This column was going to be called "What Ever Happened To". But it came up with a surprise ending.

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The other day I was looking through my old record albums. You know, those big black discs that preceded CD's. Your parents probably kept some hidden in the closet......
   Anyway I was looking through the "M"s. And I discovered or rather re-discovered my Mahogany Rush albums. A three piece Canadian rock/blues band featuring virtuoso Frank Marino on guitar and vocals. So I threw on the "LIVE" Album. It had regretfully been atleast 15 years since I last listened to any of Frank's music.

   Well, I had forgotten how absolutely incredible he was. Even almost 30 years after it was released. The recording still sounds fresh and current. And Frank's playing is just as good as, if not exceeding most of todays players. Showing he was ahead of his time. Maybe a reason why he went practically un-noticed by the commercial world.

   At a time when guitar music was big. How could such a giant go un-noticed? Maybe with Clapton, Beck and Alvin Lee they felt they didn't need any new heroes.  But Frank Marino was the uncrowned king.  Possessing the technical proficiency of Jeff Beck, the blues power of Eric Clapton and the sheer speed and note density of Alvin Lee. Clearly Frank had the arsenal to storm the castle. But without an army (the masses) behind him. He could only get to the drawbridge. Making him somewhat of a threat. But never getting to take his rightful place on the throne.

   The only one of the big three of the time to even come close to Frank Marino's extreme stylings was Alvin Lee. And Alvin was based deeply in Jazz. Which wasn't a popular at the time. But the movie Woodstock propelled Alvin Lee in stardom with the inclusion of his standard "Going Home". Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush were never  afforded such breaks. Despite 10 years and 10 albums the big hit never came....

    Don't get me wrong. I love all 4 artists I'm talking about here. I just can't believe that Frank wasn't remotely as successful.
   Clapton is unquestionably a God now. But back in the early 70 to the early 80's. A God...No!!.....a white bluesboy at best. (for those who weren't around back in the 60's...clapton fans really proclaimed him to be god) Clapton may be one now. But Frank was already there back then!
   Jeff Beck I can't say anything about. This guy's done it on his own terms since the beginning. And Jeff's music as a whole isn't commercially accessible. But still he managed to have quite the illustrious career. First off any instrumental artist that can stay in the commercial radio mainstream for  as many years as Jeff did gets my full respect.

   I regress...remember, I was listening to my Mahogany Rush Live Album....So as I listened and thought about the overlooking of this great guitarist. I became more perplexed. So I hit the internet for some info on "What Ever Happened To" Frank Marino. Hoping not to find that this speed demon, this metal monster, this rock and blues master was washing dishes at some sloppy diner.

   As it turns out, and as the column heading might refer. My hero....the man I couldn't believe would ever give it up. Never left. He's done some solo albums as well as making contributions to different sound tracks and compilations. Working on a new CD. And a double live CD full of Mahogany Rush material.

   click here to hear KING BEE
a 9 minute blues extravaganza
from the 1st LIVE album.
all other music on this site appears with the permission of the artist. This song is one of the exceptions. It is my belief  that I have no beliefs whatsoever. And that Frank Marino nor his assoc. will be bothered by this. If indeed this is a bad call. And someone of importance wants it removed. e-mail me & it's gone no questions.
....hokey's lawyer

If you want more information on Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush. In my search I found a site with a ton of info like Letters from Frank Marino, albums, lyrics, photos, band history, webrings etc. 22 categories in all. It's called Strange Universe .
While you're there download the 11 minute sampler for the new double live cd.
GREAT SITE WILLY!

past featured artists

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 A masterful Jazz/Blues guitarist. And a kick ass Rock guitarist. That's right I said Rock... There aren't any Rock songs. But yes there's Rock guitar. He's primarily a Jazz/Blues player with a unique knack for combining both. Definitely one of the best fusion stylists I've heard to date.With many other fusion players, there's a definite solid line between styles. But very few have succeeded in creating one seamless indefinable style. Scott Lerner is one that has. Shifting effortlessly between influences. Sometimes within a single phrase. Giving the phrase a whole new meaning. And the music a new feel.

   And the songs where  he throws Rock into the mix. It's an aural experience I'm not sure I've had. As I stated above, his unique ability to travel un-noticed between styles is perfect!! Adding rock to the mix puts it over the top. I mean I'll be sitting back digging some nice jazz piece. And he jumps into some rock style riffing. It's like what was that? You just don't see Scott coming. Keeping even the predictable....un-predictable.

   Scott is quite possibly the "Best Unknown Guitarist". A title once bestowed on the late great Roy Buchanan. The title has recently been vacated. (r.i.p. Roy) Well, I nominate Scott for vacancy! And after hearing his music, you'll second the motion.......

   Scotts unique style is a result of totally immersing himself into the style he loves. From the early classics like Zeppelin, Cream, Stones and Hendrix. (check out the tune krustavia)
   Then onto the progressive bands of the day like Yes, Rush and UK. Logically he jumped to Holdsworth, Steely Dan and The Dixie Dregs. (check out midifunktion) (i see a pattern forming) Ultimately leading to Jazz. And how!!!!!

   There's no question on Scott's Jazzmanship (i just made that word up) OK all joking aside. Scott's skills as a Jazz player are those of a seasoned pro. His songs play like a who's who of styles. His playing and technique are immaculate. I don't remember the last Jazz player to excite me this much. But I'll certainly remember Scott.

   His songs go from clean smooth jazz (check out turnaround)  to frantic no where to hide (check out nuclear sex  monkey) rock influenced. And everything that's jazz in between.

   OK now that you've read the article. And hopefully checked out a couple of the sounds. Here's the clincher. This fantastic artist doesn't have anything for sale right now. But being the smart guy that he is. He building a fan base by letting you download his music for free. So go check out his site for a lot more info and music. Drop him an e-mail to let him know what you think. And by all means, if you dig what you hear spread the word. Help prove that we don't need the big corporates!
   

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SITE INCLUDES:
bio, pics, sounds (lots), gear, video(1)

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I included many of the harder/heavier songs above. So here is another side of Scott Lerner......

Bluetude
slow jazzy blues
(the first song I heard by Scott)
you must check this one out!
MP3 ( 5.0 M )

Foot Prints
clean smoooooth jazz...
MP3 ( 3.2M )

Summertime
even smoooooooother...oh man!
MP3 ( 1.4 M )

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check out Scott's site  for much more.

  BOTTOM LINE:
Jazz not for the faint of heart! The overall tone of Scott's music is Jazz with a serious Rock attitude. With songs for the Jazz purists. But pretty much it will appeal to the popular jazz music fan, to the blues fan, to the rock fan. Heck, even the ceiling fan would love it....If you check out one new artist this year. It should be Scott Lerner!!!!

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