Mark Newman Sets New Album Release

The 12 tracks encompass 10 originals and two covers: Willy DeVille's "Mixed Up Shook Up Girl" and a rarity from 1969 San Francisco, "White Bird" by It's A Beautiful Day, done as a folksy duet with vocalist Naomi Margolin and featuring Newman on dobro.

As lead guitarist for the late Willy Deville's touring band, Newman grew close with the enigmatic legend, so much so that DeVille's widow, Nina, presented him with DeVille's beloved dobro. Newman uses it on both covers. Longtime DeVille percussionist Boris Kinberg also plays on the track.

The originals bespeak a reserved intensity, a simmering of emotion just beneath the surface. Musically, he goes from topical to tropical as the righteous anger of "Fire On The Water" gives way to the balmy island intro of the DeVille cover. Other highlights include the bluesy flair of "I Wanna Know" and closer "Under The Sun" with its creative use of added percussion that percolates perfectly to propel the narrative.

Many of these songs have the type of instant recognition factor usually reserved for beloved favorites. That's especially the case with opener "Until The Morning Comes," with a melody so haunting, you'd swear you heard it before.

Newman's band includes drummer/percussionist Shawn Murray, bassist Keith Lentin and guitarist/vocalist Naomi Margolin.