Hey, Mr Ferryman, cover image Photo: Decor Records
The vocal honey of Johnny Mathis provides a side-door entry to the dark dwelling of American singer-songwriter Mark Eitzel.
While many of Eitzel's songs tend to express an emotional anguish - he's not exactly Mr Happy - they are beautifully crafted and strangely pleasant to listen to.
Mark Eitzel, from cover booklet of 'Hey, Mr Ferryman' Photo: Decor Records
After sampling some of Eitzel's earlier releases, William Dart reviews the latest solo album, Hey, Mr Ferryman - his tenth. Its 11 songs explore themes bitter and broken, but presented with great humanity and impeccable musicianship. Producer and arranger Bernard Butler also plays many of the instrumental parts, so the album is very much a collaboration.
Music Details
'Song title' (Composer) – Performers
Album title
(Label)
'Warm and Tender' (Bacharach/ David) – Johnny Mathis
100 Burt Bacharach (100 Tracks Remastered)
(CBS)
'Johnny Mathis' Feet' (Eitzel) – American Music Club
Mercury
(Virgin)
'If You have to Ask' (Eitzel) – Mark Eitzel
West
(Warner)
'Help Me Make it though the Night' (Eitzel) – Mark Eitzel
Music for Courage and Confidence
(New West)
'Will You Find Me' (Eitzel) – Mark Eitzel
The Ugly American
(Thirsty Ear)
'The Last Ten Years' (Eitzel) – Mark Eitzel
Hey Mr Ferryman
(Décor)
'Mr Humphries' (Eitzel) – Mark Eitzel
Hey Mr Ferryman
(Décor)
'Sleep From My Eyes' (Eitzel) – Mark Eitzel
Hey Mr Ferryman
(Décor)
