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In the spring of 2006, Mark Duval emerged in Southwest Michigan from a 10-year musical hibernation with “Rhythm of the Rustbelt”, his brilliant debut album, described by reviewer Dustin Walsh of Creem Magazine as “...the soundtrack to a summer sunrise over a dusty, forlorn Route 66.” His songwriting versatility takes the listener from haunted landscapes of brooding fingerstyle folk ballads to rhythm-driven roots rock social commentary, shuffling blues riffs and latin grooves that show off his skills as a rhythm guitarist. His follow-up release, “Two-Track Mind”(2007), was nominated for “Best new folk album of 2007” by WYCE in Grand Rapids The production on his albums is sparse, earthy, organic, and intimate, alternating between folk and roots rock, and using banjo, violin, cello, organ, harmonica, trumpet and slide guitar to create a unique atmosphere for each song. Both albums were engineered and produced by Ian Gorman, who has become one of the most sought-after producers in the Michigan folk music scene. Mark performs his music regionally in 2 different configurations : Mark Duval & Traci Seuss perform Mark’s folk ballads in listening room concerts. Traci’s beautiful vocal harmonies bring Mark’s melodies to life, and they are often backed up with upright bass and other stringed instruments. Mark Duval & Two-Track Mind perform regionally in bar venues and music festivals as a 5-piece band, centered around Mark’s acoustic guitar with drums, bass, slide guitar and trumpet, playing sets of rhythm-driven roots, grooves and blues that keep the dance floor crowded. Who IS this guy and where did he come from? - mature songwriting, wonderfully tasteful arrangements, and naturally pleasing voices draw you in…This stuff has it all…it’s genuine, catchy, thought-provoking and fun. Throughout the album, banjo, violin, percussion and clarinet are used sparingly and with great effect. Harmony singer Traci Seuss is feelin’ it, and her parts add even more substance and soul to the sound. These albums by Kalamazoo singer/songwriter Mark Duval have found a permanent home on Grassroots, WMUK’s locally-produced acoustic music show. -Lorraine Caron, host of Grassroots, WMUK 102.1 Rhythm of the Rustbelt is like a cross-country road trip - the soundtrack to a summer sunrise over a dusty, forlorn Route 66. ‘Real Men Dig Their Own Graves’ is a beat-driven, boot-stomper atoned with Duval’s best rendition of Tom Waits’ graveled vocals... The album is earthy, candid and nostalgic - everything an Americana album should be. Reviewer: - Dustin Walsh, Music Writer, On the Town Magazine; Creem Magazine Mark Duval’s Two-Track Mind finds him with a five-piece band including Traci Seuss, with whom he often performs as an acoustic duo. Balancing between folk and roots rock, Duval uses his shuffling rhythms and and strong melodies to present a collection of personal and inviting tales for simple musical enjoyment. With beautiful vocal harmony work, easeful guitar picking and a gentle approach to filling up the arrangements, Duval sets the stage for sipping hand-crafted beer in a local brewery, contemplating simple times, pain and pride. -Ryan Cunninham, Recoil Magazine, March 2008 These are the radio stations that are playing Mark's cd's: WMUK 102.1 Kalamazoo Grassroots WNMC 90.7 Traverse City Crossroads / Local Motion WVPE 88.1 Elkhart, IN The Back Porch KBCS 91.3 Seattle, WA Lunch / Sunday Folks, Road Songs KGNU 88.5 Boulder, CO Highway 322 WIDR 89.1 Kalamazoo Outhouse WHFR 89.3 Detroit Light from the Underground Sampler WFMU 91.1 New Jersey Scott Williams WYCE 88.1 Grand Rapids WFDU 88.7 New Jersey WDBM 89.1 Lansing, MI Progressive Torch & Twang WCBN 88.7 Ann Arbor, MI |
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