A Mark In Time

Mark Knopfler Discussion => Mark Knopfler Discussion Forum => Topic started by: Darling Pretty on March 23, 2010, 07:34:44 PM

Title: New John Illsley album
Post by: Darling Pretty on March 23, 2010, 07:34:44 PM
Very interesting I think:

JOHN ILLSLEY NEW ALBUM: Recorded at Mark's British Grove studio, John's new album, Streets of Heaven, will be released on the 17th of May. The 11 track Creek Records CD was produced by John and Guy Fletcher. It features a terrific musical line-up, an Irish rhythym section, a couple of mates from the old days and Mark guesting on two of the tracks. For more info visit John's website. (23/03/10)
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Love Expresso on March 24, 2010, 08:27:57 PM
Yeah, on MKNews, you can listen to the title track. There is a nice guitar on it, but I would bet that it is not one of the two MK-tracks... could be
wrong, but somehow that sounds not like MK to me - it doesn't reach me if you know what I mean. If it is really played by MK, I am flabbergasted...
There is a link to John's site with more information but I can't find which are the two tracks that MK plays on...

LE
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: superval99 on March 24, 2010, 08:41:29 PM
I thought this was a beautiful song and, yes, I do think it is MK playing.   I think I will buy the album!   :)
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Rollergirl on March 24, 2010, 09:14:11 PM
Nice song! Nice to hear his voice has matured since his eighties albums! The guitar is MK of course (or a very good impersonator but why would he play like MK?, doesn't make sense), very nice too!
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Love Expresso on March 24, 2010, 09:25:50 PM
Don't want to be grumpy or something. It is just that I remember John trying to copy MK's guitar style very obviously on some of his latest recordings.
I listened to the song now several times, and yes, of course, it could be MK. I asked Guy about it. The song is very beautiful and I thought the same
about John's voice. It is a little rougher, and it sounds better then on "Glass". In any case, it is an album that I want to have.

LE
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Tally on March 25, 2010, 10:05:07 AM
My guess is that it's John doing his MK impersonation on guitar. Who can blame him, don't we all?  ;D
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Rollergirl on March 25, 2010, 10:31:48 AM
I didn't think he sounded like MK on "beautiful you". Or are you talking about another album?
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: superval99 on March 25, 2010, 11:40:15 AM
My guess is that it's John doing his MK impersonation on guitar. Who can blame him, don't we all?  ;D

Why would John or anyone else impersonate MK when he is there on the album himself!   It just doesn't make sense!    ???
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: dustyvalentino on March 25, 2010, 11:48:27 AM
Why would John or anyone else impersonate MK when he is there on the album himself!   It just doesn't make sense!    ???

John Fogerty did an MK impression on the track he did with MK a while back.

Yes, it's bizarre.
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: koobaa on March 25, 2010, 02:06:15 PM
You mean "Nobody's here anymore", Dusty? John's part sounds VERY much like MK's indeed and it took me a while to realize that Mark's part is actually only filling spaces in the background.

Talking about Streets OF Heaven - I don't know. It is very Knopfleresque guitar but I wouldn't bet it's Mark.
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Jules on March 26, 2010, 10:03:03 AM
I can be wrong (of course) but I
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Tally on March 26, 2010, 11:13:54 AM
I was talking about Streets of Heaven, don't we all? I think it's John under heavy influence from Mark. That should hardly be surprising since he played like Mark with Greg Pearle too.
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: superval99 on March 26, 2010, 11:40:33 AM
Well, before too long we will all know for sure.   I still think it's a lovely song and I like the guitar, whoever it is!    :D
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: dustyvalentino on March 26, 2010, 12:53:36 PM
Will be very interesting to find out if it is MK or not. If it isn't it's one of the most blatant impersonations I've heard, lots of real MK "cliches" in there.

As for the song, meh. Sorry, I'm not particularly interested in buying an album of somebody just because they have an association with MK. I'm no more likely to buy John Illsley's album than Glen Worf's.

Don't get me wrong, John's a lovely guy and of course I love him for his work with DS. But this is really not a great song, the lyrics about "The streets of heaven are paved with gold" are the kind of thing a 16 year old would write in English class.

For those of you saying you will buy this, if you heard it on the radio and didn't know there was any association with MK, would you still buy it?
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: superval99 on March 26, 2010, 01:29:27 PM






For those of you saying you will buy this, if you heard it on the radio and didn't know there was any association with MK, would you still buy it?

Yes, if I had heard more from the album and still liked it.  The same applies to John's album - I need to hear more samples before buying and if I like them, I will buy the CD.    :)
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: tunnel85 on March 26, 2010, 03:36:25 PM
No hesitation : John !
Sounds like so many John Illsley tracks on which we know MK didn't play.

It doesn't matter for me. I prefer John trying to play like MK than MK trying to play like Hank Marvin.  ;D








Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: dustyvalentino on March 26, 2010, 04:00:12 PM
No hesitation : John !
Sounds like so many John Illsley tracks on which we know MK didn't play.

It doesn't matter for me. I prefer John trying to play like MK than MK trying to play like Hank Marvin.  ;D









Ha. MK trying to sound like Hank Marvin sounds so unlike Hank Marvin it becomes something new. :)
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: goldenheart96 on March 26, 2010, 05:09:08 PM
Oh... I just found out John Illsley is on Facebook! Couldn't help but grin when I saw the "Guy Fletcher is now friends with John Illsley" notification in my list of updates  ;D
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Love Expresso on March 26, 2010, 08:53:14 PM
Hi,
I really asked Guy about this but I got no reply this time. So I tried it again, and now I got an automatic answer that I "have a problem with my Sql-blabla
bla, so the question cannot be..." This is the first time that this happens to me, and I asked dozens of questions in Guy's forum over the years... So maybe I try to solve the problem and ask him once more... But maybe I just wait until the album is released, then it will probably be revealed....

LE
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: koobaa on March 27, 2010, 01:56:11 AM
He just answered that two tracks with MK are Streets Of Heaven and Only Time Will Tell. Mystery solved :).
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Love Expresso on March 27, 2010, 07:55:42 AM
Gosh! :o :o So my MK-radar doesn't work properly anymore...?
Anyway, now the next question is: Which guitar did he use? ;D ;D

LE

P.S.
It was my first try that Guy answered now, nearly three days late, I am curious if my second query will pop up, too!
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Jules on March 27, 2010, 08:41:18 AM
I knew I could be wrong on that, but I thought it was unlikely...  :o :o :o

So the guitar in Streets of heaven is MK... hmmm, I wonder if it doesn
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: superval99 on March 27, 2010, 08:55:03 AM
Too much analysing as usual - why not just enjoy!    It is a very beautiful track and if the rest are as beautiful, I will buy!   :)
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: dustyvalentino on March 27, 2010, 09:01:40 AM
Regarding Dusty comments about the John Illsley lyrics, I guess the best part of not being english is that you enjoy the music more, as it
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: superval99 on March 27, 2010, 09:04:08 AM
The bad lyrics can't be blamed on MK, though, dusty.  I just like it anyway  :)
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: dustyvalentino on March 27, 2010, 09:05:24 AM
Um, don't think I blamed MK.  ???
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: superval99 on March 27, 2010, 09:06:39 AM
No, you didn't, sorry!    :)
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Rollergirl on March 27, 2010, 09:28:41 AM
It's John's album, so if he asks MK to play  simple guitar licks, that's what he does. Even if he can do better. As for the lyrics, I am like jbaent, I am attracted to the music first. And this is quite an nice melody.

I don't know if I am going to buy it yet. Although I bought Guy's first album without thinking, just because of what he does on his forum, as a way to give back to him (I happened to like it and have ordered the 2nd one), I wouldn't buy JI's album just because of who he is. I'd have to like it. Although with GF as producer, I know it would sound great on my hifi!

(talking of cheesy lyrics a 15 year old could have written in poetry class....
I wonder if there's no forever, no walking hand in hand, down the yellow brick road, to never never land....)


Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: dustyvalentino on March 27, 2010, 09:38:27 AM
(talking of cheesy lyrics a 15 year old could have written in poetry class....
I wonder if there's no forever, no walking hand in hand, down the yellow brick road, to never never land....)




Quite! Particularly as it has no connection to the rest of the song.  ???
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Rollergirl on March 27, 2010, 09:40:28 AM
but you still bought the album
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: dustyvalentino on March 27, 2010, 01:53:20 PM
but you still bought the album

First song I heard was Secondary Waltz. :)

Never liked TLWNF, although McCusker's part made the live version bearable.
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Rollergirl on March 27, 2010, 02:19:08 PM
my point is (I am having a point making day today  ;D ). Just like you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you shouldn't dismiss an album because of a cheesy line (or whole song even)
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: dustyvalentino on March 27, 2010, 02:47:34 PM
my point is (I am having a point making day today  ;D ). Just like you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you shouldn't dismiss an album because of a cheesy line (or whole song even)

If it's an artist that I've enjoyed before then I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. But I'm not going to take a chance that John Illsley's album is good just because he played bass in Dire Straits.
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Rollergirl on March 27, 2010, 02:55:25 PM
Good point. Although you could look at it the other way: you like DS, JI was a big part of DS, chances are you will like his solo work too. Through connections with MK I discovered a lot of musicians I like (Sonny Landreth for example).
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Tally on March 27, 2010, 05:03:34 PM
I think it was a sound snippet on John's webpage that got my attention, but Streets of Heaven gives me nothing. It's like Guy's songs; sweet, uninteresting pop.
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: draad on March 27, 2010, 08:00:37 PM
Nat - I think you are quite right on this.

I have discovered a lot of great music from a whole variety of artists, simply by picking up on their association with Mark and Guy, and I have even been put onto great music through some of our posters here on AMIT!

I figure our musical tastes are likely to have some things in common and that the likes of MK and Guy would not work with people they don't rate highly. So now I listen to a lot of  JI, William Topley, The Coral, Landreth, Lucinda Williams, to name but a few. Artists I might never have found out about except by association with MK/Guy/you chaps.

You pay your money and you take your chance, but for me, it's all a bit of an exciting journey. I'll be buying Streets of Heaven for sure.
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: draad on March 27, 2010, 08:10:36 PM
Oh - and I forgot to add Scott McKeon - checked him out simply cos he's managed by PCM. This young guitarist is breathtakingly brilliant and has a new album out shortly. On the off chance you may like some of the things I like, give him a listen.
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Rollergirl on March 27, 2010, 08:14:18 PM
And I checked out the Riders just because Guy produced their 2nd album. And I love them! Their first album is just as good and I can't wait for the 3rd one. http://www.theridersmusic.com/store

I' going to check out  Scott McKeon  now  ;D
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: draad on March 27, 2010, 08:16:07 PM
Good girl!
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: dustyvalentino on March 28, 2010, 09:03:37 AM
Oh sure, I've discovered lots of artists because of MK, but that doesn't mean I'll buy everything by eveybody. And the odds aren't good in John's favour. MK didn't work with him because he was a great songwriter or guitarist, but because he was a competent bassist.

So I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and take a listen, but the one track I've heard really isn't very good IMO.

The only reason I might buy the album would be to hear MK's contributions, which as we know usually lift any track.
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: FenderBender on March 28, 2010, 01:47:54 PM
Hasn't lifted Streets of Heaven for me I'm afraid. Sounds like it could be a great cure for insomnia though.
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: draad on March 28, 2010, 09:51:27 PM
FYI.

Scott McKeon may be just twenty three but he has already given a lifetime of dedication to his craft as a guitarist, singer and songwriter. Initially inspired by his dad's love of blues and fifties rock n roll music he took up the guitar at the age of four. In 1998, Scott was the winner of Guitarist Magazine's "Young Guitarist of the Year" and by the age of fourteen, he was already fronting his own band. At 18, a CD was passed onto Paul Crockford, Mark Knopfler's manager, who started representing Scott which culminated in the release of his debut album "Can't Take No More" an energetic and raw take on modern electric blues. To promote the album Scott toured extensively in the UK, Europe and US, sharing performance space with Eric Clapton at Hyde Park Calling in 2008, Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter and Joe Bonamassa to name a few as well as playing the Montreal Jazz festival and making US TV appearances. In the past two years, Scott has continued writing, touring and producing his own music as well as that of other artists such as The Bizets and James Parker. He wrote music for Robert Knight's "Rock Prophecies" Documentary which won him a RIIFF award for "Best Soundtrack". The makers of Guitar Hero Five also sought him out in order to have a track on their game as did the makers of the TV show LA Task Force. During 2009 Scott spent time writing in Nashville which included working with up and coming artist Tyler Bryant. He was also lucky enough to open for some of his greatest musical heroes this past year, including Derek Trucks and the Arc Angels and made his first performance at the Royal Albert Hall supporting Joe Bonamassa. Scott is a raw and naturally gifted guitarist who has come into his own as a singer/songwriter. His work producing other artists inspired him to take the lead in producing his new record. Scott
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: localhero1986 on March 30, 2010, 09:41:41 PM
you shouldn't judge a book by its cover

DK wrote a song about that, called "one thing leads to another", beautiful song btw. ;D

I just listened to streets of heaven, nice song I have to say.
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: superval99 on April 04, 2010, 10:39:40 AM
"Toe the Line" - another track from John's album can be heard on his website

http://www.johnillsley.com/

I like this one too!   :)
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Love Expresso on April 04, 2010, 11:05:30 AM
Yes, sounds not bad!

As Guy told us, the other track that MK is playing on is "Only Time Will Tell" which means that the guitar on this track here is not MK, although it sounds
very much like him. And that was what I tried to say earlier, when I wrote that John tries to sound like his friend. Given that this is John and not another guest...

LE
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: superval99 on April 04, 2010, 11:23:08 AM
LE - On this track I had no doubt that it was John being a bit Knopfleresque.   :)  
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: allen on April 04, 2010, 01:49:37 PM
Anyone got a chance to listen to this?

New Material to Premiere on Aled Jones' Radio 2 Programme
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

John's new material will get its worldwide premiere on Easter Sunday (4th April) ,  when the song "Only Time Will Tell" is played at Sunday Spotlight on Aled Jones' Radio 2 programme Good Morning Sunday, between 6.00am and 9.00am GMT

"Only Time Will Tell" is one of two songs from John's new album "Streets Of Heaven" which features Mark Knopfler on guitar.

Streets Of Heaven is released on May 17th.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00rt9d2
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: superval99 on April 04, 2010, 01:54:32 PM
Too late for us in UK, allen!    :-\   It's lunch-time now!   :)  It may be on iplayer, though.  I'll have a look.
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: allen on April 04, 2010, 02:00:42 PM
Try this:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b00rt9d2

Instesd of playing Only Time Will Tell, he played Streets of Heaven at 2:19:08

Wishes
Allen
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: superval99 on April 04, 2010, 02:19:15 PM
Thanks allen. I just listened, but it was really short!    I would have liked to hear Only Time Will Tell.
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: koobaa on April 09, 2010, 04:06:39 AM
According to MK News, Mark plays acoustic on Only Time Will Tell.
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Tally on April 13, 2010, 06:08:19 PM
Did anyone mention that John borrows fron Simon and Garfunkel?

From You Can Tell the World:
"I don't know, but I've been told / streets of heaven are paved with gold".

Maybe it's a clich
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Jules on April 17, 2010, 04:18:16 PM
Probably it is  ;)

I read in Guy
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Jarle on April 27, 2010, 08:22:13 AM
Here is a video from British Grove. John plays "Toe the line". Sounds really nice in my ears :) I like his guitar sound og soloing...

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdrvmuAeJK4&feature=player_embedded#!
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Tally on April 27, 2010, 10:25:28 AM
Holy cow, that's a really good tune! Hats off to John.

I like his voice, the guitar (especially the rhytm), the verses, chorus... Impressive.
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: draad on April 27, 2010, 12:07:30 PM
Despite a degree of "blandness", I find myself really liking this. I think it's the rythm that catches you. V keen to hear the rest of the album.
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Best Brown Baggies on April 27, 2010, 01:01:25 PM
I just received an email to say i won a free ticket to his secret show in London on May 12th. ;D

It's at the Gibson Guitar rooms in London. (Not secret anymore) :lol

Anyone know any info re. the venue???

Cheers   BBB
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Rollergirl on April 27, 2010, 01:33:16 PM
Wow cool BBB! Enjoy!
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: superval99 on April 27, 2010, 01:40:15 PM
I'm really pleased for you BBB!    Have a great time!    :D
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Best Brown Baggies on April 29, 2010, 12:53:03 PM
Hi all.
Just to let you know if anyone is interested.
The comp was to win 1 tix only, but i kindly asked in an email if i could bring a guest.
This request has kindly been granted. :)
I have a local friend who i may well ask, but he's not really a fan. My wife doesn't want to go, so i was wondering if anyone wants a trip to London and a free tix to see John Illsley. The bonus being spending a day/evening with BBB ;) :-* :lol ??? ;D
If anyone is interested, then please pm me.

Cheers   BBB
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Rollergirl on April 29, 2010, 01:11:38 PM
I would say the gig is the bonus!
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Best Brown Baggies on May 11, 2010, 01:26:19 PM
Hi all. Looks like i'm still 'Billy No Mates' in London tomorrow to see John Illsley at his 'invite only' preview of songs from his new album.
If anyone from the forum is in London tomorrow, and fancies a free invite with me to the gig, then please PM me.

Cheers    BBB
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Justme on May 13, 2010, 06:49:06 PM
Hi all. Looks like i'm still 'Billy No Mates' in London tomorrow to see John Illsley at his 'invite only' preview of songs from his new album.
If anyone from the forum is in London tomorrow, and fancies a free invite with me to the gig, then please PM me.

Cheers    BBB

Hey, how was your evening? Did JI play some of the 'old' stuff?
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Slavi on May 14, 2010, 02:10:45 PM
Hi Nigel, how was the concert? Tell usssss  :D....Any photos?
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Best Brown Baggies on May 14, 2010, 09:48:50 PM
I'll post a review in a couple of days, but i will say it was a great evening, with Chris White in attendance too. ;D
They played for 1 hr only, & played about 10 songs. I was going to swipe the setlist from the stage, but was beaten to it. :disbelief
There was just over 100 people there i'd say.
Set included 2 Straits songs. WOL at the start, MFN at the end.

A full review as soon as i get a free hour or so. ;)
I did take some pics, i'll see if i can attach some to my review. :)

Cheers   BBB
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Slavi on May 15, 2010, 06:30:24 PM
Thank you, BBB!! Can't wait... ;D
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: sweetsurrender on May 21, 2010, 03:21:38 AM
Wow ! That was really really good " toe the line" the vid from Youtube.  Now, I've got to go check out the entire album or buy it. 

Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: Dutchessy on August 04, 2010, 07:30:47 PM
Ok,

Re-open the discussion I think...

Streets of heaven in the studio (without MK, or is this a video shot by a studio recording with MK?)
And who's playing the acoustic guitar in the song? In this video there isn't a acoustic guitar player)


 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK-gLZxzk2g

+ This forum post on guy's forum...

Here's my question. You said here that Mark played on streets of heaven (that i immidiately identified when i listened the song the first time), but i got a great surprise to see the studio session at Grove's studio concerning this song. It seems evident that the lead guitar is played by John on this footage... Can u tell me an explaination about this apparent nonsens?

Guy:

I could have got that wrong, if so, sorry. Mark did play on the record though.   


So, you're guys where right... It isn't Mark on Streets of heaven...

Next question will be:

On wich 2 songs does Mark play then?

1. Only time will tell
2. ???

Who knows it? It's probably in the credits, but I haven't the album :P


-- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Discussed with Nelly

It IS Mark on Streets of Heaven, But he isn't on the video. Here John 'plays' it. Kind of playback on guitar ;)

Sorry for re-open this ;) Probably everyone knew this already? :lol

Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: knopflerized on August 04, 2010, 07:39:35 PM
According to the booklet  f JI 's Album Mark Is playing the lead guitar on both Street of heaven and  Only time Will Tell
Title: Re: New John Illsley album
Post by: ustas on August 04, 2010, 09:49:31 PM
I'm sure that it's Mark's solo as well as that solo was played by Strat. It is just "playback" studio video. Why does John do it? We should ask two friends - Mark and John. Both of them have a right to do joke likes this.

P.S. And thanks for link!