Mark Joseph is a prolific musician, putting out an album a year. We had a chance to talk to Mark in 2021 about that year’s album, Vegas Hotel. His new album, Palisade Peach, is coming out with a release show on November 18 at the Fitzgerald Theater. The new album is bluesy and accessible and the show is going to be great and will feature many of the fantastic musicians on the album!
You seem to release an album every year. How do you maintain that energy? And where do you get the inspiration?
Writing and recording albums is probably my favorite activity. An album a year has been the goal for sometime.
I find inspiration in everything around me but it also goes in phases and themes. I try to follow the muse wherever it takes me in the moment. Lots of nonfiction, just cause that’s how I’m designed, however inside of that there is lots of storytelling and creative scene setting that goes into it. Also travel, being a parent, growing older, reading, listening, hearing and absorbing other people’s stories are large sources of inspiration. Most importantly though, living in the present moment as much as humanly possible.
Your upcoming release (Palisade Peach) features so many amazing musicians. I want to give you a chance to mention a few and tell us about your experience collaborating with them.
So incredible to work with such talented individuals. Some of these people I’ve been listening to my whole life.
Jerry Jemmott is a living legend and he plays bass on half of the record. I credit his bass line having made the song “Palisade Peach” what it is.
My longtime friend and tour buddy Tony Austin, now world renowned for his work producing and performing with Kamasi Washington slayed.
Drummer Michael Jerome was a total pleasure to work with, Tom Freund’s laid back Southern Cali bass and vibes are always welcomed.
Working with hero Albert Lee in the studio (and the 3 hour tequila lunch we had after) is something I will never forget. One of the kindest musicians I’ve ever come across. Toby Lee Marshall is one of the best (and underrated) Hammond Organ rippers in the US. Check out his band Koch Marshall Trio.
Last but very very far from least, this album was brought to life by my friends and collaborators Stanley “The Baron” Behrens and producer Steve McCormick.
Could go on for days about how amazing all of these talented folks are. I am truly blessed and grateful to have worked with all of them on this project.
You mention at least three shades of blues on the album (Back-Water Blues, Deep Ellum Blues and Sad Mississippi Blues). To my untrained ears one makes me think of gospel, one funk and one is swampier. How would you describe the difference or how do you approach each different?
There are probably as many styles and kinds of blues as there are animals or plants in the wild. Many folks don’t understand that. Blues are often assumed to be a “simple” kind of music that has few changes and stays consistently in a certain structure. It’s simply untrue. Blues are the cornerstone of American music, so whatever you are listening on, you will hear the blues. Hip-hop to Mambo, the blues is there.
Back-Water blues is a very old blues song that has a unique turnaround on it. Since this true tragic story happened in the deep south, we were compelled to bring a gospel element to it. It just spoke to us, and singer Heather Donavon really brought this full idea to the table. We were already super excited as the song sounded so good as it developed, and when Heather sang it down like this, we were blown away. We then added our American Soul MN choir (Jill Mikelson, Steph Devine, Alex Steele) and it opened up into this glorious gospel testament to the horrible biblical sized flood.
Sad Mississippi on the other hand is done in the style of old school Chicago blues, and in that case the goal was to honor that tradition and let the intensely sad story tell itself in a way with no frills. Toby Lee Marshall shines bright on this track, gluing the song together with piano and hammond organ.
Tell us about the making of the Palisade Peach video. I love it because it captures the “everybody’s welcome” ethos of your live show.
Why thank you! We made that video during the “Palisade Bluegrass Bash”, a bluegrass festival hosted in Palisade, CO. It’s such a special place in the high mountain desert and the people that make it way are always so nice and welcoming.
Almost every brewery, distillery, saloon, wine cellar in town are featured in the video and opened doors to us to make it happen. Local production company 4th Street Music and the festival also endorsed, encouraged and supported the push. Peach Street Distillery even opened up early on a Sunday morning so we could shoot and even provided a fine 5 Year Bourbon that you see me sipping in the video! Such hospitality and kind consideration! Opening shot was filmed at The Palisade Livery Saloon which is the first place I ever performed in Palisade and really set the scene for me writing this song and later the video. They are a classic old time bar where everyone knows your name and a good time is always had. Very pleased that those great vibes come through in the video!
Where can people see you play live and celebrate the album with you? (And will any of those featured artists mentioned above be on stage?)
Nov 10th in Los Angeles we will be at The Mint with Tony Austin, Steve McCormick, Stanley Behrens and other special guests.
Fri Nov 17th La Crosse Center, La Crosse, WI and the big home town gig will be at the hallowed Fitzgerald Theater with very special guest Melvin Seals from the Jerry Garcia band (featured on Deep Ellum Blues on the album) along with Steve McCormick, Stanley Behrens, Heatbox and many others!
After those initial shows, I plan to take the album across the country and beyond in 2024!
Mostly Minnesota 