LINDA MARKS
Moments
15 Tracks

Linda is a very talented jazz and contemporary folk singer/songwriter and pianist who is a vet of the Boston's '80's acoustic folk music scene; and her sixth album, 'Moments,' is full of ballads and her performance is sensibly suited for a smaller, more intimate coffee house experience. Marks has a very personable voice that comes across as if she is singing her heart out directly to you. Joined by Doug Hammer also on piano, Dave Birkin on sax/flute, Valerie Thompson on cello, Jackie Damsky on violin, Miki Matsuki on drums, Dave Vox and Dave Landoni on bass and Terry Smith on guitar, Marks' strong and passionate vocals and excellent piano playing are the main focus of each cut. Nice horns and solid strings dance around her vocals and add strong support behind this talented woman. Original songs 'Moments,' 'The Lion,' 'Living On The Dark Side Of The Moon,' 'Life's Mountaineers,' and 'In Your Life' mix well with her choice of covers including: 'Carole King's 'Up On The Roof' (The Drifters), Clapton's 'Change The World,' the Bossa Nova classic 'Boy From Ipanema,' Norah Jones' 'Don't Know Why,' Linda Ronstadt's 'Long Long Time,' Louie Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World' and Dylan's ' Make You Feel My Love.' Laid back and mellow with passion and drive. A nice release from a talented folk balladeer.

Support your local scene and buy this new release right now:
http://www.lindamarksmusic.com/

—Aj Wachtel

LINDA MARKS 
In Grace
12 Tracks

Click here to read review

Linda has a lovely voice and she sings ballads while playing piano. Her style incorporates a lot of beautiful notes on the keyboard that really support her voice. Marks wrote most of the melodies and also arranges strings into her folksy ballads. They add more emotion on different layers to her own awesome abilities. Check them out on: the opening title track 'In Grace,' 'Enough,' 'Keeper Of My Soul,' 'Light Up The Love' and in her cover of Lennon's 'Imagine;' where her female vocals replacing his male voice changes the depth and diversity and powerful message of the classic. Pretty cool! I also dig her uptempo prayer to end gun violence, 'Tree Of Life.' 'Too Late To Turn Back Now' is a cool cover of the 1978's The Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose tune. Linda on piano and vocals is joined by Doug Hammer also on piano, Willie Sordillo on sax, Valerie Thompson on cello, Woody Carpinella playing guitar, Janna Maria Frohlich on harp for 'Light Up The Love,' Miki Matsuki on drums, Dave Birkin on flute and sax, Jackie Damsky playing violin, Yani Batteau banjo on 'The Mistake,' Craig Akin on the low end and Joe Sabourin on guitar. Linda is also the head honcho for the local 'Woman In Music Gathering Showcase' with fifteen woman musicians from the mid- 20's to the mid- 60's performing concerts around Boston. Uplifting mellow music for all ears! Check it out!

--AJ Wachtel