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One of the finest song-smiths of his generation, Dublin-born Mark Geary is an intoxicating mix of spontaneous wit, charismatic storytelling and finely crafted songs reminiscent of those penned during the halcyon days of Dylan. Having spent the last 20 years between his native Ireland and NYC, where he cut his teeth on the music circuit, playing alongside the likes of Jeff Buckley at the renowned Sin-e cafe, he has garnered respect and attention from both audiences and fellow artists. Of Mark’s time in New York, Time Out NY magazine said “His delicate songs about love and defiance…recall Richard Thompson and John Lennon….one of the East Village’s favorite adopted sons.”
With soon-to-be five studio and two live albums under his belt (“The Fool” will be released later this year) touring and live performance are still Mark's lifeblood. And it is here where he truly excels. He has been featured on bills with musicians as diverse as Joe Strummer, Elvis Costello, The Pretenders, Coldplay, The Frames and The Swell Season among others, as well as extensive headlining tours in Europe and the US. More recently he appeared in Switzerland with the Songs from Ireland: Old and New show, where he received critical acclaim:
From the outset it is impossible not to be charmed by Geary, who delivers both his music and his stories in unassuming and singular style. His natural humour and ability to read the moment, give his shows a uniqueness, leaving his audiences with the feeling that they have just experienced something very special.
Mark will release his new album “The Fool” in October this year. A collection of well-honed lyrical songs with catchy hooks, Geary employs his trade mark method of capturing an image in each verse, a kind of musical story-boarding. He handles themes of parting, hurt, compassion, the desperation of desire and acceptance with a delicacy and artistry that few songwriters achieve with such poise. The songs range from easy tunes with smooth harmonies like “Happy”, “Rosebud” with echoes of JJ Cale and the Van Morrison-influenced “Dandelion”, to more melancholic, poignant ballads such as “Holding Fire” and “Down in Front”, and to rockier electronic-infused “The Fool” and “Frostbite” with its haunting chords and bigger production. The first single, “Battle of Troy”, a song about the recklessness of desire and the firestorm that follows, will be released in May.
“His delicate songs about love and defiance…..recall Richard Thompson and John Lennon…..one of the East Village’s favorite adopted sons.” – Time Out, New York
On 2004 album, Ghosts:
“a collection of superb songs delivered with a quiet intensity that will endear itself to listeners.” – Billboard Magazine
“After the final notes have faded into the ether, you feel as though you’ve been through some significant experience.” – Irish Music Central
“He’s the quintessential singer-songwriter.” – Hot Press
“consistently turns out some amazing records” – Hybrid Magazine
“Geary can add or take away from his songs, the result is always good, their transparent simplicity is compelling and the lush harmonies are enough to give you goosebumps.” – Zürcher Oberländer Zeitung
