THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 7, 1996 TAG: 9607040298
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 28 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: John Harper
LENGTH: 54 lines
CATCH SOME rising American Roots stars as Paul Mark and the Van Dorens celebrate the release of their second album, ``Metropolitan Swamp,'' with a Sunday show at Port O'Call Restaurant and Gaslight Saloon in Kill Devil Hills.
Guitarist/singer Mark formed the band 10 years ago in New York City.
Working as a trio to get around the Big Apple's now-defunct cabaret laws, the band brought in a brand of music with the heart of the blues and the snap, crackle and pop of '60s soul music.
``Metropolitan Swamp,'' with a dozen songs Mark penned, was recorded at Ardent Studios in Memphis.
Longtime Memphis music figure Jim Gaines co-produced the Radiation Records release.
Gaines gained fame in the mid- to late '60s for his engineering work at the legendary Stax Records, a company that produced seminal soul music by the likes of Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Wilson Pickett and Booker T. and the M.G.'s.
More recently, Gaines has produced records by Santana, John Lee Hooker and the late Stevie Ray Vaughan.
``Our music is more like the Memphis sound,'' Mark says. ``It's bluesy, soulful, very danceable. Usually, about 10 minutes into the first set, the dance floor is full.''
Behind Mark's searing guitar and bottom of the Mississippi River vocals is the rhythm section of Joe Costello and Alan J. Hager.
``We're a very full-sounding band,'' Mark says. ``One time, a band that came on behind us said, `We thought you guys were five pieces.' ''
Mark, who holds English and engineering degrees and is working on a doctorate at New York University, is the group's main songwriter.
``I like to think that my songs are a cut above most of the pop songs you hear,'' he says. ``They're about familiar things. But they sound spontaneous without lacking in craft.''
Mark says he sees a revival in roots rock, citing the popularity of Robert Cray, the Paladins, ZZ Top and the Blasters.
``All music is cyclic,'' he says. ``I think what we do is coming back around.''
Paul Mark and the Van Dorens plan to re-enter the studio in the fall.
Terry Manning, who's produced records for George Thorogood and the Fabulous Thunderbirds, will be at the control board.
The band's appearance at Port O'Call is its first on the Outer Banks.
``We've played a lot of clubs in Norfolk and Virginia Beach,'' Mark says. ``I've heard good things about the Outer Banks. So we're really looking forward to playing there.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Paul Mark and the Van Dorens, who have recently released their
second album, ``Metropolitan Swamp,'' perform Sunday at Port O'Call
Restaurant and Gaslight Saloon in Kill Devil Hills. by CNB