Mark McLay & The Dustdevils
Santa Rosa, California, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Love, exuberance, grief, passion and rebellious opposition mix as watercolor. - www.rootstime.be
I’ve been following Mark McLay and his music for over 16 years and am a huge fan. As a concert promoter, I typically host touring acoustic-based artists rooted in the folk and Americana genres.
The talent in the band is top-of-the-line; the energy and performances are original, fun, beautiful and beat-driven. We’ve been impressed with how Mark puts a show together, interspersing soft acoustic tunes with the full band, pleasing both those keen to hear acoustic music as well as the “rockin’” sound.
Mark’s songwriting is passionate infectious and poignant, and his stage presence can be a show in itself, but also as sensitive as the traditional folk singer.
I wholeheartedly look forward to hosting Mark McLay again, whether solo, duo, acoustic or with band.
Laurie Schaeffer
Schaef-Abel Productions
March, 2009
musicfan@sonic.net
www.northbaylive.com
- Laurie Schaeffer
"This CD is fantastic!" --Johnny Bazzano, "Your Average Abalone"
KRCB-FM Sonoma County CA
- Johnny Bazzano
"A great band!" --Mary Tilson, "America's Back Forty" KPFA-FM Berkeley,
CA
- Mary Tilson
"There's something unique and somewhat familiar happening when McLay and his fine group of 'Devils' pound out their outstanding, solid
original tunes." ---Bill Bowker KRSH-FM Santa Rosa, CA
- Bill Bowker
“McLay navigates the dark rivers of the heart. Honesty and melancholy rings
true, tinged with hopefulness for something better to come.” --Northbay
Bohemian
- Matt Pamatmat
Discography
Love and Barbwire. Just Glad To Be Here. Airplay on KRSH-FM, KRCB-FM in Sonoma County CA, KPFA-FM, Berekely, CA, WRCT-FM, Pittsburgh, PA.
Photos
Bio
Watch on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEME_Vyffv8
Hailing from northern California, the Dustdevils have been spinning out positive high-energy original rock & roll for 14 years. Youthful energy, coupled with seasoned musicianship, makes this act one to watch!
The band is led by singer/songwriter Mark McLay. The Dustdevils back him up with wonderful attention to melody, texture and edge, riding the inspired arrangements with power and finesse.
Their sparkling 2008 CD "Love and Barbwire" offers eleven songs of sincerity, introspection, hope, fun and infectious enthusiasm, including the uplifting equality of marriage anthem, "True Love."
The band offers two different show choices: An"acoustic/electric show" that features many of Mark's softer intimate folk and country style acoustic songs as well as electric rockin' material and an "electric show" that emphasizes the rockin' material and includes a few ballads.
The Dustdevils' energetic live shows take the audience through many rock, pop and roots styles and moods and leaves them recharged. From the rave-ups to the mellifluous ballads, Mark and the DD's intent is clear--to convey feelings. In addition to their original songs, they add classic covers from the likes of Buddy Holly and Little Richard. Their version of Neil Diamond's "Solitary Man" (included on their first cd) is always a favorite live.
Listeners comment: "Mark sings every song like it's new and fresh." "Your album is one of the most self-reflective rock albums I've ever heard." "You can tell
that you guys really put your feelings in the music."
Mark's first album with the band, Just Glad to be Here, features producers James Rolleston (John Hiatt, Dirk Hamilton) and Michael McKulka (Berlin) and guitarist Tim Pierce (Crowded House, Bruce Springsteen.) Mark's recordings draw radio
airplay across the country.
Links