Album Notes

About Outside the Family Way

Mark's first independent recording (1998), is an intimate all-acoustic 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.

The songs on this recording represent a fair sample of the sort of material Mark has sung over his years as a folk performer.

On half of the songs Mark joins forces with singer and guitarist Bob Reid, with whom he performed for many years as part of the folk duo "Bradlyn & Reid". These songs have been excerpted from the unreleased CD "Bradlyn & Reid - Now & Then".

The unusual cover art was done by collage artist, Susan Stauber.

Mark wrote the title song, "Outside the Family Way", for people like himself, who have chosen not to have children.

From Reviews of "Outside the Family Way":

Mark Bradlyn sings and writes about things he knows and feels. It's the real deal, here. No fluff to get in the way. His voice is so different that it would be hard to compare with another artist. His sound is warm and honest yet lives on the verge of heartbreak. You can connect to his music by virtue of its humanness... (his singing) breathes a sincerity that takes the breath away. This is a rich and thoroughly engaging project that does not lend itself to the passive listener. Experience it.
- Independent Songswriter Web Magazine

A pure and honest collection by this experienced story spinner/guitarist/singer. Mark's smooth voice, lightly seasoned by a roughness that adds so much character to the vocal performance, can really make you feel the songs. Accomplished acoustic guitar picking ala Travis style with the occasional harmonica and backing vocal, make this recording intimate and tasteful.
- Earbuzz.com