Kayos Productions

Artist bio:
Growing up in New York, Mark’s musical journey has taken him around the world several times, however, he always returns to his roots as a singer songwriter of the world famous Bleecker Street in NYC.

Since his early years as a Bleecker Street journeyman, Mark has never strayed from that recipe of cooking up a stew of honest, straight from the hip ro ck n’ roll, simmering with the subtle flavors of blues, r&b, funk, folk and soul music.

Well known as the front man for the group Tao Jones whose album “Rorschash Sunset” was critically acclaimed and achieved worldwide distribution, Mark now releases his newest solo project, “Must Be A Pony”.

At a time when the music industry seems to be taking a step back, peeling away some of its newer technology and production sounds, Mark Newman’s organic sounds and textured storytelling on this self-produced album seem to fill a musical hunger created a long time ago. “Must Be A Pony”, brings you back to a time when records were made by musicians instead of computer programmers.

“Must Be A Pony”, lays out a feast for the ears and soul. The title song featuring guest
musicians Anton Fig and Steve Holley is a story of a cynical adult’s attempt to rediscover the magic of being an optimistic child.

The song that perhaps sets the strongest mood for the rest of the album is “Dead Man’s Shoes”. a layered story with twists and turns of a man who needs to run because he borrowed money from the wrong people.

A haunting version of the Bee Gee’s classic "NY Mining Disaster" is perhaps more timely now than when it was written.

There are many other guests featured in this project including Mark’s long time friend,
Sam the Sham who shares both writing and vocal credits on "Hard In The Rain".

On guitar it’s easy to see where Mark gets his musical seasoning. His influences might be
considered the “usual suspects”; Eric Clapton, Duane Allman, Jeff Beck, Albert, BB. & Freddie King & Ry Cooder but there is nothing usual in the way he combines them with his songwriting influences; Lowell George, John Hiatt, Frank Zappa, The Beatles and his vocal influences Greg Allman, Paul Rodgers, & Paul Carrack.

A strong rhythm guitarist, Mark is often mentioned alongside other greats like Steve
Cropper. When it comes to slide he’s stirred together with Duane Allman & Lowell George.Mark uses “Must Be A Pony” to exemplify his mastery of guitar, lap steel mandolin, and dobro. His versatility in soloing on many instruments make him one of the most sought after musicians in the NYC area.

Mark is currently touring the world with Sam Moore (Sam and Dave) and Sam the Sham.

What are people saying about Mark Newman?

“Newman plays dark, mood laden roots rock Americana that invokes the sound of Ry Cooder’s earlier work, Lowell George-era Little Feat (minus all the jam sessions), and Robin Trowers more laid back material”
-YTSE Jam

“Newman presents solidly constructed, bare bones pop songs. Catchy in an Allman Bros. kind of way, they swing and groove comfortably in and around each other...Overall, a solid engaging bit of American songwriting”
-The Aquarian Weekly

“If there is a complaint I have with Mark Newman’s latest release, ‘Must Be A Pony’ it is that it is too short”
-All Access

“Mark Newman has delivered an album full of memorable songs which recall the best of bands such as Little Feat, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the melodic side of The Allman Brothers, resulting in a fantastic listen for fans of those artists, or quality rock as well.”
-Rock N Roll Universe

“Fans of ‘70’s styled guitar rock rejoice – there’s a new hero in town and his name is Mark Newman…Newman carries on the tradition with style. The man can rock and pull the blues out of his guitar…This is one of the best albums of the year for the genre”
-Music Street Journal

“Newman creates musical environments that surround his poetic lyrics in tasty soundscape vistas that accentuate but never intimidate this message, mainly that no matter how cynical the adult in one gets, the answer lies in attempting to rediscover the unbridled optimism of childhood.”
-Exclusive Magazine

“With a deep voice perfect for blues and Southern rock, Newman seems poised to take the reins as the next rough and tough grassroots superstar”
-Daily Tar Heel, University of North Carolina

Audio