Mark Kramer's new solo release First Chapter is an album of original music backed by some of the Southeast's finest musicians.
Co-produced and engineered by Ted Pecchio, bassist for the Grammy nominated Susan Tedeschi Band, and mixed and mastered by Bobby Tis, Grammy award winner 2010 for the Derek Trucks Band, Mark employed the best ears in the Atlanta area to help realize his goal-a solid, organic, pure American piece of music.
With support from such pros as Oliver Wood, Jeff Mosier, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Ted Pecchio on bass and Kevin Rutschman on drums, First Chapter is a seamless collection of words and melody. Harmonies by Eric Reed and Mark's sister Leigh Lafalce round out the albums purity, and guitar work by Benji Shanks and Kris "Jellyroll" Gloer of Atlanta add punch to Mark's originals. Especially noteworthy is the keyboard work of Jason Fuller of Athens Ga, who is featured throughout and the percussion of The Falcon Tyler Greenwell.
A native of Durham North Carolina, Mark Kramer started his music career in Seattle with the folk rock band Unrelated in 1988. He returned to the southeast in 1995 and formed the band Houndog, which enjoyed success in the Atlanta area and recorded two albums of original material, most notably Flowers.
In 2005 members of the band Houndog formed the Last Waltz Ensemble, an original interpretation of The Band's landmark movie. The Last Waltz Ensemble has gained national exposure with their energetic representation of the time honored music, and has kept the tradition of sharing the stage with the best of the local and national scene.
First Chapter is a result of many musical influences and shared journeys. The album flows easily from West Coast jazz-rock in "A Song For Lola" to Appalachian bluegrass in "Ghost", and then gives a nod to gospel in "Love You The Best". The album winds down with " Thinking About Moving" a duet featuring Mark's sister Leigh LaFalce. Melodic acoustic rock and Gram Parsons' style country truly make First Chapter a welcome new release.
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