The long awaited new CD by the Mark Knoll Band is now available!
The CD features 10 of Mark's original songs with performances by Mark on guitar and vocals, MICHAEL PILHOFER on drums, CHARLES FLETCHER on bass, and guest appearances by RICKY PETERSON (JOHN MAYER, DAVID SANBORN, PRINCE) on Hammond organ and SCOTTIE MILLER on Piano. Horn arrangements on two of the songs were done by PERRY RASK.
VINTAGE GUITAR MAGAZINE made it clear what they thought of the new CD: A review in December 07, a full page interview with Mark in January of 08, and high praise of Mark's guitar work as a sideman with the Lamont Cranston Band in February of 08. The CD has also received favorable reviews in BLUES REVUE MAGAZINE, and several European music magazines including GOOD TIMES and BREAKOUT. It is selling all over the world, especially in Europe where it is being played on numerous radio stations and internet programs.
The January 2008 issue of Vintage Guitar Magazine said:
"The new release from the Mark Knoll Band, "High Time", serves up a good sampling of guitar-driven rock and blues. The guitar is big and bold and right-in-your-face. The sound might bring to mind a mix of Robben Ford, Larry Carlton, and Eric Clapton when they're really thinking guitar."
A translation from the German music magazine GOOD TIMES:
"A string puller par excellence, production is first class. The old master Ricky Peterson's hammond is grandious. Guitar and organ fans should score 199 points here. It's hard to understand that top class like this group doesn't yet have a record contract in the USA.
And this quote from a disc jockey in Poland:
"Wow, this is the first thing that came to my mind after pressing play button on my stereo. The opening cut sounds just like a smash hit played by all radio stations, big and small. With a kick ass guitar, catchy melody and strong vocals it must be a crowd pleaser. Other cuts are just as good. Knoll's guitar skills are well above the average and he can make his guitar scream or whisper, depending on the song. I think the word “song” is quite important here – “High Time” is full of well crafted songs that have a big cross-over potential. Together with a tight band Knoll has recorded a very good album, perfect for both, blues lovers and guitar aficionados".
A quote from a recent podcast interview on A1 Artist Spotlight:
"This is the second week in a row I’ve had a knock out CD. The very first time I heard this CD High Time I was in love with it. It’s great rock & blues with loads of great guitar solos. Everything about this CD seems so natural and in the right place. It’s like Mark Knoll looked at my top twenty records and spit out something new as a result of hearing those. Did I tell you about all the guitars and great solos?" (To read the entire review, and listen to the podcast, log on to www.A1ArtistSpotlight.com)
MARK'S BIO:
A passionate and instantly recognizable sylist, Mark has performed throughout the United States, primarily in the Midwest. He has performed with and shared the stage with many national acts including Bonnie Raitt, Little Feat, Edgar Winters White Trash, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, The Drifters, The Platters, The Coasters, and the Marvelettes. He has also appeared as a session guitarist and co-writer on many regional releases including The Lamont Cranston Band, Scottie Miller and the Re-uptake Inhibitors, and George Faber.
BAND BIOS:
DRUMS: Michael Pilhofer
A prolific performer, clinician, and educator, Michael Pilhofer has an impressive list of credits to his name. Michael’s diverse performance background includes having worked with local groups such as the Legendary Combo, Mick Sterling and the Stud Brothers, Debbie Duncan, Bruce Henry, Connie Evingson, Patty Peterson, Cynthia Johnson, Gwen Matthews, Voice Trek, Cookie Coleman, and others. National artists Michael has performed with include Joe Lovano, Marian McPartland, Kenny Wheeler, Dave Holland, Bill Holman, Dr. Horace Boyer, Wycliffe Gordon, and Gene Bertoncini. As well as being an in demand clinician Michael is currently an Assistant Professor at McNally Smith College of music in St Paul, one of the premier contemporary music colleges in the U.S.
BASS: Charles Fletcher
Charles is an accomplished electric bassist, bringing his 4-string, 5-string, and 6-string fretted and fretless bass talents to a wide variety of performances. His credits include extensive blues work with Jimmy Valentine, Lamont Cranston, Doug Maynard, and many others. His performances in the Rhythm and Blues scene include work with Mick Sterling and the TC Jammers and reggae/calypso with the likes of Shangoya and Wain McFarlane. Charles has also performed with jazz groups Northcoast and Glen Helgeson’s Axis Mundi, to name a few.
GUEST BIOS
HAMMOND ORGAN: Ricky Peterson
Ricky is best known for his now 20 year association with saxophone legend David Sanborn and for having produced written and played keyboards for Prince on and off since his early days on the Twin Cities scene. Playing on David Sanborn records since the mid 80’s, he performed with and produced Sanborn on “Songs from the Night Before” and Prince on “Gold”, Emancipation”, and “Crystal Ball”. Peterson also played a big part in writing and producing George Benson’s “That’s Right” CD. To read more about Ricky’s astounding career associations, visit his website at www.rickypeterson.com.
PIANO: Scottie Miller
Having toured extensively here and overseas with Big John Dickerson and Blue Chamber in the late 90’s, Scottie returned to Minneapolis to form his own band, Scottie Miller and the Re-Uptake Inhibitors. Scottie is well known in the Twin Cities for his strong Minneapolis-New Orleans funk flavors, reflective soulful ballads, slow blues, and R&B cuts that wander back and forth somewhere between Ray Charles, John Hiatt, and Dr. John. To read more about Scottie and his band, visit his website at www.scottiemiller.com.
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