Roots singer/songwriter Mark Lennon blindsides Los Angeles with his third album Down the Mountain. Sun drenched city streets set the scene for songs of lost love, reflection, family, and longing for the South.
“I grew up on hippie music and bluegrass, so I like when music has great lyrics but also jams out,” says Lennon, who still considers North Carolina his home. “I am proud of our musical upbringing. We lived in a little spec-on-a-map town, but always had some amazing bands passing through.”
A Los Angeles transplant, Lennon has lived in Southern California for the past seven years combining his folk, bluegrass, classic country, and rock and roll influences. The Mark Lennon band brings together a diverse group of musicians from a variety of backgrounds, creating a sound only found on Down the Mountain.
“This is fresh. This is simplicity at it’s finest.”
-Twister Valley Records
"...lovely sounding roots rock album with hints of Ryan Adams (especially vocally), the Grateful Dead and the Black Crowes. These songs are still on rotation after three weeks - a good sign - they're memorable, catchy and shouting out for recognition."
-Americana UK
"He’s not flashy, but then again he doesn’t have to be. Just listen to his music and you’ll realize he’s a savvy musician speaking simple, honest truths."
-Country Music Pride
"No production tricks, no esoteric instrumentation, just damn fine musicianship."
-John Davy
MedicineShow/Biscuits and Gravy
"Mark is no slouch himself when it comes to vocals - there's a palpable yearning in his voice as he sings "My Hometown" another highlight from the album."
-Beat Surrender
"His music brings to mind the folk and country-rock sounds of early ‘70s Golden State transplants like Brewer & Shipley and Grateful Dead."
-Hyperbolium
"He never stays down for long, even when the songs express negative emotions. That’s appropriate, because this is comfort music. Lennon’s songs never present a situation without hope."
-Oliver di Place
“...a perfect mixture of heartfelt lyrics, easing yet engaging melodies and, similar to each Mark Lennon song, it tells a story and takes the listener on their own musical journey of keeping roots while chasing dreams.”
-Performer Magazine
"Like any great artist he makes it seem effortless and timeless after just a single listen."
-Village Records
"As accessible and tuneful as all the songs are, though, Lennon’s duet with Simone Stevens on “Wildside” has a fragile beauty that goes beyond questions of style or genre, invoking instead the notion that great music knows no such boundaries."
-RadioIndy