Vickness, Mark: Interconnected

Mark Vickness is a name that has been unfamiliar to me until digging into his second album titled Interconnected. He released his debut Places in 2017.

Vickness began piano at early age before moving to the guitar and has performed as a jazz guitarist for many years. On his new disc, Vickness (guitars) is joined by Mads Tolling (violin), Joseph Hebert (cello), Dan Feiszli (bass) and Ty Burhoe (tabla).

The album contains ensemble and solo guitar pieces, nine tracks in total, beginning with the ensemble piece “Interwoven�, laced in somber violin and cello and backed by a pretty acoustic guitar. The strings become more spry, weaving between the guitar and subtle rhythms. It’s a relaxing piece as the rhythmic tabla beats and cascading strings and guitar wash over the senses. Next is the solo guitar of “Grey Skye� where Vickness plays with sensitivity utilizing creative harmonics and a deft touch. With “Hot Apple Stuff� the groove is infectious, and the strings add Celtic folk flavourings. The smoldering and bluesy acoustic guitar in “Bodega Blue� and the raga influenced “6 in 7� are more great tracks. The pretty guitar in “Mia Lucia� and in the album ending “One Day Over A Thousand�, dedicated to a good friend of the artist who tragically passed away and to all those suffering through Covid-19, further demonstrating his undeniable passion and sensitivity.

Whatever you want to call this, perhaps folk fusion might be a good fit, Interconnected is a supple and thought provoking work, and one I have no problem recommending.

Track Listing:
1. Interwoven (ensemble) (5:31)
2. Grey Skye (solo) (4:27)
3. Hot Apple Stuff (ensemble studio version) (5:26)
4. Bodega Blue (solo) (3:46)
5. 6 in 7 (ensemble) (6:33)
6. Mia Lucia (solo) (5:07)
7. For Every Child (trio) (3:59)
8. Hot Apple Stuff/live recording (ensemble) (5:17)
9. One Day Over A Thousand (solo) (4:00)

Added: August 30th 2021
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 440
Language: english

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