Mark Searcy
San Antonio, Texas, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2005 | INDIE
Music
Press
Some people like the blues. Some don't. Even within the category of blues-lovers there is division. Some like the swampy Delta blues and some like the rock-influenced blues of, let's say, Stevie Ray. Hardcore blues lovers understand the beginning and roots of traditional blues music and therefore have an affinity for artists like Kirby Kelley, Keb'Mo', Lightnin' Hopkins, and T-Bone Walker. It's that tinny acoustic rhythmic chant, often played on slide guitar or resonator that binds true blues fans in a fundamental grass roots passion for all things bluesy. Meet Mark Searcy. Talent will not get you to the plane on which Mark Searcy exists. It requires being touched by something from beyond our comprehension. Performers like Searcy do not simply play their instruments, but rather become their instruments during a performance. Call it soul, call it a gift, or a midnight trade at a lonely cross road, no matter. Searcy has it. Hear this album and you'll be amazed that Searcy is a relative rookie on the music scene. Already an award-winning performer, Searcy stands to turn more than just a few heads in the near future. Goodness, just think where he'll be in ten years. Acoustic blues may be a narrow niche by popular standards, but Searcy is climbing his way to the top of the heap, twelve bars at a time.
- Lucky Boyd - My Texas Music
Mark Searcy
“SLIDEAWAY”
©2007 Independently Released
Review by Lucky Boyd
If you expect Searcy’s sophomore release to be a simple continuation of his debut release, forget about it. It ain’t so. While you’ll still hear Searcy remaining true to his traditional blues roots on some songs, you’ll also see him take Neil Armstrong-like steps into cross-genre collaboration. This album employs the services of some great company as Searcy surrounds his inventions with certain styles that take little time to appreciate. Searcy’s vocal work is bluesy and complimentary to the arrangements rather than the typical distraction expected from many guitarists who think they can sing. Searcy gets it done. It’s not unusual to see an artist double back after a stunning debut with a more artistic effort. Searcy has done that. Nine of ten are originals, with the lone cover being well worth the purchase. Niche blues fans may not groove the diversity on the first listen, but a second play reveals Searcy’s commitment to the genre, using innovative techniques to express feeling much like shadows and highlights enhance visual works. As up-and-comers try to emulate Searcy, they will find the technical end demanding, as Searcy is an accomplished composer with the ability to fuse jazz, rock, blues, folk, and country. They will certainly find that capturing the same inner soul will be impossible, as Searcy literally melts himself into each cut, a feat that labels him inimitable. A great second effort, Searcy has taken one small step for himself and one giant leap for the blues. This reviewer’s fave is “Telluride Blues.” - Lucky Boyd - MyTexasMusic
San Antonio Express News - Jim Beal Jr.
Jan 20, 2010
Searcy and Boss can flat get down on guitar and harmonica, respectively, but both show proper restraint by serving the songs instead of the egos. Listen for the guitar/harp duet on Stumblin' to hear how it should be done... - San Antonio Express News - Jim Beal Jr.
Mark Searcy Band
WILD NIGHT IN TEXAS
©2009 Independently released
Review by Lucky Boyd
Co-founder, MyTexasMusic.com
Mark Searcy assembles a top-notch band and offers the next installment of fantastic blues music with a Texas feel. Searcy continues his tradition of outstanding guitar work and adds exhilarating harmonica from Rick Boss. The album also features the stellar vocal work of the band’s diva, Kori Hubbard. Searcy winds his way through multiple edges of the blues genre from traditional styles to modern and innovative compositions. The album’s closing cut is one of Searcy’s epic renditions which features every feel good lick you can think of. The opener is the title track which sets the toe-tapping tone for the disc. Searcy follows up with “Cuban Getaway” which marries the band’s inimitable Texas blues style with a samba dance tune that epitomizes the diversity of the project. Hubbard vocalizes on Searcy’s “Bear A Little Rain,” a well-written, country feel twelve-bar gem. Chicago comes into view on “Cruisin’,” a Rick Boss co-write. Boss also pens “Your Spices Out” which features Searcy on the resonator in this swampy Delta-style offering that actually made me hungry while listening. Hubbard appears again on “Te Ni Nee Ni Nu” which might be the most commercial track on the disc. Boss and Searcy are both featured in this solid performance. You might not expect a John Prine cover on this disc, but then again, this is Mark Searcy, who has no fear when it comes to adding his brand of talent to any style. Back on the resonator on “Angel From Montgomery,” Searcy proves that no genre is exempt from this band’s embrace. Precise guitar and harmonica work are the order on “Stumblin’” which is one of the album’s two fully instrumental cuts. Throughout, Searcy proves that he’s a mainstay on the Texas blues music scene. Being familiar with Searcy’s music, I had certain expectations when I began listening to this disc. Searcy and the band did not disappoint. This is a great project, start to finish. - MyTexasMusic
With Power Of Love, Mark Searcy boldly steps into the 21stcentury guitar spotlight with a highly energized album filled with renewed blues-rock power. - Robert Silverstein
Mark and his crew have crafted a solid piece of work utilizing various genres of music. A worthwhile and truly entertaining project using a first-class group of supporting musicians. Producer Matt Smith captured a clear sound that gives a clear picture of each instrument. A good time is guaranteed for all! - GREG “BLUESDOG” SZALONY, Blues Blast Magazine
Discography
DISCOGRAPHY
Mark Searcy - The Pancake Eating Robots (2022)
Mark Searcy - Southern Heart (2021)
Mark Searcy - Arkansas Boy (2021)
Mark Searcy - Power of Love (2020)
Mark Searcy - My Color (2018)
Mark Searcy - Grapetown Rail (2017)
Mark Searcy - Strawberry Jam 1975 (2016)
Mark Searcy - St. Mary's Street (2015)
Mark Searcy - Hazepipe (2013)
Mark Searcy Band - Roadworthy (2011)
Mark Searcy - Bullseye (2010)
Mark Searcy Band - Wild Night In Texas (2010)
Mark Searcy - Slideaway (2007)
Mark Searcy - Blindman's Blues (2006)
Mark Searcy - Like Father, Like Son (2005)
BOOKS
Mark Searcy - Arkansas Boy Music Book (2021)
Mark Searcy - Power of Love Music Book (2021)
Mark Searcy - Guitar Tab Anthology - Volume II (2019)
Mark Searcy - Guitar Tab Anthology (2019)
COLLABORATIONS
Texas Delta Kings - Bootleggers Demo (1999)
CONTRIBUTIONS
Ginger Pickett - The Blues Picked Me (2013)
COMPILATIONS
Doug Sahm, Augie Meyers, and Friends - KKR #25 (2016)
Photos
Bio
American guitarist and songwriter Mark Searcy Middleton has a unique and diverse musical background. As an Arkansas native, he began guitar during his early teen years, but put it down for 15 years to raise a family and started back as a form of rehabilitation after a work accident severely damaged several fingers. He soon immersed himself in the pre-war blues of the 1920s and 30s, and his solo acoustic blues recording of Blind Man's Blues earned his first nomination as "Musician of the Year" at the 2007 Texas Music Awards. He later won the award in 2014 for the colorful and all instrumental "Hazepipe" release. His body of work now contains 15 albums representing diverse influences ranging from Robert Johnson to Glen Campbell to Jimi Hendrix and fuses blues, rock, country, and jazz into original songwriting including ensemble, instrumental and solo compositions. He has also released 4 books of music transcription and guitar tablature. Mark has also performed at the International Blues Challenge as a regional winner 3 times.
Band Members
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