Featured Artist: Mark Hollingsworth

CD Title: On The Mark

Year: 2005

Record Label: Windshore Music

Style: Contemporary Jazz

Musicians: Mark Hollingsworth (keyboards, alto, soprano, tenor saxophone), James Hollingsworth, Dan Siegel, Curtis Brengle (keyboards), Bart Samolis (bass), Tal Bergman (drums), Brian Kilgore (percussion), Bill Armstrong (trumpets), Nick Lane (trombones) 

Review: Opening an obscure artist’s CD for the very first time is synonymous with receiving a letter in the mail, you can see who and where it came from, but the contents are not known until it is opened and read. This was brought to my attention when I received Mark Hollingsworth’s latest album entitled On The Mark, who was unknown to me and I didn’t really know what to expect from someone making a CD for the very first time. As soon as I placed Mark’s disc into my player to hear what was an obvious mystery at the moment, I soon realized this was not another ordinary run-of-the-mill recording. At first glance, one of the initial aspects I observed was a bunch of guys having fun doing what they loved. My second impression brought to mind a sincere response to an intuitive creative desire to make a musical statement. Historically, many debut releases follow a formula that does not always work, especially if the artist attempts to record a Kenny G clone. Because Kenny is the most successful smooth jazz artist in the music industry, many aspiring musicians create copycat versions of his work with little if any substance creatively. On The Mark does not fall into that trap by any stretch of individual production.

Mark and his crew of merry men consisting of Dan Siegel, Bart Samolis, Tal Bergman, Brian Kilgore, Bill Armstrong, Nick Lane and James Hollingsworth have put considerable effort into On The Mark. Every aspect of the intuitive creative spirit that comes from within is quite evident from beginning to end. Mark Hollingsworth's saxophone dynamics are phenomenal technically, while collaborating with James Wirrick, who co-wrote and co-produced all of Greg Adams’ solo albums. Aligned with a stellar cast of characters, On The Mark draws upon Hollingsworth's native Chicago music scene to push this release forward. Overall he does an impeccable job of tying his musical journey to other styles and cultures. This album is a personal statement for Mark Hollingsworth, who in essence wanted to “take advantage of the interaction between real musicians.” He believes: “There is something terribly powerful about hearing great musicians interacting to great music.” Along the same lines, while listening to this CD I was struck by the lack of programming or sterile electronic infertility I have often heard in many recordings. The impressionistic approach that Mark took is seen in his originality and a desire to reflect upon his musical influences, to include Tom Scott and Cannonball Adderley; as evidenced by two cuts respectively, "On The Mark" and "Catch This."

When one examines and listens to On The Mark, the first impulse is to be energized by some very strategic craftsmanship at work. The instrumental voices are crisp and pure, with little if any abuse to the senses. In fact, this CD will take you on a groove melodically as it bounces with toe-tapping rhythms. The sound is so very genuine lyrically; the vision of these guys jamming together becomes extremely real intuitively. Without a doubt, the intensity and spirit of Mark Hollingsworth is automatically transferred over to anyone within earshot of this CD. As an artist painting a jazzscape, Hollingsworth’s grasp of scenic textures are vivid and his depth of harmonic insight has allowed him to record an album that bodes well for a first time release. Looking towards the future, everything is as bright and fresh as the intuitive creative spirit Mark has exhibited thus far. This debut release by Mark Hollingsworth is a panoramic jazz perspective that provides entertainment of the highest degree. 

Tracks: Steppin' Up, Sunset Rose, Catch This, Only an Illusion, Back in Love Again, On The Mark, One More Thing, Bahia Moonlight, Hot Nights, Prairie Rains

Artist's Website: http://www.markhollingsworth.com

Reviewed by: Sheldon T. Nunn

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