We first became aware of London-based singer/producer/bassist/multi-instrumentalist DEAN MARK just before last Christmas. His wonderous single, ‘I Wanna Touch You Baby’ won lots and lots of plays from the best soul stations and earned bags and bags of praise from the savvier soul commentators.
The song, of course, was originally by Roy Ayers (it first appeared on the man’s 1978 LP, ‘You Send Me’) but Mr Marks put a whole new spin on it and he even managed to get Roy back into the studio to lend a hand delivering some sweet and tasty vibraphone fills. Dean also hit his address book to call sax man Najee to take part while he drafted in London powerhouse soulstress Vula to join him on vocals.
Sadly we heard no more recorded music from Dean but now, almost 12 months down the line, we’re pleased to announce that he has a whole album on the way and it’s his debut solo set… ‘Goosebumps And Butterflies’. ‘I Wanna Touch You Baby’ is, of course, one of the focus tracks, though the title track is being released on 15th November as a taster. The cut’s a big, steady, insistent, contemporary soul groove. Clever old Dean has written and produced the track and he plays all the instruments himself (apart from the drums).
Another track to watch out for is a reimagining of Stevie Wonder’s ‘I Don’t Know Why’ (vocals from DeCosta Boyce), while amongst the LP’s other guest contributors are Romina Johnson, Don E, Johnny Britt, Ola Onabule and Will Downing! However, we’ll have to wait till the album’s released on 19th November to enjoy all that!
