One Drink Away From The Blues by Mark Kerr

As he tells it, " all of the high school first chair seniors in my state that played an instrument in their jazz band were given a chance to perform before a panel of judges in their instrument class. Given a chance to win these scholarships, I was the only one from my jazz band to win."

Rather than pursuing this scholarship, he became involved in a rock and roll band and started seeing the world. "I really had no interest to keep going to school., I had had enough of that for a while. I was so hungry inside to graduate and get into a road band and start seeing the world and making a living doing it that school was the last thing on my mind. I was ready to start chasing the dream. "

Mark would eventually play with Percy Sledge and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Curtis Mayfield's Impressions.

After thirteen years of touring, Mark attended Northwestern State University where he studied music theory, while working very diligently on his jazz, blues and rock skills. Mark was nominated for Musician of the Year in 2006 by The Academy of Texas Music, for his guitar work on One Drink Away From The Blues.

Today Mark can say reflecting back, "I no longer drink. I started to see if I was going to be what I wanted to be in this business that there was no longer room for that. A person can go a lot farther with a clean, clear, non-polluted brain than with one."

Yep, the road to success is a long and arduous one, but to steer it effectively, you have to have a clear head. That one drink could be "One Drink Away From The Blues."

Check out Mark Kerr's Radio show called, "Mark Kerr's Blues Nation. Mark's radio show was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame on June 16, 2007 as a "Great Blues Radio Show."

Mark features the best in indie blues and blues rock from around the globe.

Mark Kerr's Blues Nation can be heard at,

http://www.markkerrltd.com/bluesnation.htm

And every Saturday evening on Kansas City Online Radio from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. CST

http://www.kconlineradio.com

Reviews

Hot !

Kathleen Lawton KCSM-Radio

"Hot CD! Outstanding guitar work and great original work !"

"One Drink Away From The Blues"

Lucky Boyd, Academy of Texas Music

From the opening note of Mark Kerr's debut CD, One Drink Away From The Blues. You will be engulfed in the conflagration of Kerr's scorching licks. Kerr arranges in an innovative way to deliver his line up of well-written blues-rock tunes. Kerr plays with attitude and belts out a true Texas sound with color.

Mark Kerr

Norman Davis, Midnight Flyer Prod. Radio

" Excellent guitarist "

Kerr offers up soulful blues

Anthony Davis, Texarkana Gazette

From the opening of "Thick Side" to "Low Down Dirty Shame," Kerr delivers his blistering licks and impressive picking skills. "Thinkin and a Drinkin" and "Woman With No Shame" continue as standouts with Kerr's gravely vocals. "One Drink Away From The Blues," is a showcase for kerr's guitar work and great lyrical package. Kerr's remake of B.B. King's "The Thrill Is Gone" is funky updated rendition which does honor to the classic hit.

Knock out CD !

Ray Galetka

Mark Kerr's "One Drink Away From The Blues," is the indie find of the year. Kerr reminds me a lot of Gary Moore, with that blistering guitar sound and full tilt punch. The title cut "One Drink Away From The Blues," is played in a way that cuts you to the bone. "Elevator Love," is a beautiful Jazz / Blues groove. I find no flaws in this CD. A most remarkable debut performance.

Great guitarist !

Bryan Jefferies, Over The Edge Studios

I have recorded many great bands and players over the last twenty years, some of which have gotten record deals. I would have to say Mark Kerr is one of, if not the greatest guitarist to walk through the doors of my recording buisness. He sounds great in all genres from rock to jazz. I think his CD proves that beyond any shadow of a doubt.

Mark Kerr-One Drink Away From The Blues

The Chicken Fish Speaks-Music Reviews--Grog (2006)

Mark Kerr is a modern blues rock guitarist who stacks up with the best of them. I hear more than a hint of later year Stevie Ray Vaughn in his songs. All the musicians are excellent and Mark leads them well in both the vocals and guitar fretwork. If you like your southern fried blues a bit rocking with blistering guitar licks then this is for you.

Mark Kerr

Living Blues Magazine-by (JDK)

A native of Tennessee now living in Louisiana. Mark Kerr is nonetheless a Texas roadhouse rocker at heart. The guitarist, whose credits include stints with Curtis Mayfield's "Impressions" and Percy Sledge, offers eight originals and a pretty straight cover of The Thrill Is Gone, B.B. King style. Kerr's blues vary from rockin' and rowdy on Thick Side to fast and funky on Low Down Dirty Shame and Thinkin And A Drinkin' to slow and steamy on Wishin Well and the title track. The Disc closes with two sharply contrasting instrumentals in the pop-jazz inflected Elevator Love and the sprightly country romp Country Side Blues, giving Kerr a chance to showcase the breadth of his considerable skills.

Northeast In Tune Magazine

by Lindsey Meeker

Blues guitarist Mark Kerr debut album “One Drink Away From The Blues” is an extraordinary compilation to be added to any avid blues fan’s collection. Mark breathes life and feeling into his work. Mark’s vocals lack any stereotypical husky smoking and drinking resonance emblematic to the blues genre, modern and classic alike. However, his lyrics fall right in line with the ever popular blues manner. ”There's a storm blowin in and I’m feelin a little blue. Gonna pour me a few friends while I think about you.” His pure vocal tone almost contradicts the intensifying sound of his guitar. Mark provides a fresh look at modern blues. While remembering the key lessons of blues music, Mark keeps his approach real and on the level even as he incorporates his many influences of rock, jazz, and funk.

Mark’s blend of rock riffs and blues licks create an atmosphere of laid back fun and encouraged toe tapping. His years of experiences are visible on every track of this album. His rockin’ blues on “Low Down Dirty Shame” provide a brilliant contrast to his country side with “Country Side Blues”. His runs are extremely impressive and the qualities of his recordings are incredible. Mark Kerr offers any blues fan an enjoyable experience with “One Drink Away From The Blues” whether they are looking to curl up on the couch or dance in their socks across the kitchen floor. He dishes up tracks for every occasion. Accommodating and talented, what more could you ask for?

Mark Kerr- One Drink Away From The Blues

(Review by Laura Turner Lynch for Kweevak.com)

Mark Kerr is a multi-talented composer, player and producer. Mark is well versed in the blues, country, jazz and rock having played in a number of cover bands. Kerr also studied music theory at North Western State University and has worked with the legendary Percy Sledge and Curtis Mayfield. One Drink Away From The Blues is Mark's flawless debut, featuring eight smoking tracks and an impressive modern interpretation of B.B. Kings' 'The Thrill is Gone'. Mark has just the right, slightly gravely-toned voice ideal for singing the blues. His guitar playing is sizzling and Kerr's band is also hot adding interesting rhythms, textures and tones to Mark's music. I particular liked the animated blues based opener and the feisty finisher featuring furious guitars but everything in between is good too. Mark Kerr is a modern day blues man bringing diversity and passion to his craft!

"Mark Kerr's debut is a winner!"

Reviewer: Norma Martinez, KTEP 88.5 Elpaso, TX.

From the smoking guitar to the earthy vocals, Mark Kerr's One Drink Away from the Blues will satisfy any blues rock fan.

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