Rain Shadow…
…a meteorological term meaning on the sheltered side of a mountain range where there is less precipitation because of the wind patterns…
It’s also the title of American progressive acoustic guitar virtuoso Mark Vickness…” In The Rain Shadow” is a personal journey that started when he moved to the high desert in California’s Owens Valley, in late 2020…
Most of the song names on this album have been taken from meteorological or geological terms that the artist experiences every day, as part of the area he lives in, surrounded by nature has definitely given Mark quite the inspiration…we ourselves are from that nature and when we align ourselves closer to the vibrations of mother earth…great things come, like Mark’s album “In The Rain Shadow”.
The album contains 9 tracks and MVI (Mark Vickness Interconnected) is the entity that Mark describes as “MVI intended to reflect musically the idea that we are all part of one incredibly diverse human family”…so let’s get into that family and experience one of the most emotionally touching and musically alluring albums of the year…
The album starts with “High Desert”, an acoustic folk symphony, to say the least, absolutely musical to the highest degrees…with instantly iconic woodwind melodies and violin solos…an excellent intro to the whole world that Mark created.
…the album is also quite diverse and has some unique touches, like the second track “The Gorge”, which starts with something that sounds very unique, like a violin on a wah pedal…or going through a filter…it just sounds absolutely stunning and ear-catching.
“The Gorge” continues to surprise us with the introduction of the electric guitar with all its glory…stunning.
“In The Rain Shadow” continues its surprises till the very last second of the whole experience…and it’s one experience you shouldn’t miss.
…it also features different levels of emotional dynamics, with the first two songs having more upbeat energy to them, then moving to slower gear…something reminiscent of riding a train and sitting in the window seat, taking all the landscapes and mesmerizing nature in…that’s exactly what happens with “Stillness”…an amazing musical ride in nature…a similar effect could be experienced with “Cloud Shadows” but with a more mysterious vibe…not that of ambiguity, but that of amazement of nature and how beautiful it is.
The album ends on the title track “In The Rain Shadow”…a very fitting ending to a wonderful musical experience…Mark is in complete control of our emotions by this time…he took us through the highs and lows…and now, we’re hooked and we need more of his mesmerizing musicality.
“In The Rain Shadow” is a highly recommended musical experience, actually one of the most impressive pieces of music we’ve come across from the start of 2023…check it out right now.
Wishing all the best to Mark, he deserves it…and a lot more.
Can’t wait to hear and experience what the amazing artist has next for the world.
Cheers!