Independent
Songwriter Web Magazine
FIVE STARS
: A ISWM INDIE PICK OF THE MONTH - A haunting, reflective mix of stories.
Filled with imagery that burns deep from the soul. Vulnerable vocals on
the verge of despair. A sad, yet victorous journey into the past.
Metro Santa
Cruz
Mark's
is a seasoned, sublimely human voice. On “Lighthouse Keeper," Bradlyn’s
earthy vocals, peppered with little cracks and flourishes, bring listeners
straight into the heart of his powerful storytelling. His songs are
poignant without being saccharine. In the title song, haunting refrains
and chilling images produce an almost cinematic feeling. “Burnt to the
Ground” is pure bluegrass, while “Words I’ve Heard Before” is a kick-up-your-heels
Western swing number. With vocal accompaniment by local legend Mary McCaslin
and the wicked fiddling of Dennis English, these tunes are definitely keepers.
-- Andrea Perkins
Hootenanny
Holler
A well-crafted
acoustic treasure that is charming and warm. Very striking eclectic vocal
technique melds with killer fiddle and powerful song writing. These original
songs are polished works of poetic art, full of heart and soul. With only
the finest of backing musicians and occasional vocal harmony by Mary McCaslin,
Lighthouse Keeper is a rich tapestry of earthy passionate stories woven
with threads of real life. — Steve Scott
FAME (Folk
and Acoustic Music Exchange)
Poignant,
clever and intelligent songs. Bradlyn is an undiscovered treasure. Musically
this CD is beautiful. Bradlyn is a fine guitar player and he has surrounded
himself with some fine backing musicians. — David M Pyles
Rambles,
A Cultural Arts Magazine
This album
has a lot going for it. Generally a mellow sort of sound, Bradlyn's music
contains a good mix of instruments, and the arrangements flow nicely. Bradlyn's
vocals are on the quiet side, and emit a natural, thoughtful sound -- perfect
for his lyrics, which the listener can easily identify with.
One of the
things that makes this album so good is Bradlyn's guitar playing. Like
his vocals, his guitar is gentle. He has a pleasant picking style that
has a rather calming effect, and the accompanying melodies have a memorable,
sing-along kind of sound.
Bradlyn's
style is unique, and I would be hard pressed to really categorize it (which
isn't something I like to do, anyways). "Bone Demon" seems to have some
blues and country influence, and features some interesting guitar rhythms,
soulful singing and great fiddling. In fact, great fiddling can be found
on a number of tracks, notably "Burnt to the Ground," "Skinny Mama"
and "Lighthouse Keeper." --- Cheryl Turner.
FolkWax
- On-line Folk Music Magazine
What makes Bradlyn good is his
ability to tell a complete story in five minutes or less. Damn, this guy
is talented. I never thought a guy with stories to tell and an acoustic
guitar could keep my attention. No amplifiers, no tattoos, no leather pants
- just plain old compositions that tell stories of life, love, want and
loss. -- Aaron Barker
Mark
J. Bradlyn
Released
in November, 2000, Lighthouse Keeper contains all original songs
written over a span of more than 25 years. Features guest harmony vocals
by
Mary McCaslin, along with
a sterling group of backup musicians including prize-winning fiddler Dennis
English, bassists Matt
"Papa" Bohn and Stan Poplin, and drummer Rick
Walker. Other supporting musicians are Kris
Yenney, cello, Chuck McCabe,
guitar and vocal, and Ilan Heer, nylon string guitar.
Mark's
first independent recording, released in 1998, is a collection of five
Bradlyn originals and six covers of songs by some of Mark's favorite singers
and songwriters including Tim Buckley, Ferron, and Eric Andersen as well
as songs by Bay Area favorites Ed Johnson and Carol McComb. On several
songs Mark joins forces with singer/guitarist Bob Reid, with whom Mark
has performed as part of the duo "Bradlyn and Reid" for many years. This
is an all-acoustic CD, guitars and vocals only; no drums, no bass.
