Marc Jordan - Make Believe Ballroom (2004)

It has been a long wait for Marc Jordan to release a recording of new music, and every second of this album is so masterfully produced, recorded, and performed, that every second of the interum has been worth the wait. If you are a Marc Jordan fan, this is the culmination of his best work presented anew. He does not reach a plateau, he just keeps rising. If you are unfamiliar with his music, and thus, have kept him on the periphery of the mainstream where he so belongs, then my only advice is that no matter what you choose to listen to, it does not get any better than this. For Blue Nile fans, he does an excellent version of their songs, even better than the one by the band who wrote the song. His music has a heart as deep and big as the sea, a simplicity that tugs at the inner reaches of time and hope, and compassion, and a wonderful blusey soul. This is weaved by masterful lyrics that are more akin to poetry, and masterful technical musicianship, vocals and songwriting ability. He creates an ambience like few artists can, and he just keeps painting masterpieces over masterpieces. He is one gifted man, and this is one gift that is appreciated.