Mark Murdock – The Phoenix Has Risen (Cymbalic Records, 2021)
“The Phoenix Has Risen” is an excellent progressive rock album from drummer, composer and songwriter Mark Murdock. From the very beginning, the album begins with engaging lead bass, powerful drums and Eddie Jobson-style keyboard arrangements, along with fine lead guitar work. The album features several different talented guitarists so it is stylistically diverse and deeply satisfying.
The Phoenix Has Risen delivers high energy progressive rock although free of tiresome metal and hard rock. The vocals by Tim Pepper recall Yes’ Billy Sherwood.
“The Phoenix Has Risen” was composed and produced by Mark during the lockdown of 2020. Mark cites the Phoenix in the title as a symbol of hope in these pandemic times. Mark composed all music and lyrics, including all the keyboard tracks and orchestrations.
Mark Murdock grew up in Phoeniz (Arizona) and currently lives in Tokyo (Japan). His previous work includes Cymbalic Encounters (With Brand X musicians) and Empire (Peter Banks of YES) and most recently The New Empire “Second Lifetime” recording on Forward Motion Records. Mark was also a guest on the YES 50th Anniversary tribute album by Dave Kerzner and Fernando Perdomo.
Musicians: Mark Murdock on drums, synthesizer, piano, orchestra horns, percussion and backing vocals; Tim Pepper on lead vocals; Daniel Kubota on guitar; Kenta Shimokuni on bass; Katsumi Yoneda on guitar; Joe Berger on lead guitar; Preston Murdock on lead guitar; David Rambeau on guitars; Tatsuo Inoue on rhythm guitar; and Rodolfo Falora on bass.
Guests: Ronald Howden (Nektar) on drums; Fernando Perdomo on guitar; and Alan Thomson (Martin Barres Band) on fretless bass.