Music
Press
Stevens Point's Mark Little is making quite a name for himself around the Fox Valley. His performances are drawing well and his music is receiving some regional airplay. "Imagine My Surprise" was released in late 2004 and has been earning some positive reviews and for good reason. This self-produced, five-song effort is sonically and musically rich, showcasing Little's songwriting and vocal talents, which are considerable.
At times Little's style drifts into dangerously overdone Jack Johnson territory, but there are several elements that make "Imagine My Surprise" stand out. Little's vocals are forceful, confident and he exhibits impressive control. This is the sound of a musician who knows exactly what he wants. He's also a multi-instrumentalist, playing guitars, keys, and bass. "Imagine My Surprise," the EP's opener, is a brilliant piece of mid-tempo pop with a killer chorus, highlighted by Little's overdubbed harmonies and sensational keyboards. The other standout track is "Too Far Gone," in which drummer Ryan Beisack rocks it out with a big-time snare and an infectious groove.
Little also has a close association with the Fox Valley's biggest name, the Cool Waters Band. Vocalist Greg Waters and former keyboardist Shane Hardwicke join in on "Wasted," another outstanding track. Waters and Little just released a colloaborative CD titled "The Roots," which we expect to be reviewing quite soon, along with several other current releases coming out of the central portion of the state, an area that is becoming quite a hotbed of original talent. "Imagine My Surprise" makes a strong case for just how high the bar is being set.
~Rick Tvedt
Rick's Cafe - Rick Tvedt @ Rick's Cafe
Discography
"Imagine My Surprise : Volume 1" 11/2004
This album sells exceptionally well and can be heard on 95.5 WIFC [Wausau, WI] and 89.9FM WWSP [Stevens Point].
Hailed as "musically and sonically rich, showcasing Little's songwriting and vocal talents, which are considerable... Imagine My Surprise makes a strong case for just how high the bar is being set."
-Rick's Cafe Music Magazine - Nov2005
"The Roots" 06/2005
Mark Little and Greg Waters, friends and musicians colloborate on a vibey summer record. It is a musical breath of fresh air, full of great songs and an almost tactile 'realness.'
"10/10" according to MidwestBands.com
Available online :
http://www.cdbaby.com/littlewaters
Photos
Bio
Mark Little and his energetic young band are turning heads at every stop. Their use of dynamics and musicianship coupled with excellent songwriting make this group a true standout.
Mitchell (keys/vocals) is a virtuoso in his own right, as well as nationally recognized composer. At the age of 22, Dan and his orchestral composition "The Dawning of a Soul" were featured May 2005 at NYC's own Carnegie Hall. His contributions to this group are nothing short of remarkable, and always in good taste.
On stage Mark's candor is conversational, animated and fresh, just like his music. Live you will hear beautiful vocal harmony, tight musicianship and thoughtful improvisation. The band prides themselves on the quality of their performances and works to foster a truly unique vibe wherever they play.
In the past year Little has been onstage at some of the country's finest festivals and listening rooms - in most cases there have been multiple appearances. The list includes:
Summerfest 05 & 06 - Milwaukee, WI
Eddie's Attic - Decatur, GA
Shank Hall - Milwaukee, WI
The Encore Room @ UWSP - Stevens Point, WI
Uncommon Ground - Chicago, IL
Midwest Acoustic Music Festival
Feel Good Festival
Cafe Montmartre - Madison, WI
Brews Brats & Bands Festival - Point Brewery
Clearwater Harbor - Waupaca, WI
and many, many more...
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