An oft criticism applied to blues music is that it is too simple and formulaic and doesn’t represent modern themes or style. Minnesota bluesman and acclaimed singer songwriter Mark Cameron has taken that to heart as a challenge to be won for his ninth album, Blues Factory. While the term may allude to the possibility of simply churning out music on a production line, the ten-song collection is anything but predictable or mechanical. Cameron is joined by his long-time bandmates, Dan Schroeder on drums, harmonica man Bill Keyes and his partner Sheri Cameron on sax, flute and percussion with a number of guests handling bass and keys with a modest horn section. His compadres all make the most of Cameron’s songwriting skills, mixing up elements of roots, soul and classic pop to flesh out his stories of life, love and the complicated world we live in.
The poetic study of irony over a blues shuffle “The Wrong Thing,”†opens the album with Cameron exploring the human condition and our tendency to be our own worst enemy. The swinging “Too Hot To Boogie,”†follows with greasy slide guitar and blues harp painting the picture of a steamy juke joint affair. The title track explores the depths of a well-worn relationship that has fallen into drudgery with Sheri’s haunting flute adding to the atmosphere. The band lays down an easy groove while Cameron narrates four tales of habitual insobriety and its consequences for “Drink On The Job.” Soaring backup vocals and horns sweeten the Stax soul-styled love song aptly named “Sugar.”
The rowdy rock ‘n’†roll number “Can’t Stand Still,”†celebrates the salacious energy of youth. Cameron offers sage advice to a friend on the edgy “Change Your Ways,” and the swinging “Friends Like These,” proves the point that close associates can prove to be more challenging than opponents. The sultry R&B “Ain’t No Way,” plays out the drama of a complicated romance. The band puts it all together to celebrate hard luck and trouble for the shifty blues closer “Below The Bottom,” capping off a fine collection of thinking man’s blues. ~ Rick J Bowen
BIOGRAPHY
Minnesota based singer, songwriter and guitarist Mark Cameron has been active in live music for over thirty years. Mark began his performing career in the rich folk-rock scene of the early 1970s and brought this influence into several bands he founded during the 80s and 90s. Today his focus is centered on crafting original blues songs with strong melodies and memorable lyrics. The range of Mark’s material stretches the blues beyond safe limits with a focus on “foot stompin’, butt shakin’” music that is built for a live audience.
After five studio releases in the 1980s and 90s, Mark turned his focus to the blues with Life Of Illusion in 2009. The song “Boxcar Blues” became an instant classic and packs the dance floor at live performances every time. In 2011 Mark released the ambitious project Built To Bust which featured the hipster-swing classic “Do Lovin’ Right” and the Chicago- Blues romp “Tough All Over.”2014’s One Way Ride To The Blues delivered a raucous blues anthem “Life Is Good When You’ve Got The Blues” and the gospel inspired classic “In This House.” The album Playing Rough (2016) was released in both digital and classic vinyl formats, as were later albums On A Roll (2019) and Nasty Business (2023). MCB is consistently a top finisher in blues competitions and was featured on the 2012 Minnesota Blues All-Stars album.
Known as a charismatic front man and soulful guitarist, Mark engages his audience directly in live performances and delivers his original compositions with a mix of sincerity, honesty and often a touch of humor. He is equally at home on acoustic or electrified instruments and retains writer/arranger credits on all of his recorded projects. Marks vocal range stretches from basement baritone to full-on growl, and his original lyrics draw the listener in and paint a picture of the many worlds within the blues.
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