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Charlie Lawson's Still

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Mark Newton’s release of his first solo CD in 1998, Living A Dream, and the subsequent success of his 2000 tribute to women in bluegrass, Follow Me Back To The Fold, have firmly re-established this bluegrass veteran as a force to be reckoned with. Now Mark has stepped out with Charlie Lawson’s Still, his first record to feature his own band, the outstanding and aptly-named Mark Newton Band, consisting of Mark—guitar, Mike Munford—banjo, Troy Engle—mandolin/fiddle and Bob Goff Jr.—bass. The results are arguable the best work of his career, and one sure to propel him and the band to even greater success on the bluegrass circuit. But before we get to that, a little about Mark’s “bluegrass education” is in order.

Like many artists at the top of the bluegrass hierarchy, Mark’s involvement in music began practically from birth . his father played mandolin, guitar and fiddle, and his mother was an accomplished pianist, so it was no surprise when Mark took the stage with his father at the age of fourteen. This early exposure served as a springboard that carried him through a succession of regional and national groups in the ‘70’s & early ‘80’s, including Cabin Hill, Heights of Grass and the Knoxville Grass. His association with the Knoxville Grass resulted in what was then considered by many to be his signature LP, Painted Lady. Then, in the mid ‘80’s, Mark joined the Virginia Squires, a band that was on the leading edge of what was being described as “contemporary” bluegrass. It was a “super-group” of sorts, which, along with Mark, also featured the talents of future headliners Sammy Shelor, Rickie Simpkins and Ronnie Simpkins. They released four albums on the Rebel label; Mountains and Memories, I’m Working My Way, Hard Times and Heartaches, and Variations. All four albums were met with critical acclaim, and established the group as one of the most innovative forces in modern bluegrass. A full decade after the squires disbanded, Mark returned to the studio to record Living A Dream. It truly was a “dream” project, which paired him with some of his biggest musical influences. The albums was roundly praised, and proved that he hadn’t lost his touch with a song. It also became the catalyst for 2000’s Follow Me Back To The Fold, a heartfelt and long-overdue tribute to women in bluegrass that proved to be one of the biggest releases of the year. Now, 2001 brings us Charlie Lawson’s Still, a brilliant showcase of a bandleader and band at the peak of their abilities.

From the opening strains of the “Charlie Lawson’s Still,” it’s obvious that these guys love what they do. They set up a smooth, driving rhythm that’s filled with the palpable sense of “fun” that’s sadly lacking in so many recordings today, and Mark’s vocals stand out with confidence and energy. Hot on the heels of the title cut it “It Ain’t Happened Yet,” a moving ballad of love gone wrong from the pen of Tim Stafford/Ronnie Bowman that is perfectly suited to Mark’s smooth vocal delivery. “Southern Skies” is another gem, this one written and sung by band member Troy Engle. With it’s catchy melody, superb instrumental breaks and rock-solid rhythm from Bob Goff on bass, this one could serve as a textbook example of what a musically tight bluegrass band should sound like. In fact, every cut on this CD could be a candidate! Yet another new song, (one of 9 on the CD), that’s sure to get plenty of requests is “Roy Lee,” a wonderful tribute to the late, great lead singer for Ralph Stanley’s Clinch Mountain Boys, Roy Lee Centers. Once again, Mark’s singing and playing is superb, as are the vocal and instrumental contributions from the band. There just isn’t a weak spot on the whole CD, with great songs and performances from everyone involved. In short, this one’s a winner!

As the Bluegrass Radio Network’s Terry Herd says, “Mark Newton has arrived.”