“Music can affect us in powerful ways, subliminal and otherwise. I love putting an Al Caiola or Bert Kampfert album on while cooking, Enio Morricone is good to relax with. Nothing beats T-Bone Walker on a Saturday Night or RL Burnside. There are times when I turn the music up, stand in front of the big Tannoys and feel a tingle from head to toe. That's music healing!”

Danny Marks: One Way Ticket to the Blues

Few names carry the weight of Danny Marks in the Canadian blues and roots scene. From his early days as a founding member of Edward Bear, opening for the likes of Led Zeppelin and Humble Pie, to his decades as a torchbearer of the blues with BLUZ FM and beyond, Marks has remained a perennial force—a man whose time comes, again and again. Toronto-born musician, broadcaster, and storyteller Danny Marks releases his new double-sided single “One Way Ticket Home” b/w “Please Mister Conductor”, out now through Cabbagetunes Records. The release unites Marks’ authentic voice and masterful guitar work in a celebration of homecoming, resilience, and the spirit of the Winner of the 'Blues with a Feeling' Lifetime Achievement Award, Marks’ career continues to bridge the gap between legacy and innovation. His recent singles “Man on the Radio” and “I'm Ready” reflect his growth as a songwriter and guitarist with an unmistakable sense of storytelling and tone. The A-side, “One Way Ticket Home”, was born from a personal chapter of resilience following a devastating house fire. In its soaring chorus, Marks sings ‘Home is where the heart is” capturing a universal truth about belonging, recovery, and the pull of familiar ground. It’s a pledge of hope set to a driving Americana rhythm, shaped by a twelve-string Rickenbacker that channels the classic spirit of the Traveling Wilburys.               (Danny Marks, Canadian blues, soul and roots artist / Photo by Don Dixon)

The B-side, “Please Mister Conductor”, turns up the heat with raw, unfiltered Blues energy. Based on a true story of jumping aboard a train to Hamilton to sing with Lori Yates, Marks transforms the tale into a soulful plea – “Please Mister Conductor, won't you let me ride your train.” The song carries humor, humility, and redemption all in one groove. Reflecting on the songs, Marks says, “I got down to the station a little bit late and jumped on board without proper fare. Blues is truth. Every song is a story, and these two are pages from my life.” Truth-telling is the heart of Marks’ songwriting: real experiences turned into musical allegories that anyone can feel. Both tracks feature an all-star lineup: Alec Fraser Jr. on bass, Jonathan Goldsmith on piano, Robert Piltch on guitar, Barry Keane and Chuck D Keeping on drums, and Gene Hardy on saxophone. The songs were produced by Marks and Fraser Jr., mixed and mastered by Jeff Wolpert, with the memory of Peter J. Moore honored throughout the project.

Interview by Michael Limnios                      Archive: Danny Marks, 2012 interview

Special Thanks: Eric Alper & Danny Marks

What musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Are there any specific themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?

The same musicians who inspired me as a kid still speak to me today, Louis Armstrong, Duane Eddy, Elvis, The Beatles, Jimmy Reed, B.B. and Albert King, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Ry Cooder, the Mavericks and countless others. Themes about life, love, home and hope offer endless inspiration. 

How did your relationship with Country Rock & Blues come about? Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new songs? 

Growing up in Toronto we absorbed all kinds of musical influences which continue to resound. Today, there are times only T-Bone Walker satisfies. Other times, it's all about George Jones. These two new songs were inspired by real life, adversity and challenges. Please Mister Conductor was written on the train and it happened just like that. One Way Ticket Home came about after a house fire, but it could be any situation where one needs to reboot. 

Why is it important to preserve and spread the blues? What's the balance in music between technique (skills) and soul/emotions?

Blues is at the root of Rock, Jazz and Country, it must evolve to stay alive. Technique is key to expression. Making it look easy is hard. When we play what we feel naturally we can't go wrong.

“Each venue has its own sweet spot. Small clubs where the audience is in your lap and the dancers right in front make for an intimate connection. Large and open air venues are invigorating. When the crowd roars, adrenalin flows. The studio, with its red light, challenges us to get it right once for perpetuity.” (Danny Marks, Canadian blues, soul and roots artist / Photo by Don Dixon)

How has your experience with the “golden era” of rock/blues (Led Zeppelin, Bo Diddley, Paul Butterfield, Stephen Stills, Humble Pie, Ronnie Hawkins) influenced the way you compose and perform today?

Greatness can rub off.  I watched how these folks handled themselves. Whether it's sharing a cameo with Omar Sharif or Jim Carey, how they addressed the camera, or playing in tandem with Bo Diddley, who carried himself with underplayed pride, exchanging an onstage smile with Rita Coolidge, basking in her calm radiance. They treated everyone in the cast and crew with respect. It's something to strive for. 

What keeps a musician passionate over the years? How does your hometown affect your music?

We need to re-invent over time while keeping in touch with what launched us. It's important to grow and mature without losing edge, joy and purpose. Toronto, my hometown, is a vibrant, expanding city encompassing all kinds of music and entertainment.

What has made you laugh and what touched you from your early days of Edward Bear-era?

It's a challenge dealing with the fans of our early music as well as those who embraced the band after I left. It's also hard not to be jealous of my 19 year old self. The past is a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there.

You’ve worked in many different settings, from clubs and studios to open air festivals and bars. How do you navigate between these different worlds?

Each venue has its own sweet spot. Small clubs where the audience is in your lap and the dancers right in front make for an intimate connection. Large and open air venues are invigorating. When the crowd roars, adrenalin flows. The studio, with its red light, challenges us to get it right once for perpetuity.

“The same musicians who inspired me as a kid still speak to me today, Louis Armstrong, Duane Eddy, Elvis, The Beatles, Jimmy Reed, B.B. and Albert King, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Ry Cooder, the Mavericks and countless others. Themes about life, love, home and hope offer endless inspiration.” (Danny Marks, Canadian blues, soul and roots artist / Photo by Don Dixon)

Let’s take a trip with a time machine, so where and why would you really want to go for a whole day?

Let's go with 1962. Every kind of music was making it side by side on the charts. Our family cottage at Willow Beach on the shores of Lake Simcoe. I still dream of those sweet summers of our lives as kids, the mysteries of life beginning to unfold. 

How has the Blues and Rock music influenced your views of the world? What music moment changed your life the most? 

When music was regional we celebrated the styles and origins. My home city Toronto had its own sound which was a gritty mix suited to the Big Smoke. The music moments that changed my life as a kid, seeing Louis Armstrong on the Ed Sullivan Show, my older brother showing me how to play Jimmy Reed, Elvis and the Beatles of course. It's hard to pick one moment, naturally there are many. One time, I saw Lonnie Johnson on the street just playing an acoustic guitar. He had an aura that appeared to be a halo around his head. I'll never forget that. 

What has remained the same about your music-making process? Where does your creative drive come from?

I've always loved the guitar and all the kinds of music it can play. I can play alone at home for hours or put on an album and drift away to the sounds of music made in another place and time. I let that seep in and it influences the music I make. When it comes to creating, often words come first or an idea and then the music writes itself. There are other times that the music lends itself to lyrics. It's a mystical process, I don't want to tamper with it, just let it flow.

”As for older members of the new generation, we were young once. There's a stage where it's not cool to like what your parents like. But the good news is, you pass through that stage and you realize how awesome Mom and Dad were. That's the magic of music and love.” (Danny Marks / Photo by Don Dixon)

Why do you think that the Blues music continues to generate such a devoted following in Canada?

Blues today belongs to the world. Every corner has its own expression of the Blues tonality and also its own interpretation of the sounds which originated in the Delta. We live in a Global Village today. The geographic boundaries in music are breaking down even as the charts and our business tries to define what is and what isn't Blues. It's tricky! When things blend in a pleasing way, it's cool with me. I believe Nat King Cole told Ray Charles, "there's already one me". That's when Ray invented his own blend of Soul, Blues, Gospel and Jazz. After that, Ray developed his own brand of Country Music. It was all soulful and great.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future?

I miss the fact that we had physical product. LP's were a wonderful thing and as kids we saved up to buy 45's and wrote our names on the labels so our siblings wouldn't nip them! We felt ownership of the music in that little chunk of vinyl. I fear that A.I. will gradually take over the creative process and humans will be left out. It's already happening that many are more comfortable with artificial and we may soon forget what's real. That's frightening. 

What were the reasons that made your generation in the 60s to started the Psychedelic Blues/Folk/Rock researches and experiments?

Just before all the fuzz guitar and distortion came along, musicians and sound engineers were seeking to perfect the ultimate in clean, HiFi tones. It was a great time for studios with work all around. The Big Bands had died out but small combos were looking for ways to make big sounds. Distorted sounds were coming to be in electric blues with folks down in Memphis and after records like Don't Worry 'bout Me came out, then Satisfaction by the Stones, all Hell broke loose. The first stompbox fuzz tones wanted to sound like horns, the early Wah Wah was named after trumpet player Clyde McCoy. Yes, people getting high on acid and weed certainly escalated things. I was there for that and was sure glad to come down when it ended.

”When it comes to creating, often words come first or an idea and then the music writes itself. There are other times that the music lends itself to lyrics. It's a mystical process, I don't want to tamper with it, just let it flow.” (Photo: Danny Marks with Edward Bear, c.1960s)

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

Music can affect us in powerful ways, subliminal and otherwise. I love putting an Al Caiola or Bert Kampfert album on while cooking, Enio Morricone is good to relax with. Nothing beats T-Bone Walker on a Saturday Night or RL Burnside. There are times when I turn the music up, stand in front of the big Tannoys and feel a tingle from head to toe. That's music healing! 

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

The guitar remains a best friend all through life. Mom and Dad told me to have "something to fall back on". That's the guitar, a forever friend. Music brings people together. We need not let politics get involved although it works well there to stir folks up and even divide us. As long as we work things out in the end I'm okay with it. Music has power. I've learned to let the music do the talking and allow folks to draw their own conclusions. 

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

The kids who come to see us play, the little ones are thrilled to feel the energy. Toddlers dance almost before they can walk. As long as the parents encourage it, the kids will learn a love for music. If we're on a big stage, the little folks are gobsmacked to hear and feel the joy. I make sure to have eye contact. It's a moment I know they'll always remember. As for older members of the new generation, we were young once. There's a stage where it's not cool to like what your parents like. But the good news is, you pass through that stage and you realize how awesome Mom and Dad were. That's the magic of music and love.

Danny Marks - Home

(Danny Marks / Photo by Don Dixon)