METRONOME MAGAZINE Review of instruMENTALITY!

MARK NOMAD INSTRUMENTALITY 12-SONG CD

• FLYING
• THE JOURNEY
• CODE OF DHARMA
• THE WAITING
• DADGAD
• SUITE FREEDOM
• KICKSTAND
• THE FRIZ
• JOYCE’S JAZZ
• PROVOCATIVE OCTAVES
• SUN WORLDS, MOON WORLDS • LIFELINE

On Western Massachusetts based bluesman Mark Nomad’s new album, Instrumentality, the masterful six stringer puts his chops front and center with a blazing offering of slick slide guitar work, blazing single note runs and searing instrumental guitar melodies. Throughout, Nomad entertains with his tactful fretboard pyrotechnics and compositional prowess. Joined by a handful of lifelong musical friends in saxophonist Doug Jones, guitarist John Frisell, bassists Jerry Ellis, Peter King, Mark Couture & Joe Macaluso and drummers Billy Klock, Dale Monette, Bernie Palka and Ron Cataldi, these players help Nomad realize a life long dedication to his guitar craft. Best tracks: the beautifully executed gem (unearthed from 1986) “Flying,” the moody slide guitar workout of “The Journey” (1997), the ethereal magic of “Code of Dharma,” the sweet magnificence of “Suite Freedom” (2007), the high-steppin’ swing of “Kickstand,” and the Hendrixian infused “Sun Worlds, Moon Worlds.” Good stuff. Saverio Maulucci would beproud! [B.M.O.]Contact– www.marknomad.com

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Tom Guerra, respected music journalist and artist, reviews instruMENTALITY:

It takes a lot to release a full length album in 2024. Still, instruMENTALITY, Mark (Maulucci) Nomad’s 12th album, is a vibrant mix of all things guitar, ranging from delicate acoustic numbers (with a few featuring his signature slide playing), a bit of tasteful Hendrix chordal work and onto two truly explosive electric fusion tracks.

Comprised of songs from all periods of his 50+ year career, instruMENTALITY flows nicely, starting with some sensitive acoustic work all the way through two blistering tracks from arguably his most successful band, Little Village, which feature some insane guitar work by Mark and his guitar sparring partner, the late great Johnny Frisell. At one point I was listening to it thinking, “this is as wild as what Jeff Beck was playing back in 1976,” when it was recorded live at the Silver Bullet Club in Moodus, CT.

Skillfully mastered by Jim Chapdelaine, which probably was a hefty job, considering the variety of recorded mediums he had to work with, instruMENTALITY is a labor of love from a master craftsman. I recommend that you pick up a copy, either from one of Mark’s live gigs or from his website www.marknomad.com.

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instruMENTALITY

Mark Nomad’s 12th album is a soundtrack for life!

instruMENTALITY is a compilation of instrumental compositions spanning five decades. Ranging from mellow and meditative solo guitar pieces to high energy and rocking ensemble tracks, instruMENTALITY is a soundtrack for life’s many moods!

For audio clips and streaming:

https://marknomad.hearnow.com/instrumentality

For CD, please send $12 to Mark Nomad c/o Blue Star, PO Box 985, Easthampton, MA 01027

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