Boston songwriter Mark Erelli is at the pinnacle of his career. Following nine albums, years as a top sideman, multiple collaborations and a recent tribute album, he's ready to impart his masterful work. Today, Folk Alley reviewed For A Song and welcomes you to HEAR IT FIRST ahead of its April 8 release.
"There are very few voices that can sing any type of song and contain as much emotion and power as his voice can so easily do," proclaims Folk Alley's Cindy Howes. "The songs on For A Song are worthy of this man's voice; they are the best of his career, so far. It's inspiring to hear the culmination of all his hard work in songwriting, raising a family and different musical collaborations of these past several years come to life on this album."
For A Song is a bouquet of songs that reflect where Erelli has arrived, personally and professionally. From introspective ballads to celebrations of love's allure, these twelve songs stand-alone as eloquent statements and together as a meditation on life in all its dimensions. The album has received notable attention from No Depression and The Bluegrass Situation, who premiered the humble janitor's conversation with God, "Look Up", at the end of last week.
As a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist, that meant accepting offers to accompany other artists on tour. "I was touring arenas with Lori McKenna, opening for Faith Hill and Tim McGraw," he says. "We played at the Grand Ole Opry and on Good Morning America. I played at the Royal Albert Hall with Josh Ritter and began working with Paula Cole, a Grammy winner." (Cole's voice graces two tracks on FOS)
These experiences led Erelli to ponder several questions. "I kept asking myself, 'What am I doing here? What's the end goal? Why would I put myself and the people I love through all this? It always came back to one phrase: for a song. That's been the answer to almost every question I've asked myself for quite some time."
Mark is touring through the spring behind For A Song. A full list of dates can be found below with more to be added.
Mark Erelli Tour Dates
Apr 05 -- Charlottesville, VA -- The Southern *
Apr 06 -- Annapolis, MD -- Ram's Head On Stage *
Apr 07 -- Vienna, VA -- The Barns At Wolf Trap *
Apr 08 -- Norfolk VA -- North Shore Point House*
Apr 09 -- Plymouth, MA -- Spire Center for the Performing Arts
Apr 15 -- Colorado Springs, CO -- Stargazers Theater #
Apr 16 -- Denver, CO -- Soiled Dove Underground #
Apr 20 -- New York NY -- Rockwood Music Hall Stage 3
Apr 21 -- Philadelphia, PA -- Burlap & Bean
Apr 22 -- Lakewood NJ -- The Strand Center For The Arts
Apr 23 -- Charlottesville, VA -- Front Porch
Apr 24 -- Arlington, VA -- IOTA
Apr 28 -- West Dennis, MA -- O'Shea's Olde Inn
Apr 29 -- Boston, MA -- Club Passim
Apr 30 -- Northampton MA -- Parlor Room @ Signature Sounds
May 14 -- Dover, NH -- Red & Shorty's
May 19 -- Cincinnati, OH -- Live at the Ludlow Garage
* w/ Aoife O’Donovan
# w/ Paula Cole
