Howard is rare in that he understands how to achieve great guitar sounds: his acoustic tone is resonant and crystalline, while his electric guitars sing crunchy yet distinct, reminiscent of the best work of guys like Mike Campbell and Ry Cooder, joining them in the ranks of those who tip their musical hats in gratitude & with respect for the innovative guitarisms of the past. No slouch in the song-writing department either, Mr. Markman's facility with lyrical devices such as irony, humor and his ability to tell a good story underpin his understanding of human nature & human feelings, many he has obviously experienced firsthand. Surrounding himself with a capable cast of marquee, Baltimore-area players, the team has arrived at an arresting set of original tunes that sound great. Each one was played flawlessly yet retains the spontaneous and fortuitously occurring anomalies and happy accidents that animate the material and offer the listener glimpses into Howard Markman's creative world.
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On Half Smiles, Blue Skies, Howard Markman writes heartfelt, clever and insightful lyrics with a distinctive Baltimore flavor. His songs vary from mellow folk to dancing rock. This CD will take the listener on a journey of emotional highs and lows, much like life, but ends on a definitely positive note. When it's over, you'll want to take the journey again!
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