Mark Knopfler is a great song writer/guitarist, I am always admired of his style and showmanship but what happened at times during a show felt like screaming " shut the bloody pan pipe up and change the tempo man"!
I don't know whether to fault music or not, as it is in a shed,but that apart the sound was otherwise good and the playing first class.
What this show lacked was some pace, passion and showmanship!
Another thing which is hardly his fault that he was suffering from a bad back which kept him confined to a chair all night.
(Get Lucky- I'm calling this the Ironside tour!).
Still its hard to see many of the songs he played getting him on his feet anyway!
That said because lot of a fans did enjoyed the show and one the guy screamed to me that Mark We love him (more often than was healthy!) but the whole thing was much too relaxed and cosy with no punch and little variation for my taste.
For exampleLocal hero (which prompted at least one cry of "Shearer" ) was very underwhelming and it should have been a highspot being played in the Toon.
After about an hour ( it seemed longer) i found myself watching the clock, more than ready to leave the hot and cramped "shed".
So a subdue performance lacking any passion but spot on if you like your music meticulously played by numbers, and quite dull.As for the set list Mark's web site does not like to print them as"
Mark likes to create a sense of surprise" oh really?Yes there are many things to admire about Mark Knopfler but playing live is not one of them.
Wednesday 3 November 2010
Thursday 16 September 2010
Mark Knopfler Soundtracks Local Hero
The soundtrack to Local Hero, the first-rate 1983 Scottish film directed by Bill Forsyth that depicted an American oil company with a mission in the fictional village of Ferness on the west coast of Scotland, actually outsold the film itself. It was written by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits (who also scored and performed soundtracks for Comfort and Joy, Cal, and Last Exit to Brooklyn) and is counted as some of his best work. This is such an outstanding film from the ’80s, with simple but witty dialogue, quirky characters, and lots of heart. A little masterpiece even. Though quiet, it’s got real screen magic.
An American oil billionaire named Happer sends Mac to a remote Scottish village to secure property right for an oil refinery, but on the way to closing the deal, the town—its eccentric people, Northern Lights in the night sky, and beautiful scenery—takes hold of Mac, changing his outlook on his job there. He spends time drinking, collecting seashells, meeting a soulful woman, and even throws his calendar watch into the sea. Instead of negotiating the deal, Mac works on one for himself, by trading his high-rise apartment, Porche, and oil-company job for his new friend Gordon’s more fulfilling life of bartender, innkeeper, and community representative. The film is shot forth with both sadness and humor, all which is found portrayed in Knopfler’s winsome, aurora-inspired and yet sometimes heart-wrenching soundtrack.
Sunday 1 August 2010
Mark Knopfler visits Bilbao: As part of his 'Get Lucky Tour' latest album
Mark Knopfler will be in Bilbao to present his latest album Get Lucky on Friday July 30th. The former front man of Dire Straits will perform at the city's Vista Alegre bullring from 10pm onwards. Via Ticketmaster tickets can be purchased and are priced between 50 and 58 euros.
As part of his Get Lucky Tour the Scots artist will be stopping in the Basque city, during which hell be presenting his latest studio album. Recorded in London's British Grove studios and co produced by regular collaborators Chuck Ainlay and Guy Fletcher, Get Lucky was released in September 2009. Via eleven songs, Knopfler explores his musical roots, dabbles in folk and blues, with lyrics that explore the musician's personal experiences over the years.
The Scots artist offers a live gig in Spain this is the fifth time. He visited Murcia on 24th July, followed up with performances in Córdoba, Lisbon and Santiago de Compostela on Wednesday 28th July. In Mardrid he will be playing on Thursday, and concludes the Spanish leg of his tour in Avila.
As part of his Get Lucky Tour the Scots artist will be stopping in the Basque city, during which hell be presenting his latest studio album. Recorded in London's British Grove studios and co produced by regular collaborators Chuck Ainlay and Guy Fletcher, Get Lucky was released in September 2009. Via eleven songs, Knopfler explores his musical roots, dabbles in folk and blues, with lyrics that explore the musician's personal experiences over the years.
The Scots artist offers a live gig in Spain this is the fifth time. He visited Murcia on 24th July, followed up with performances in Córdoba, Lisbon and Santiago de Compostela on Wednesday 28th July. In Mardrid he will be playing on Thursday, and concludes the Spanish leg of his tour in Avila.
Monday 28 June 2010
Mark Knopfler: To Hold Guitar Mentoring Session
Mark Knopfler is going to share his wisdom.
Guitarists are invited to audition online for the opportunity to win a one to one mentoring session with Mark Knopfler.
PureSolo.com the online music recording community has teamed up with guitarist Mark Knopfler to launch an online guitar competition, in which guitarists are given the opportunity to win a master class with Knopfler in London at his private studios.
Mark Knopfler is not only known for his role as founder and lead guitarist in Dire Straits, whose tracks 'Sultans of Swing’ and 'Money for Nothing’ are considered a staple in any respectable guitarists’ repertoire but also for his solo career and soundtrack recordings.
The competition’s alone method of entry offers guitarists the chance to take the place of Knopfler on three original recordings. These tracks have been particularly remastered with the lead guitar part removed and entrants are invited to re record this part in their own style.
Guitarists without access to recording equipment need not worry as all the tools needed to create their competition entry are provided at PureSolo.com. The site boasts an online recording facility that makes it easy for anyone to record music using just a microphone and computer.
Once submitted for entry, songs can be played and rated by other members of the PureSolo community, eventually creating a shortlist from which the winning recording will be chosen by an expert panel of judges including Mark Knopfler.
Joining Mark on the judging panel are Chris Vinnicombe, Guitar Editor at MusicRadar.com; and Harvey Newquist, author and founder of The National Guitar Museum.
The competition launches today and will run until 31st August. The competition prize includes a return economy flight from anywhere in the world and two nights in a 5* hotel in London. There will also be a prize for the competition’s runner up, a Fender guitar courtesy of The National Guitar Museum.
Guitarists are invited to audition online for the opportunity to win a one to one mentoring session with Mark Knopfler.
PureSolo.com the online music recording community has teamed up with guitarist Mark Knopfler to launch an online guitar competition, in which guitarists are given the opportunity to win a master class with Knopfler in London at his private studios.
Mark Knopfler is not only known for his role as founder and lead guitarist in Dire Straits, whose tracks 'Sultans of Swing’ and 'Money for Nothing’ are considered a staple in any respectable guitarists’ repertoire but also for his solo career and soundtrack recordings.
The competition’s alone method of entry offers guitarists the chance to take the place of Knopfler on three original recordings. These tracks have been particularly remastered with the lead guitar part removed and entrants are invited to re record this part in their own style.
Guitarists without access to recording equipment need not worry as all the tools needed to create their competition entry are provided at PureSolo.com. The site boasts an online recording facility that makes it easy for anyone to record music using just a microphone and computer.
Once submitted for entry, songs can be played and rated by other members of the PureSolo community, eventually creating a shortlist from which the winning recording will be chosen by an expert panel of judges including Mark Knopfler.
Joining Mark on the judging panel are Chris Vinnicombe, Guitar Editor at MusicRadar.com; and Harvey Newquist, author and founder of The National Guitar Museum.
The competition launches today and will run until 31st August. The competition prize includes a return economy flight from anywhere in the world and two nights in a 5* hotel in London. There will also be a prize for the competition’s runner up, a Fender guitar courtesy of The National Guitar Museum.
Tuesday 15 June 2010
Mark Knopfler: Mark Knopfler Wants To Mentor You
The online music recording community has teamed up with guitarist Mark Knopfler to launch an online guitar competition, in which guitarists are given the chance to win a master class with Knopfler at his private studios in London.
Mark Knopfler is not only known for his role as founder and lead guitarist in Dire Straits, whose tracks ‘Sultans of Swing’ and ‘Money for Nothing’ are considered a staple in any respectable guitarists’ repertoire but also for his solo career and soundtrack recordings. The competition’s unique method of entry offers guitarists the chance to take the place of Knopfler on three original recordings. These tracks have been specially remastered with the lead guitar part removed and entrants are invited to re-record this part in their own style. Guitarists without access to recording equipment need not worry as all the tools needed to create their competition entry are provided at PureSolo.com. The site boasts an online recording facility that makes it easy for anyone to record music using just a microphone and computer. Once submitted for entry, songs can be played and rated by other members of the PureSolo community, eventually creating a shortlist from which the winning recording will be chosen by an expert panel of judges including Mark Knopfler. Joining Mark on the judging panel are Chris Vinnicombe, Guitar Editor at MusicRadar.com; and Harvey Newquist, author and founder of The National Guitar Museum. The competition launches today and will run until 31st August. The competition prize includes a return economy flight from anywhere in the world and two nights in a 5 hotel in London. There will also be a prize for the competition’s runner up, a Fender guitar courtesy of The National Guitar Museum.
Friday 30 April 2010
Mark Knopfler : Knopfler's laid-back sounds sweet
Mark Knopfler fessed up to an injury early on during his performance at Massey Hall on Thursday night.
Seated for the entire two-hour-and-five minutes, the former Dire Straits frontman dryly explained: "I'm not doing any somersaults or cartwheels tonight because I've pinched something. It'll be okay. I like this. It has benefits."
It turned out, in the end, it didn't matter.
The 60-year-old Knopfler still managed to wow the sold-out crowed with his fluid finger-picking guitar style, laid-back, easy, no-fuss manner, and seven "master musicians," as he called his touring band.
Lucky for us.
The group - who included a flute player, fiddler, accordion player and at least two mandolin players - easily finessed whatever was thrown at them - rock, country, Celtic, and bluegrass.
Interestingly, Dire Straits percussionist Danny Cummings is now Knopfler's drummer.
And while there really wasn't a showman among them - Knopfler was the evening's undisputed star - he proved to be a generous leader, happily sharing the spotlight during longs jams and solos, like during Sailing To Philadelphia, where he and multi-instrumentalist Tim O' Brien traded verses.
Touring in support of his latest solo album, 2009's Get Lucky, the Scottish-born, British-raised Knopfler kicked off the night with the Celtic-tinged Border Reiver from that disc on a stripped down stage where the biggest effect all night was a backdrop of stars in the sky.
But he didn't delve too much into the record for the remainder of the evening only performing two other songs - the title track, and the poignant show-ender Piper To The End.
Instead, it was a mixed bag of songs from both his time with seminal '80s band Dire Straits, who split up n 1985, and varied older solo material like such highlights as What It Is, the bluegrass-feeling Prairie Wedding - which The Del McCoury Band has since recorded - Marbletown, and Donegan's Gone, and the rocking showstopper Speedway At Nazareth complete with strobe lights.
Still, it was the one-two punch of the Dire Straits signature songs Romeo and Juliet and Sultans Of Swing, which struck the biggest chord, the latter prompting the first standing ovation of the night for Knopfler's staggering solo, and So Far Away From Me, which prompted the second ovation during the encore.
"You're very sweet," said Knopfler, after the first time the crowd jumped to their feet.
No Mark, you are, sweet-sounding that is.
Seated for the entire two-hour-and-five minutes, the former Dire Straits frontman dryly explained: "I'm not doing any somersaults or cartwheels tonight because I've pinched something. It'll be okay. I like this. It has benefits."
It turned out, in the end, it didn't matter.
The 60-year-old Knopfler still managed to wow the sold-out crowed with his fluid finger-picking guitar style, laid-back, easy, no-fuss manner, and seven "master musicians," as he called his touring band.
Lucky for us.
The group - who included a flute player, fiddler, accordion player and at least two mandolin players - easily finessed whatever was thrown at them - rock, country, Celtic, and bluegrass.
Interestingly, Dire Straits percussionist Danny Cummings is now Knopfler's drummer.
And while there really wasn't a showman among them - Knopfler was the evening's undisputed star - he proved to be a generous leader, happily sharing the spotlight during longs jams and solos, like during Sailing To Philadelphia, where he and multi-instrumentalist Tim O' Brien traded verses.
Touring in support of his latest solo album, 2009's Get Lucky, the Scottish-born, British-raised Knopfler kicked off the night with the Celtic-tinged Border Reiver from that disc on a stripped down stage where the biggest effect all night was a backdrop of stars in the sky.
But he didn't delve too much into the record for the remainder of the evening only performing two other songs - the title track, and the poignant show-ender Piper To The End.
Instead, it was a mixed bag of songs from both his time with seminal '80s band Dire Straits, who split up n 1985, and varied older solo material like such highlights as What It Is, the bluegrass-feeling Prairie Wedding - which The Del McCoury Band has since recorded - Marbletown, and Donegan's Gone, and the rocking showstopper Speedway At Nazareth complete with strobe lights.
Still, it was the one-two punch of the Dire Straits signature songs Romeo and Juliet and Sultans Of Swing, which struck the biggest chord, the latter prompting the first standing ovation of the night for Knopfler's staggering solo, and So Far Away From Me, which prompted the second ovation during the encore.
"You're very sweet," said Knopfler, after the first time the crowd jumped to their feet.
No Mark, you are, sweet-sounding that is.
Tuesday 6 April 2010
Mark's "Get Lucky" tour.
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Mark Knopfler, with special guest Pieta Brown, will perform at 8 p.m. April 22 at the Fox Theatre.Knopfler is touring in support of his current solo album "Get Lucky." Released on Sept. 15, 2009, "Get Lucky" is the Dire Straits’ lead singer and songwriter’s sixth studio album.
The album was recorded at Knopfler’s award-winning British Grove Studios in West London, and co-produced with longtime collaborators, engineer Chuck Ainlay and keyboardist Guy Fletcher. It also features Richard Bennett, Danny Cummings, John McCusker, Matt Rollings, and Glenn Worf.
A multiple Grammy award winner for work with Dire Straits, Knopfler combined his wry lyrics with his guitar prowess to create such major hits as “Money For Nothing,” “Sultans Of Swing,” “Romeo and Juliet” and “Walk of Life.” He has produced records for Bob Dylan and Randy Newman as well as scoring several films including Cal, Local Hero, Princess Bride and A Shot at Glory.
Singer-songwriter Pieta Brown will be opening for Mark Knopfler. Pieta's new CD, "One and All," will be released on Red House Records April 6, directly preceding the tour. Pieta combines Americana, indie-rock and raw folk, employing guitars, keyboards, and pedal steel.
Wednesday 24 February 2010
Mark Knopfler: Josh Groban's rep denies that he is dating Katy Perry
Katy Perry and Josh Groban are not dating, according to his rep.“Josh and Katy are very close friends and hang out, but they are not a couple," Groban's rep, Luke Burland, has said regarding a rumoured romance between the pair.
Perry split with long-term boyfriend Gym Class Heroes singer Travis McCoy in January.
Groban, who is currently working on a new album, was spotted at her Los Angeles show in
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