Dancin’ Party-Mark Keeley, available on digital platforms.
Released- 1st February 2024.
Recorded: during lock down at Marks home studio.
Cover design: By Mark Keeley
Reviewed by Terry Mead : 15/10/2024.
Mark Keeley is from Gravesend, Kent, UK. He is well known on the dancing circuit as a solo artist and along with his band “Good Rocking Tonight”. This solo album contains twenty-one cover tracks all self-produced containing backing tracks, piano & rhythm guitar with a few backing vocals and some extras added, hence a truly solo performance.
Album Review : So, lets kick off this dance party with an old Shakin’ Stevens number “My Cutie Cutie” a lively parody just like its predecessor full of energy. This is followed up by the classic “Chantilly lace” done in the Big Bopper style, then we arrive at the title track “Dancin’ Party” which gives Chubby Checkers original tune a fine airing to this sing along track. The most played dance hall track from a few years back follows “High Class Lady” always a floor filler and Mark covers it well here with a few sound hiccups. Bill Reeder’s “Till I Waltz Again With You” sounds out next full on and fast-paced. The next three cover tracks are from well-known American artists and Mark has captured their sounds and repertoire to the letter here. Moving onto “Come On Let’s” I feel Mark has taken on Richie Valens original but paid tribute to Tommy Steele’s cover here. A different take on Big Joe Turners “Boogie Woogie Country Girl” more of a modern hype rather than a R&B sound. “Shirley’s” up next from John Fred more famous for his later hit “Judy In Disguise” and he’s kept to its original format always has been a catchy tune. Two done originally by Elvis next both have been kept to their origins in context and sound. Mark treats us to the sound of Clarence “Frogman” Henry’s “But I Do” on track fourteen and it’s a fitting respective piece from him. So, we now heading towards the end but before we get there, there are furthers tracks from Elvis, Eddie Cochran, Chuck Berry and The Everly’s, all superbly mastered and performed at a slow and medium dance pace. In between we must mention “Corine Corrina” one of those timeless numbers which can be traced back to 1928 and it’s an awesome jiver from Mark here. We end with Billy Fury’s “The Night Has A Thousand Eyes” an old favourite of mine from him and a fitting way to finish the album captured here by Mark to a high degree and perfect beat.
But wait its not over yet we have a bonus track “El Camino Real” no introduction needed here always popular on the dance floor and Mark gives it a great working into a quality performance sure to fill the floor if he plays it live.
So, to Summarise YES it is a “Dancin’ Party ideal for any gathering or cruising down the highway. The array of numbers by different original artists gives you an idea of the scope of this album, Mark gives a solid and resounding performance well worth checking it out.
Links to Social Media :
Track List :
1.My Cutie Cutie
2.Chantilly Lace
3.Dancin’ Party
4.High Class Lady
5.Till I Waltz Again With You
6.Fool’s Paradise
7.Put Your Head On My Shoulder
8.Paralyzed
9.Come On Let’s Go
10.Boogie Woogie Country Girl
11.Shirley
12.I Want You I Need You
13.Bossa Nova Baby
14.But I Do
15.The Girl Of My Best Friend
16.Rock n Roll Blues
17.Reelin’ and Rockin’
18.Corrine Corrina
19.Claudette
20.The Night Has A Thousand Eyes
21.El Camino Real (Bonus track).
Band Bio: (In Marks own words)
Mark Keeley has established himself as the No.1 rock ‘n’ roll singer in the UK & all over Europe and a sensation wherever he appears.
The very talented and dynamic Mark Keeley (lead vocals/guitar/piano) has gone from strength to strength since his appearance on Sky TV, in 1988 which led to his National TV debut. Other TV Appearances have since followed, (including The National Lottery) 1998, also a ten minute part on “Where The Heart Is” on ITV with Mark’s band “Good Rockin’ Tonight”.(1998) The most recent TV showing was “High School Dance” on digital E4.(2001) Mark was a big part in the promotion of the American hit TV series “Sullivan & Son” for TBS across America, where his Good Rockin’ Tonight’s version of Elvis’s song “What A Wonderful Life” was a major feature in the promotion (2014). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzHtiOpjYQo (It was played throughout the world on TV, Internet, Theatres & Digital radio…!!!)
He has supported many of today’s big name attractions including Bill Haley's original ‘Comets’, Marti Wilde, Buddy Holly's ‘Crickets’, The Drifters, Joe Longthorne, Showaddywaddy, Freddie Starr & Jim Davidson to name but a few.
Mark has appeared at many top line venues including The London and Coventry Hilton Hotels, Butlins, Haven-Warner, Pontins, Chicago Rock Cafés, Brannigans, Grosvenor Casino’s…the list goes on…
This vibrant singer is in constant demand both in the UK and abroad. He regularly tours and have plays in such countries as Spain, Germany, Greece, Holland and Israel & the USA.
This sensational spectacular is adored by every age group, which makes it ideal for theatre, TV, hotels, cabaret, and corporate and private functions everywhere. Bookers and promoters far and wide choose “Mark Keeley”, as they are assured of first-class professionalism & entertainment and in the words of the critics -“musically and visually stunning - pure excitement”-“He’s in a league of his own”
Mark has released thirty CDs to date, including a Xmas album. He also has a following in nearly every part of the country and abroad.
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