I've been invited to record vocals on an exciting project that will launch the last week in May in Austin. Mark Abernathy of NYC will be making his eagerly-awaited new album with producer, Bukka Allen, best known for his work with Joe Walsh (of The Eagles) and the Dixie Chicks spinoff band, the Courtyard Hounds, as well as being the son of the iconic Texan, Terry Allen.
I've enjoyed a musical friendship with Mark over the last couple of years of traveling to Manhattan where Mark lives with his three children and wife, Monica, who is finishing a degree in film at Columbia University. I was very impressed and moved by Mark's last album, 'Twixt Me and the Peaceful Rest, a gorgeous collection of nineteenth-century hymns that he arranged and executed with exquisite taste to bring them up to date in the Americana style without divesting them of the simplicity and sincerity through which their message of inspiration speaks to us now, as it did then. In fact, this album is one of the "favorites" in my own music collection, and I think highly of Mark, so I am quite pleased to be involved in the making of this new record.
Here's a link to Mark singing "Come, Come, Ye Saints (All Is Well)." It is one of the hymns from 'Twixt Me and the Peaceful Rest, which was also recorded in Austin and features some of the most well-known players in Texas and American Roots music. However, in this video, Mark is doing a remarkable job all on his own:
Mark Abernathy Performing "Come, Come, Ye Saints (All Is Well)"
Here's a link to Mark's Kickstarter campaign, which was successful in reaching the goal to fund the album. There's a good, short write up about Mark's music and his mission, as well as quotes from some of those that his music has touched, including a Rolling Stone/New York Times music writer and a Pulitzer Prize Finalist who recently featured Mark's music in his play, Sons of the Prophet:
About Mark Abernathy's New Album
And here's a link to Bukka Allen's Web site:
I've got a good feeling this is going to be an unforgettable experience and a timeless album. I'll be keeping you posted on our progress, as well as occasional shows and more, as always. Y'all come!