Connections by Mark Daly

It showcases the mandolin family of instruments (mandolin, mandola, mandocello, and octave mandolin) as well as the guitar, banjo, fiddle, double bass, piano, and resonator guitars. A variety of music styles are represented including progressive bluegrass, Americana, bluegrass gospel, Cajun, Celtic, swing, jazz and blues.

The cover of Connections is a patchwork quilt of flags from different nations and states. No two flags are the same, yet they join together to create a single voice. It portrays America's regions, communities, families and traditions as one great work of art. Connections embodies the sounds and spirit of where we came from, who we are, and where we are going.

Here's What Others Have to Say About Mark's Music:

"Mark Daly... seems to me to be very energetic and retaining the childlike curiosity it takes to always see something new in the commonplace. Probably why he's so good at what he does; he doesn't get bogged down. He doesn't seem to give in to routine. His mandolin playing shows this part of his personality, to me. I don't know anyone who plays like Mark. He seems to follow spur-of-the-moment ideas, one right after the other. Always curious, always searching, always energetic, always enthusiastic. I am happy to have such an encouraging and positive personality in my realm of acquaintances. I think we could all learn lessons from Mark's attitude towards life and living." -- Mike Compton, Grammy Award winning artist and American Treasure -- From Mike's BLOG entry on September 9, 2005

"Connections is absolutely terrific, congratulations on a stellar artistic achievement. I truly love it." -- Terry Hummel, Former Publisher of Rolling Stone Magazine

"I get quite a few albums from around the world, most of which are good but not great. Second string I call them, but when I slipped on the headphones with Connections in the CD player, my heart lifted instantly. This is just the sort of gem we radio people live to discover. If I wasnt already a convert to mandolin. Banjo. Guitar, fiddle, dobro etc. I would be now. What a great way to start my day. God knows how Ill choose which 2 tracks to play first up and dont worry the rest will get their chance in future shows." -- Phil Young -- Folk On The Fringe, Mountain District Radio, 3MDR Victoria, Australia

"Connections" is an impressive work, perfectly played and arranged by a fabulous bunch of players under the direction of an excellent composer and mandolin player; it was great to discover there are still some bluegrass artists around who like to experiment adding new influences and moving toward the natural borders of the genre but at the same time remaining faithful to a pure acoustic sound -- Massimo Ferro -- Radio Voce Spazio -- Alessandria, Italy

"Don't know Mark Daly? Neither did we, until this dazzling album hit our doorstep. Subtitled "New American Roots Music," it features 18 original tunes that sound at once like bluegrass classics yet refreshingly new; and the energy of this freewheeling instrumental showcase never seems to let up! With an ace crew of sidemen aboard---including Kentucky Thunder fiddler Andy Leftwich, among others---this Cincinnati-based mandolin killer is set to announce himself to the world. Don't miss it! " -- Elderly Instruments Review -- Connections is a featured "Hot Platter" CD in Elderly's Intruments music catologue

"Your track KILLER BEES is placed among the 10 most requested titles at our RTW radio program. Congratulations, all the best and lots of success!" -- Christina Claesberg -- Director, Old Stringhouse Music Program -- Herford, Germany

"Great playing, great recording and job well done -- some really nicely done seriously good music." -- Scott Tichenor, Mandolin Cafe Host and Website Owner

"I thought you might be interested in a copy of my recent playlist, as I included a number of tracks from Connections. I was very impressed with that CD. The quality of musicianship is uniformly high - astonishingly so - and I had trouble trying to work out what NOT to include. A fine effort!" -- Arthur Elliott, Sidestream 99.7 FM Brisbane, Australia

"One of the best mandolin players in the country... Connections has some of the best musicians anywhere... this is the boy to watch" -- Taylor Farley, DJ on WNKU Live Radio Broadcast introducing Connections -- Highland Heights, Kentucky

"You rarely hear someone with this dexterity on ALL the mando family instruments, who writes for the many voices of the mandolin, within a larger band context. Mark wails on these larger bodied mando behemoths." -- Arthur Stern Co-Mando Online Review -- Benecia, California

"I'm really excited about this next CD. Mark Daly's music has really connected with me. It has a great line-up of musicians. It is a great CD." -- Strings & Things Radio Broadcast introducing Connections -- Billings, Montana

More information can be found at www.mandomusic.com

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