Review: Mark W. Lennon’s “Home of the Wheel”

By Joe Ross – Eclectic singer/songwriter Mark W. Lennon is a transplanted tarheel guitarist who now makes his home in Los Angeles, so he’s probably encountered a little upheaval in life’s routines. Lennon points out that we can always count on the river to stay the same.

A connection with The Songwriting School of Los Angeles is helping Lennon to further find inspiration, tap his creativity, and develop the craft. He’s said that his 2009 EP release “Down the Mountain” was an album without a plan, which “led to more of a jam style record.” And he realizes that the more songs he writes, the better they become.

Lennon’s connection with the Burbank, Ca. songwriting school also led him to this new album’s producer Marvin Etzioni, who also plays mandolin, guitars, bass, piano and percussion on this rawboned, soulful project. Lennon’s full-length album debut Home of the Wheel displays his developing maturity in Americana and contemporary folk music.

The title cut is a ballad that begins with the birth of his father in 1938 and “tobacco fields run red in the rain, ‘cause World War II was closing in.” I reckon this boy is making his family proud. With its country twang, “California Calling” emphasizes that life is not only full of change, but also presents different roads that influence one’s journey. That song and the rocking closer “Stop and Go” were co-written by Lennon and Etzioni.

Lennon’s songs are clear, concise and well-defined. Others helping to bring Lennon’s songs to fruition include Jerry Zacarias (drums, percussion), Jacob Morgan (bass), Dean Vivirito (ukulele, piano, vocals), Bryan Dobbs (guitar, steel guitar, lap steel, vocals), Scarlet Rivera (fiddle), and Sally Jaye (vocals).

Mark W. Lennon is a confident, talented, up-and-coming artist you should check out. His debut album indicates that he’s still developing his specific > personalized musical identity, and he shows interest and skill in a broad multi-genre spectrum.

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