town Saturday Night" is an uptempo ode to small town life, a Jimmy-Buffetish style pop ditty with single potential, if pop radio would ever consider an indie release in these corporate times. Curran's ability to craft a hilarious novelty song is demonstrated in "Charge Card Blues," about a man who meets a girl in a bar but soon discovers her interest is really in his credit line. "Keep The Flame Alive" is a heartfelt tribute to Elvis, in the vein of "Goodbye Norma Jean." One can almost hear Elton John singing this song! The two bonus tracks offered at the end of this CD are the real surprises in this collection, and a delight they are. Both "Midnight Train" and "Rockin' The Country" are written by Curran but sung by LA session vocalist Faith Rivera, who has one of the most beautiful and powerful voices on the planet. These two songs show enormous single potential in the country crossover market. With great emphasis on catchy melodies and powerful pop hooks, coupled with intelligent lyrics and outstanding musicianship, this indie effort is a joy to listen to. FOUR STARS * * * * - Richard Caplan, Indie CD Review, Reprinted From "Summer 2002" issue

Location Simi Valley, CA - USA

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