“Blues is the source for a lot of great American music. Rock, R&B and Jazz have it. I think it will outlive every trend in modern music. I got to see B.B. King, Albert King, Buddy Guy and the list goes on. There’s nothing Ike hearing the folks that influenced generations of players. Music speaks to peoples emotions and brings back memories. Sometimes there’s a visceral response. Hopefully, musicians will continue to serve that purpose.”

Mark Newman: American Roots Rock

Growing up in New York, Mark Newman’s musical journey has taken him around the world several times as both sideman and singer/songwriter. This ace stringman (guitar, lap steel, mandolin, dobro) and accomplished songwriter is the type of singer whose warm and expressive voice sounds like an old friend. He put it all together on 2006’s “Must Be A Pony” (Danal Music, LLC). In 2010 he took a quantum leap forward with the stunning “Walls Of Jericho” (Danal Music. LLC) and has just released, “Brussels” (Danal Music. LLC), a live solo EP. “Empirical Truth”, his latest CD was released in June, 2018 (Danal Music, LLC, by WBA Records). It won best CD from the Long Island Blues Society. 

(Photo: Mark Newman)

Sharing the stage with such notables as soul legend Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), John Oates (Hall and Oates), Jim McCarty (Yardbirds, Renaissance), the late Willy DeVille (Mink DeVille), Bobby Whitlock (Derek and the Dominos), The Blues Project, and Sam The Sham, has given Newman the perspective to craft an individualistic sound framed in straight-from-the-hip rock ‘n’ roll, simmering with the subtle flavors of blues, R’n’B, funk, folk and soul.

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What keeps a musician passionate over the years?

For me, it’s the opposite. My view of the world influences my writing. The news is always great source for material. I’m always interested and influenced by music from different parts of the world. People (musicians and non musicians) you meet keep me inspired. If you’re not passionate about your art you should find something else. It can be a rough road

How do you describe your sound and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique (skills) and soul/emotions?

I guess you would call my music roots rock. I play slide guitar on almost everything. As a player, you have to serve the song. One can have great technical ability but without soul or emotion, it’s just gymnastics on your instrument.

Why do you think that New York Blues Scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

Blues is very honest and emotional. A lot of the older blues songs tell great stories. NY has some great blues artists. It’ a relief to hear it in a chaotic place like New York.

Which meetings have been the most important experiences for you? What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?

I’ve been fortunate to play with people like Sam Moore, Bobby Whitlock and a few others. With each artist came a new learning experience. Sam The Sham told me “if someone can talk you out of your dream, you never had one to begin with”.

“I miss the individuality of each act. Everyone had their own sound. With a few exceptions, bands now seem like cookie cutter bands, where everyone has a similar sound. I also like the subject matter of songs from the past.” (Photo: Mark Newman)

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

That could take a while. When I played with Bobby Whitlock, I asked him if I should play what was on the Layla recording or what was on his solo work. He said make it your own. Just don’t fuck up Layla.

I got to open for quite a few national acts with my band or solo. One show that stands out is when we opened for the Doobie Brothers. Another great show was opening for Delbert McClinton.

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

I miss the individuality of each act. Everyone had their own sound. With a few exceptions, bands now seem like cookie cutter bands, where everyone has a similar sound. I also like the subject matter of songs from the past.

I’d like to see a more organic approach to music and songwriting. For the most part, it seems to be going in the opposite direction.

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

If you’re working for an artist, do your homework and don’t overplay. That goes for your own project too. Also, ask questions before you commit to a gig.

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of music/musician in today’s society?

Blues is the source for a lot of great American music. Rock, R&B and Jazz have it. I think it will outlive every trend in modern music. I got to see B.B. King, Albert King, Buddy Guy and the list goes on. There’s nothing Ike hearing the folks that influenced generations of players. Music speaks to peoples emotions and brings back memories. Sometimes there’s a visceral response. Hopefully, musicians will continue to serve that purpose.

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(Photo: Mark Newman)