Jack Marks @ NXNE 2009

Mitzi's Sister

Toronto, ON

on Jun 20 2009

Evan Dickson (CHARTattack)

06/22/2009 1:37pm

Background/ Composition:
The singer/songwriter from far off Claremont, Ont. brought a backing band that included a double bass and a guy who switched between harmonica and mandolin.

Grade: 75

Comment:
Jack Marks and his band of plaid shirts sounded like a cross between solo folk Bob Dylan and later electric Bob Dylan. He really had a Dylan thing going on. It wasn't an especially exciting performance. Marks stared straight ahead and sang his songs. The tunes were pleasant, though, and his band knew their stuff.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: S
Pronunciation: G
Stage Presence: S
Stage Banter: S
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: S

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
What's wrong with trying to sing like Bob Dylan? It's a time-honoured style employed by folkies of every stripe. It wasn't a direct impression, as Marks was good enough to sing on key.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: G
Organization: G
Audience Participation: S
Sound: G
Composition: G
Songs: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Marks' tunes slid around on the blues/country/folk spectrum. The players weren't flashy, but they filled their roles with no mistakes. A real team. The last song they played had a great shuffle to it that got the seated crowd moving a little.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: S
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: G
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposable Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: N
Actual Ability: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Like every musical subgenre, country/folk has its own uniform. It's that sort of clean cut blue collar boy look with new jeans, plaid snap-up shirts, suit jackets, and tidy hair. Next step: band photos in a field.