What do we know about the new album?

[Neville Sherman]

As the countdown begins and Guy's diaries are now complete, perhaps we can draw breath for a second and ponder on what the new album may sound like. What do we know? Well, quite a lot me thinks. We know, for example, that MK and GF started work on it on the back of BK's album last February. Quite a few weeks passed twiddling, fiddling, playing, and putting some ground work in. Then came three weeks of the band members, with two new ones at that. They I am sure will have added their own bits and bobs to the feel of the songs. Given the return of players that Mark has used before, the folk / rock sound is bound to be there. Having heard three new songs, this just reinforces this - and Privateering is for me a great song and almost bound to be included on the new CD. As will Haul Away. GH said that the band recorded this in one take. Given that previous one takes have been included previously, (YCBTH on GL) I am sure Haul Away will be on the CD.

Then we had the tour and straight back into the studio for new tracks, going over previous ones and new musicians - Ruth Moody (first female singer on one of Mark's albums since Gillian Welch on STP me thinks - apart from the duet with ELH?), Kim Wilson and Chris Botti. Well, these musicians again will give the album an additional 'flavor'. Add jim Cox's plinky plonky piano playing (no disrespect intended - I think he is great) and we have another dimension to the overall sound. We have also had the orchestra in again and I can't imagine pulling those people to record a song that is not going to end up on the album.

GF also said that there has been a real harvest of songs for this CD - more than ever. Even he said on hearing the final take, 'Wow' - so it must be damn good. Double CD? Yaybe but I doubt it. Maybe a supplementary CD to complement the main one with some different versions - like Shangri La?. Release date - I'm going for early September. That leaves four months of teasing by GF before we get our hands on the CD. So be it, I can wait.In short, I am sure this CD is going to be a 'humdinger'. Given that I am sure MK will go live in some way or form before the end of the year to give it some promo, that leaves a full 100 gig tour in the USA and Europe next year. Can't wait. Putting a new CD by MK on the CD player is always a great moment - can't wait!

[Jackal]

So be it, I can wait.

Can't wait.

I'm confused.


 

[Love Expresso]

We also know that there will be some unusual background vocals and some clapping that is also described by Guy as "unusual". Lots of acoustic guitars obviously, and some bluesy stuff, because Guy clearly mentioned that  "The mere fact that Kim is here is a pointer to the style of some of the recordings". It is the first album with Ian Thomas on drums, and hopefully he will get one or the other occasion to show what's so special about him.

The complete folk department is there, including Phil Cunningham, but that is already a possible line-up for Privateering, which hopefully is not too much changed from the touring versions because I think that song is one of the best ones Mark has written in years. Privateering and Haul Away alone are the reasons for me that the new album can't be too bad!

Yes, and there's Paul Franklin back, too. I used to like him, but on "Restless Farewell" I thought his playing somewhat unnecessary...

And there is something in the air about A LOT OF SONGS, so I think some people (including me) would be very disappointed with only the usual 11, 12 songs. I double album release, some bonus stuff or some single tracks are very much welcome and possible.

LE

[goldenheart96]

Do we already know if Paul Franklin will be a part of the touring band? If so, I fear "Walk Of Life" might be resurrected... "Ladies and Gentlemen, best pedal steel guitar player in the world, Paul Franklin" *starts wailing sound*  

[Justme]

No, no - please! Don't let this nightmare become true!

[superval99]

No need to panic!   


From Guy's forum



Question:    Will Paul franklin join the tour band?

Guy:           no

[goldenheart96]

Phew! 

[Justme]

Phew!

[dmg]

Let's have Mike's whistles over every song instead!

Can't believe you folk - PF is a superb musician.

[ds1984]

Privateering and Haul Away alone are the reasons for me that the new album can't be too bad!

I fear that an album including these can't be too good!

[dmg]

Privateering and Haul Away alone are the reasons for me that the new album can't be too bad!

I fear that an album including these can't be too good!

+1

[goldenheart96]

Let's have Mike's whistles over every song instead!

Can't believe you folk - PF is a superb musician.

You do have a point - Mike's whistles spoil MK's guitar solos. It's especially annoying during WII.
As for PF, of course he is a fab musician - it's just that this country-esque touch he adds to MK's songs isn't my cup of tea.

[superval99]

I have to disagree!   I love Mike's flute.   When I saw him with John McCusker and John Doyle a couple of times earlier in the year, I was absolutely blown away by the musicianship of all three.    Besides, I think he and John fit in very well with MK's present folky style.   

[twm]

As the non-fan here, let me say emphatically that MK never uses anything less than superb musicians in his ensembles. It is not a question of ""good or bad"? It is simply a question of "how good?"

Whether they enhance particular songs or performances, or not, may be a matter of taste and whether Mark always uses them to best effect is something you can debate until those proverbial cows come home but let there be no doubt - they are terrific players.

[Jackal]

Good point, twm.

The thing with all these players is that they can play anything. ANYTHING. I think the "sound" mostly depends on Mark's current mood, meaning that, if he wants Phil Cunningham the accordion player to play Star-spangled Banner Jimi Hendrix style, he'll get what he wants because Phil (probably) can pull that off. Point is the problem is not that Mike is too folky or Paul too country, but that Mark wants folk or country.

In my opinion, he should ditch all of his current musos and let Rick Rubin produce