Personnel:
Mark Margolies - Guitar and Vocals
Nick Fishman - Drums
Dean Shot - Guitar
Steve Kirsty - Saxophone, Upright and Electric Bass
Mikey Junior - Harmonica
Bill Heid - Piano
If you ever wanted to listen to what the blues sounds like coming from the wilds of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the urban streets of Philadelphia, and the surrounding areas, then step up on this porch and pull up a jug. " Old School “- That's what I had in mind when I decided to make this album a traditional " blues " record. But there is no shame in honoring a tradition that is part of American history that deeply touches the soul of many people worldwide. Some folks like to call this American Roots music. I call it Old School Blues" - Mark Margolies
Produced by the legendary " Mikey Junior “, who certainly has his pulse, and his heartbeat, firmly planted in the old-school blues traditions, this impressive release pays homage to B.B. King, Memphis Slim, Roy Brown, Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Freddie King, Lowell Fulson, even Benny Goodman and Lionel Hampton. " Can't You See " is an original tune written by Mikey Junior, with tongue planted firmly in cheek and winks to the eye - Dr. Mark is a licensed optometrist!!
Jazz and blues are often referred to as cousins. Many believe jazz came out of the blues, or that jazz has its roots in the blues. Actually, jazz and blues are like brothers, they grew up side by side. Both Jazz and Blues originated in the deep South, from the African-American communities - their work songs, spirituals, field chants and hollers. The Blues is one American folk form that unites all the strands of American popular music - gospel, country, jazz, rhythm and blues, rock and even hip-hop.
Jazz came out of those same southern African-American communities at the same time, but was the result of combining African and European music. From the beginning Jazz has always incorporated popular music of the time.
" Can't You See " pays tribute to the roots of jazz and blues mixing up those timeless blues grooves with a jazz sensibility. Top-notch band embodies the spirit of the blues, giving everyone plenty of room to show off their considerable talents. Mark's own vocals and his guitar work are the perfect fit for some " down home blues”, alongside some very arresting jazz work, kickin' back, hanging out, timeless music that will always be with us. The interplay between the jazz cuts and the more traditional blues compositions makes an interesting mix as the music moves forward. Musicians here are clearly having a good time, just letting the music go where it's going to go. Blues fans should pick up this collection. Pull up a chair, sit on that porch, pop a cork, and get lost in the music. This album comes as close to being at the Crossroads as you can get without actually being there - front porch, back porch, or jumpin' jive juke joint. If traditional blues is what you seek then most definitely step through that doorway. This music has deep roots that cuts across the decades. Mark Margolies will certainly inspire future generations of performers. "Eye'm loving it!"
Dr. Mark Margolies is the past president of the Pennsylvania Optometric Association. He maintains a private practice in Levittown, PA. In his spare time, Dr. Margolies plays the blues and manages the Mark Margolies Band.
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