Album Notes

After tearing up the Vancouver music scene for two years, singer Randy Clarke and guitarist Mark Rankin decided it was time to head into the studio and record some of the best original tracks they had written. Basing their selection on the tunes that had been garnering the best responses, Clarke and Rankin recorded ten of what they considered their best songs.

THE BOYS IN THE BAND

When you go to see The Mojo Stars live, there are a few things you notice.

First, the audience is in the palm of singer Randy Clarke’s hand all night long. (If you ever compliment Randy on this, he’ll tell you, as a singer being the ‘show’ is his duty and that the real hard work rests with the band.)

Secondly, you’ll notice the guitar playing of Mark Rankin, whose rhythm and lead playing seem to compliment every song so well. (If you ever compliment Mark on this, his usual reaction is to say that he’s just trying to play off Randy’s vocals.)

At the end of the night, after what seems like half the audience have bought them drinks, Clarke and Rankin are as humble as can be, shrugging off kudos and accolades with recommendations to check out their inspirations, both current and historical, local and international. They will also tell you that they’re attempting to do nothing more than reach as many people as possible with the music they’re writing.

It’s their quality and originality of these songs, combined with their stage show that has kept the band busy in the last few years. They’ve played Vancouver’s prestigious Jazz Festival two years running, closing the festival on a bill that one year included Canadian rapper K-OS’s band, no less. They’ve twice headlined the pride and joy of New Westminster, its annual Show and Shine. They’ve also played casinos, pubs, clubs, and just about anywhere in BC that appreciates good music.