Mark Cameron - Back from the Edge (2021)

Back From The Edge, recorded over the last 18 months, continues the foot-stompin’ , butt shakin’ sound that Mark Cameron is known for while adding an expanded range of songs as only Cameron can pen them – from the soul. This suite of ten original songs will take you on a memorable journey through the blues in its many forms.

The album kicks off with the funky-hooky riffs of “It’ s Alright” , a satire-laced commentary about authority figures and the age-old battle for control over the almighty dollar with sassy guitar and gritty harmonica sparing throughout. In “This Is The Blues” Cameron unleashes the full force of the horn section to drive home all the little things in life that can add up to the blues and the liberation that comes from just admitting it. Cameron winds the amp up to the max and plugs in the Dobro for some nasty slide blues on “ 2nd Job,” describing a relationship that feels more like employment than enjoyment, as the singer struggles to keep pace with his wayward lover. The relationship theme continues on “Never See It Comin” as a frustrated lover finally turns the tables on his unpredictable girl with Sheri Cameron driving home the point on grinding saxophone.

The mood turns playful and funky again on “All There Is To It” as guitarist Cameron and harmonica ace Rick Miller trade barbs as a series of love triangle mishaps unfold in front of them. The title track “Back From The Edge” takes a brutally honest look at the world we live in. Cameron’ s soulful message is enhanced with guest performances by organist Tommy Barbarella (New Power Generation) and soul singers Tonia Hughes and Sara Renner. The listener can sense that the tongue is planted firmly in-the cheek on “One Size Fits All,” a humorous take on the subtle intolerance we all experience in our daily lives delivered in a smoky nightclub style. The mood shifts to a hypnotic slow blues on “All Dressed Up,” while the rhythm section of drummer Dan Schroeder and bassist Scott Lundberg deliver an infectious groove that pulls the listener in and holds on ‘til the end. The gritty slide blues of “Dollar For Liquor” follows the exploits of a happy-go-drunky street busker and his eternal quest to get someone to buy the next round. The album concludes with the dreamy, summer-of-‘ 68 inspired “Lost And Found,” which examines what happens when love and people go missing and offers hope that they can be found as easily as simple everyday items.

“ The Mark Cameron Band were winners of the “Road to Memphis” challenge in 2017 and have become a nightclub and blues festival favorite thanks to Mark’ s high-energy performance style and a rhythm section that delivers butt shakin boogie blues from a terrific band.” Wolf, Blue Monday Monthly