Alex Bollard - Sultan Of Swing (Mark Knopfler's Album Of Hits) (1994)

SULTANS OF SWING - ALEX BOLLARD
In this album, subtitled "Sultans Of Swing", Alex Bollard pays a tribute to one of the favourite guitarists, Mark Knopfler. Each of his sixteen compositions is sparked with the irresistible flavour that is a Knopfler hallmark. Listening to Alex Bollard's catchy versions you will live again the late 1970s and 1980s when Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits were conquering the world.
Former journalist and teacher Mark Knopfler (guitarist/singer/composers, born 12 August 1949 in Glasgow), his younger brother, social worker David (guitarist) and sociology student John lllsley (bassist) were sharing a flat in Deptford, South London. They started rehearsing Mark's songs and were soon joined by Pick Withers, formerly house drummer at Dave Edmund's Rockfield studios. Under the name of Mark Knopfler's previous band, Cafe Racers, the line-up debuted at a punk festival. A friend of Pick observed their sorry financial condition and said they should call themselves Dire Straits. They did for their second gig, scraped together money to record a demo and took it to BBC Radio London DJ Charlie Gillett, a renowned talent-spotter. He played the tape on his Honky Tonk show. A well-known A&R man was listening and, in short order, Dire Straits were signed to the Vertigo label. This all happened in 1977. Dire Straits recorded their first album in London, in February and March 1978. Producer was Muff Winwood and the album included "Sultans Of Swing" and "Water Of Love", the first of a long list of excellent and worldfamous Knopfler compositions. Moreover, Dire Straits' debul album showed Mark Knopfler's fluid guitar work that made him the most celebrated U.K. guitarist since Eric Clapton.
The story of Dire Straits' journey from pub rock obscurity to international acclaim has been documented sufficiently widely not to require repetition here. Over the years, in between Dire Straits activities, Mark Knopfler has taken on many 'extra curricular' responsibilities, inlcuding Bob Dylan's best-selling album of the 1980s "Infidels", and Aztec Camera's "Knife". He has written songs for Tina Turner, including her hit "Private Dancer', and a.o. has recorded with Phil Lynott, Van Morrison, Phil Everly and Chet Atkins.
To go back to this "Sultans Of Swing" CD, Alex Bollard's performance of Mark Knopfler's compositions will remind music lovers that he is among the most beloved guitar players on the pop scene.