Opus 21: A Bowl of Bula (Then Twice Clap the Hands)
Opus 26: Irish Maiden
Opus 25: The Emperor's Komponist
Opus 23: Thai Wat Sai
Opus 24: Guitar Medley: Amazing Grace/Omac Blues/Will the Circle Be Unb - Mark O'Connor, Carter, A.P.
Opus 22: My Celebration
Opus 19: Folktunes
Opus 20: Court Suite: Top Spin /Moonballs /Down the Li [Allegro]
Opus 27: The Robotic Muso (Tertium Quid)
The question is, is Mark O'Connor jazz or country? Probably a little bit of both, but for my money, I'd put him under jazz. This is an unusual album and the first he did for Warner Brothers Records after a stint with Round... more »er Records. It is making its worldwide CD debut.« less
The question is, is Mark O'Connor jazz or country? Probably a little bit of both, but for my money, I'd put him under jazz. This is an unusual album and the first he did for Warner Brothers Records after a stint with Rounder Records. It is making its worldwide CD debut.
Member CD Reviews
Bridget S. (Vassar) from PLYMOUTH, IN Reviewed on 3/27/2009...
I really enjoyed this Mark O'Connor album. This is not for people who only enjoy Mark's traditional fiddle music. All of the songs on here are a mixture of folk, jazz, new age, and rock. Mark adds an electric guitar and a synthasizer to a few tunes which gives it the rock/new age feel. He also plays the mandolin, hammered dulcimer, and bass on here besides guitar and fiddle.
CD Reviews
A Master In The Making
Star Thrower | 03/22/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This 1985 recording was made on the heels of O'Connor's experience touring and recording with the Dixie Dregs. Some of the high energy compositions like My Celebration, and Court Suite reflect the influence of Dregs guitarist and leader Steve Morse. Dregs drummer Rod Morganstein guests on a few tracks.
I've always enjoyed this album and I find it to be an exhilarating listening experience. The album is chock full of great melodies and incredible musicianship. Not unlike his earlier Rounder release False Dawn, Mark handles most of the instruments including violin, acoustic & electric guitars, mandolins, and bass. O'Connor rarely produces this kind of multi instrumental extravaganza today, so this one holds a special place for me.
As far as I'm concerned, all of the pieces are memorable with the exception of the album closer. A short synth driven new wave sounding melody. It sounds like an afterthought, and the technology is awfully dated at this point.
It's hard not to like many of the other excellent and inspired pieces like Folktunes, Bowl Of Bula, Irish Maiden, and a great sounding fingerpicked guitar medley that includes Amazing Grace/Will The Circle Be Unbroken/Taps.
If you've come to Mark O'Connor's music late, you might want to take a trip back in time a give this a listen. I don't expect you'll be disappointed."
5 Stars for A Bowl of Bula
Carol Greco | Sarasota, FL | 03/04/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"We were so happy to be able to own this on a C. D. this year!
When we moved from Santa Cruz, CA to FL, I left the vinyl thinking no problem to buy on C. D. but a long wait and thank you! The music is very uplifting and spirals happy thoughts."
Grateful for the CD re-issue
It's Me, | Houston | 12/07/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Many thanks to the folks at Wounded Bird for getting rights to this long lost Mark O'Connor solo album (now if Rounder would just get around to On the Rampage and False Dawn). This isn't one of Mark's best efforts, but the songwriting is strong. It really points the way to his next few solo albums, especially the better-realized Elysian Fields. The stand-out song is probably "A Bowl of Bula," but that's also one he did better on the "New Nashville Cats" record. However, there are some other lost classics, especially "Irish Maiden," that deserve to be heard."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1
Bridget S. (Vassar) from PLYMOUTH, IN