4 Comments

1. Ardent 42
   Posted 10 July 2011 at 2:54 |

   Heya Mark,
   Don’t lose heart – I think you’ll Always be able to make music… your talent is inbedded in your DNA and you’re meant to be a Musician, period! It’s just a matter of finding new SOURCES of inspiration for new material – i.e., writing about life’s experiences (even the simple ones…the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson even wrote a few humorous songs about vegetables, and taking care of your feet, believe it or not! What the heck! Think outside the box – Why not?! Who cares! We need something other than the cookie-cutter crap that’s on the radio now from those so-called “artists” … Also, consider exploring (more) foreign music styles (as you did with African rhythms in previous albums), sharing/trading your fave artists with other musicians, and collaborative writing projects with new musicians. I have ONE such suggestion, in fact – something I’d personally LOVE to see – writing & performing with the guys in the 80′s rock group, Mr. Mister (Richard Page (Lead Vocal/Bass), Steve George (Keyboards, Vocals, Sax), Steve Farris (Guitar), & Pat Mastelotto (Drums). In fact, Pat is quite open to experimental types of rhythms & sounds on the drums…and Steve George (an AMAZING keyboardist – he and Mike Lindup are my all time faves) is very much into sophisticated Jazz compositions & chordings. Both have worked/recorded with Al Jarreau & Kenny Loggins. Pat is quite approachable, open & friendly – I’ve been in personal communication with him since about 2004… I think your sounds are very compatable (that of Mr.Mister & Level 42, that is) and I’ll soon send Pat &, Richard recordings of your earlier stuff (1980-1986 or so) with the same suggestion of collaboration. Richard just finished a tour with Ringo Starr over in Europe. He’s got such a beautiful voice & I love his bass playing as well – it’s straight forward, but hits the mark as far as I’m concerned. Steve Farris (highly underrated guitarist) has laid down some great visceral guitar licks – both rhythm and lead, & “colorations of chords” throughout their songs.. I’d love to see how he & Boon would get on. If you wanna see more about Mr. Mister, check out Richard’s & Pat’s official sites (RichardPageMusic.com & PatMastelotto.com). I’d love to send you copies of their music covering the stuff they did in the late 70s as the group “PAGES”, and stuff on “Go On”, too, may perk your interest in particular. I LOVE that piece you put together as a “Welcome Song” to the Level 42 site last year… it’s SO interesting and different… You’ve got the sophisticated talent in you to produce that kind of stuff, so I think you (and Mike Lindup) should persue it further – stretch the boundaries… twist it and turn it in directions people would never have expected… see what you come up with. Ya ain’t got nuttin to lose, so why not! People will always love you for your supurb work from the 80s – have a go at it! :D
   xo
   Adrienne

2. Cori ♥
   Posted 10 July 2011 at 5:01 |

   i agree with Adrienne ..Mark you will always have something to contribute !! Get out there and do some master classes … help some of the younger generation out .. Your not the only one with inborn talent ,.. but often some kids just do not have the same kind of support and encouragement that you had at home … Trust me i know what im talking about …

3. Ardent 42
   Posted 11 July 2011 at 2:07 |

   Oh… P.S. It’s pretty funny ~ Level 42 did two songs entitled “43″ and “88″… and Mr. Mister did a song entitled,”32″! :D

   (…and I meant to say up to 1987, not 86 – MUST include “Running in the Family” to “The Misters”)

4. Ardent 42
   Posted 11 July 2011 at 2:21 |

   oh ughhhgh! up to 1994 – I want them to hear “Lasso the Moon”, “Ape”, and “My Father’s Shoes”, too!