Over the last number of years Mark Black has become something of a musical phenomenon in his native Donegal, winning a broad and dedicated following. His new album Sweet Rescue Blues is a unique slice of rootsy blues, a musical spaghetti western, although there is an obvious influence of his native Ireland with a strong use of celtic melodies throughout the album. In addition to being an exceptional musician – Mark is a natural born performer, whose tales and anecdotes are woven seamlessly into his song writing. From the opening track ‘Jesus Never Let Me Down’ which grooves darkly with a lazy bodhran to the title track ‘Sweet Rescue Blues’ which is a chorus filled gospel chant of salvation there is maturity in the verse. A strong reference to the roots styles of folk and delta blues is present throughout the album. Travellin Riverside Blues, the old Robert Johnson tune, is executed on a 7 string flat neck dobro. There are celtic and middle eastern melodies on Crazy in The Light and the Bob Dylanesque style harmonica on Stay (Here with me). T he live show “Mark Black & The Slyde Band” features a 3 piece power house dynamite explosion of rhythms, didgeriidoos, amplified 12 string acoustic guitars and lap steels, drums and bass. Mark is joined by Seamus Devenny on drums and percussion and Martin Smyth on bass, both of whom also have a strong vocal presence. This is the most dynamic and unique live act in the country and not to be missed.
