Mark Bradlyn sings and writes about things he knows and feels. It's the real deal, here. No fluff to get in the way. His voice is so different that it would be hard to compare with another artist. His sound is warm and honest yet lives on the verge of heartbreak. You can connect to his music by virtue of its humanness... (his singing) breathes a sincerity that takes the breath away. This is a rich and thoroughly engaging project that does not lend itself to the passive listener. Experience it.
Earbuzz.com
Mark Bradlyn's latest compilation of original folk songs and covers, Outside The Family Way, is a pure and honest collection by this experienced story spinner/guitarist/singer. Mark's smooth voice, lightly seasoned by a roughness that adds so much character to the vocal performance, can really make you feel the songs. Accomplished acoustic guitar picking ala Travis style with the occasional harmonica and backing vocal, make this recording intimate and tasteful.
Click on the baby to hear song samples from Outside The Family Way at cdbaby.com
FIVE STARS : A ISWM INDIE PICK OF THE MONTH
A haunting, reflective mix of stories. Filled with imagery that burns deep from the soul. Vulnerable vocals on the verge of despair. A sad, yet victorous journey into the past.
Metro Santa Cruz
Mark's is a seasoned, sublimely human voice. On Lighthouse Keeper Bradlyn's earthy vocals, peppered with little cracks and flourishes, bring listeners straight into the heart of his powerful storytelling. His songs are poignant without being saccharine. In the title song, haunting refrains and chilling images produce an almost cinematic feeling. "Burnt to the Ground" is pure bluegrass, while "Words I've Heard Before" is a kick-up-your-heels Western swing number. With vocal accompaniment by local legend Mary McCaslin and the wicked fiddling of Dennis English, these tunes are definitely keepers. — Andrea Perkins
Hootenanny Holler
A well-crafted acoustic treasure that is charming and warm. Very striking eclectic vocal technique melds with killer fiddle and powerful song writing. These original songs are polished works of poetic art, full of heart and soul. With only the finest of backing musicians and occasional vocal harmony by Mary McCaslin, Lighthouse Keeper is a rich tapestry of earthy passionate stories woven with threads of real life. — Steve Scott
FAME (Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange)
Poignant, clever and intelligent songs. Bradlyn is an undiscovered treasure. Musically this CD is beautiful. Bradlyn is a fine guitar player and he has surrounded himself with some fine backing musicians. — David M Pyles
Rambles, A Cultural Arts Magazine
This album has a lot going for it. Generally a mellow sort of sound, Bradlyn's music contains a good mix of instruments, and the arrangements flow nicely. Bradlyn's vocals are on the quiet side, and emit a natural, thoughtful sound &mdash perfect for his lyrics, which the listener can easily identify with. One of the things that makes this album so good is Bradlyn's guitar playing. Like his vocals, his guitar is gentle. He has a pleasant picking style that has a rather calming effect, and the accompanying melodies have a memorable, sing-along kind of sound. Bradlyn's style is unique, and I would be hard pressed to really categorize it (which isn't something I like to do, anyways). "Bone Demon" seems to have some blues and country influence, and features some interesting guitar rhythms, soulful singing and great fiddling. In fact, great fiddling can be found on a number of tracks, notably "Burnt to the Ground," "Skinny Mama" and "Lighthouse Keeper." — Cheryl Turner.
FolkWax - On-line Folk Music Magazine
What makes Bradlyn good is his ability to tell a complete story in five minutes or less. Damn, this guy is talented. I never thought a guy with stories to tell and an acoustic guitar could keep my attention. No amplifiers, no tattoos, no leather pants - just plain old compositions that tell stories of life, love, want and loss. — Aaron Barker
Click on the baby to hear song samples from Lighthouse Keeper at cdbaby.com
