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Carolyn Mark’s works is not only a pleasure for the ears, but for your eyes also: see the CD cover’s artwork designed by Kelly Haigh on her latest album LET’s JUST STAY HERE recorded in collaboration with NQ Arbuckle (Six Shooter Records), like a signature, each previous albums from Carolyn Mark has it owns graphic universe.
We know the Canadian alternative country singer-songwriter has always positioned herself in the studio environment with a rotating cast of talented musicians. Back to few years ago, she was a member of the duo The Corn Sisters with American colleague Neko Case, as well as with the bands the Vinaigrettes, Jr. Gone Wild, Showbusiness Giants, the Fixin’s and the Metronome Cowboys and LET’s JUST STAY HERE is not the first time that Carolyn Mark and Canadian alternative country band NQ Arbuckle lead by Neville Quinlan, have recorded together.
Perhaps it was a harbinger of things to come, but back in 2005 they recorded the track, “Fireworks“, for another of Carolyn’s collective recording projects, Just Married: An Album of Duets. They were not alone in noticing that there was some, for lack of a better word, “magic” there (which illustrates an interesting facet of cooperation, sometimes 1+1 can equal infinity). Joining the team for this outing were some of NQ Arbuckle’s favourite co-conspirators (aka his band) including The Kesper Twins, Peter (guitars) and Mark (drums) as well as John Dinsmore (bass, wine glasses, charm)… plus, they got some some special guest action from Corb Lund (mandolin), Lily Fawn (musical saw), Jenny Whiteley (harmonies) and Miranda Mullholland (violin). All together and recording live off the floor with these formidable players lets Carolyn Mark’s songs develop naturally, and complements their strong storytelling nature.
And, LET’s JUST STAY HERE is what teamwork is all about: a collection of slow burning torchlight country heartbreakers, roadhouse style Johnny & June anthems & odes to the touring lifestyle. Of the 12 songs, 6 are originals by Carolyn Mark, 3 are originals by NQ Arbuckle and remaining 3 are hand picked cover songs chosen for the important places they occupy in each musician’s personal cosmology… or maybe just because they like them. Anyway. “Downtime” was written by Edmonton’s Mike McDonald, formerly of Roots Rock stalwarts, Jr. Gone Wild, and the man at least partially responsible for Carolyn choosing to become a professional musician rather than {shudder} an actress . “Too Sober to Sleep” is by NQ Arbuckle’s good friend (and Toronto’s secret pride and joy) Justin Rutledge. And, “Passing Dream” was written by Tony Evans, who fronted one of the first bands The Kesper Twins were ever in, Growler.
So sit on down an enjoy an album that is all about playing well together, and reflect upon how much more fun things are when you have a partner in crime.
01. All Time Low
About the author : Alias is a French self-made-man, multi-talented artist, he is also a music-producer, screen writer and artistic director for films. Read more from this author
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