Press Releases
No Boundaries Review

Back to Press Releases

April 4 -17, 2007 - www.bluegrasscountry.org
Host Bob Webster talks with the Mark Newton Band and discusses Mark's approach to a total band sound on his new release, Hillbilly Hemmingway.

“If Hillbilly Hemingway sounds like an odd name for a bluegrass album, that's probably because it is a bit unusual. But given a bit of thought, one might make the argument that country songwriters like Hank Williams, forced to write in an economical style for a three minute format, then perhaps the Mark Newton Band is on to something. The band, vocalist Mark Newton, mandolinist Andy Ball, banjoist John Wheat, bassist Beth Lawrence, and guitarist Clay Hess, is augmented by fiddler Stuart Duncan, dobro players Rob Ickes and Randy Kohrs, and producer Carl Jackson. The band plays extremely well together as a unit and the dozen songs have been carefully chosen. Newton's country flavored lead is backed up by precision harmony, though these vocals work best, and are most distinctive, in the instances where a female tenor is placed in the mix. Although Carl Jackson has stuck to an unobtrusive production, the music remains fairly smooth, fitting snuggly into "contemporary" bluegrass category. This lack of rough edges is abated somewhat by songs like "Are You Lonesome Tonight," featuring Hess' rougher, more tradition based vocals, and the free for all instrumental "Downforce." Hillbilly Hemingway is a likable, radio friendly album, that will please Newton's fans. “

- Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., All Music Guide

A portion of the Vintage Guitar Review:

I suppose at first listen you’d call Mark Newton’s music bluegrass, but it’s not just bluegrass. Sure the bluegrass affects are slathered on pretty heavy, but drum kit gives away the game – this is really honkytonk roots rock/pop masquerading as traditional bluegrass. Is that a bad thing? No, but to assume that Hillbilly Hemingway is merely another Rebel Records bluegrass offering would be a mistake, since it is far more than that....

Every song on this CD has as much finesse and polish as any big-budget Nashville hot-country release. The sound is clear, warm, and best of all, very natural. Recorded, mixed and mastered at the Station West in Nashville, TN. by Luke Wooten, Bart Busch, and John Caldwell Hillbilly Hemingway epitomizes what modern acoustic music can sound like when recorded right.

Look for the entire review in the February 2007 edition of the Vintage Guitar Review

This appears in today's Music Row eblast from Robert Oermann.

This soaring, deftly plucked ode to Hank Williams provides the title tune to Newton's fifth album. He's a soulful singer, and producer Jackson reinforces his already tight band with such stellar hired guns as Stuart Duncan, Rob Ickes, Alecia Nugent and Randy Kohrs. The resulting sound is stunning.

I received yesterday from Rebel the new Mark Newton Band album and so wish for you to pass on to all concerned my congratulations. It is a brilliant album without doubt. Every track on it is a winner; every one is different from all of the others. The selection of songs I know is something Mark took particular care about, and the results here justify his patience. As I write, "A Good Town To Die In" is my favorite but this could well change the more I play through the album. I am also extremely impressed by the grace and sheer excellence of the band's playing throughout the album. All in all, it's one of the best albums I've had the sheer delight to hear for a very long time.

Congratulations to all concerned.
Geoff Morris
WALL-TO-WALL BLUEGRASS.