Award winning Newcastle bred singer-songwriter, Mark Wells, will release his first full-length CD The Long Walk Home on Friday 1st June at Lizotte’s Newcastle.
The event will feature a live performance by Wells with a full seven-piece band, and will feature a few special guests including local songstress Melody Pool.
All the songs on the record were written by Wells, who also co-wrote songs with members of his band, as well as a few country music stars. The first single from the album, Give it Up, was written with Golden Guitar Winner and ARIA Nominee Catherine Britt, and good mate and Golden Guitar nominee, Morgan Evans.
“It’s a great feeling to have this album finished, I love the way it sounds” said Wells. “It’s been a long time in the making and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”
Completing the album has indeed been a long road for Wells who began recording over 18 months ago, and had to negotiate a number of personal and professional obstacles along the way.
“There were some really difficult periods, but we pushed on. In many ways the album’s better because of it. The album has been a journey in every sense of the word” said Wells.
It’s been a wild ride for Wells after winning the prestigious Songwriter’s Prize at the Telstra Road to Tamworth in 2008. Since then he’s worked in Nashville, Tennessee at Universal Music with some of US country music’s top songwriters, released his debut EP and played some of the biggest country music festivals in Australia.
Wells chose to work on the album with local producer Rob Long, a member of the Bob Corbett’s Roo Grass Band and two-time Australian Flatpicking Guitar Champion to record the album.
“Newcastle is full of such extemely talented musicians and producers,” said Wells. “It was great to create the album here in my home town. The recording studio was literally on the street where I live.”
He worked with the same team of Novacastrian muso’s that have been Wells’ bedrock for the last three years. Wells’ band includes ABC Newcastle Music Awards Winner Ngariki, as well as local legends Dave Carter, Matt Gaudry, Jason Bone and Brian Daly.
“The band and I have a really great thing going on. They all know how to get the best out of the songs and it feels effortless and free. It’s the best feeling when we play”
However, one member of Wells’ band won’t be able to make it to the album launch. Bob Corbett will be enjoying his success touring in the US as part of his win at Toyota Starmaker.
“We were all over the moon for Bob when he won in Tamworth. He’s a killer songwriter, an amazing performer and a true gentleman. He’ll blow them away over there!”
This release is an eclectic and sprawling country rock journey. Dabbling in everything from pop country, to toe-tapping honky tonk, to dark swampy bluegrass, right through to sweaty Stones-esque rock ramblings. And where did it all lead him?eting the album has indeed been a long road for Wells who began recording over 18 months ago, and had to negotiate a
“Right now I feel like I’ve come to the end of a journey, and now I feel like I’ve arrived at a place I’m really happy with” said Wells.
The official release of The Long Walk Home will be at Lizotte’s Newcastle on Friday 1st of June Wells will be supported by good friend and songstress Melody Pool.
Tix $24 for the show and booking is essential. Book via telephone on 02 4956 2066 or online at http://www.newcastle.lizottes.com.au/live/ or link through Mark’s website at http://www.markwells.com.au