Mark Kelso’s Mystic Isle Project – The Antrim Coast

Released April 21, 2024

MUSICIANS
Mark Kelso: drums | Mike Downes: bass | Luis Gonzalez Deniz: alto & soprano sax | Ewen Farncombe: acoustic piano

The Mystic Isle Project is three-time JUNO nominee, Mark Kelso’s 8th release as a leader. It’s also his most personal recording to date. The 11 songs featured are all dedicated to various places that Mark remembers fondly from his youth growing up in Northern Ireland. Scenic locales such as the Antrim Coast, Portrush, the Giant’s Causeway and Carrickfergus are all included. More personal places such as Duncairn Gardens, where his Mother grew up, Tate’s Avenue Bridge where his Father lived and Ardmillan Drive where Kelso himself was brought home to, as a newborn baby, are all included in the song titles. Mark says, “Even though I’ve lived in Canada since I was 9 years old, Northern Ireland has always stayed close to my heart, and through all the visits there over the years, it has remained one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. I’m thrilled to be honoring my homeland at this point in my life”. This recording is also a loving tribute to his father Sam, (featured on the front cover with Mark as a baby) who started him off playing the drums many years ago.

Joining Mark in his all-star quartet are his long-time musical pals, 2023 JUNO nominated Luis Deniz on alto and soprano sax and two-time JUNO winner, Mike Downes, on acoustic bass. Rounding out the group is up and coming rising star, Ewen Farncombe, on piano. Recorded in November of 2023, at RHC Music in Toronto, Canada, the recording features 11 original pieces of music and was engineered and mixed by three-time JUNO winning sound engineer, Jeff Wolpert. “I truly think that these songs represent my strongest compositions to date.”, says Kelso.

Mark is thrilled to be featured on long-time friend and bassist Roberto Occhipinti’s Jazz label, Modica Music. “To be included alongside Roberto’s amazing list of artists is indeed an honour!”.