mark lucas & the dead setters
“a genuine talent for creative narrative, some truly exceptional
brushes with lyrical genius– the urban country experience
has never sounded so appealing.” M.W. -Americana UK
Formed as a vehicle for Sydney based singer-songwriter, Mark Lucas, the dead setters are a country/roots band with a difference, An energetic collision of harmony fuelled roots and blues equally at home with traditional acoustic “Down from the Mountain” material as they are with straight ahead barnstorming, floor polishing honky-tonk and swing, not to mention Bob Dylan., the band have played at venues such as the Rocks Square, country music and folk festivals and any number of pubs and clubs.
The dead setters draw from a range of influences encompassing everything from the traditional- Hank Williams and Merle Haggard, to the more contemporary, including a nod to such local luminaries as Paul Kelly, Kevin Bennett and Broderick Smith. The band brings a dry wit and & an off-beat sense of fun to their gigs guaranteed to get people in high spirits. Freed from the constraints of traditional bluegrass, the combination of Glenn Skarratt’s contemporary take on mandolin & Mark Oats’ inspired fiddle style frequently results in incendiary flights of interplay, this counterpointed by Mark’s brittle guitar style (somewhere between early Robbie Robertson & the late Clarence White) makes the band a dynamic live act.
November 2005 saw the release of Mark’s fourth album – a collection of songs in a bluegrass style which spin tales rooted in the dark underbelly of urban experience, yet informed by a land as untamed and contrasting as the characters who inhabit it...Australian roots music at its descriptive, reflective best.
“White Man Soul, sunburned country and the urban blues”
“a near perfect musical setting for these distinctly Australian tales of restless souls,
ghosts of the past, desert vistas and suburban angst.”
– Kim Cheshire, Country Update
“a sheer joy on repeated listening”
– David Dawson, Beat Magazine
“well written, well played, a gentle pleasure, and virtually impossible to dislike.”
- Patrick Wilkins, Americana
“one of Australia’s premier songwriters.”
- Ken Date krd country.com
The group features:
Mark Lucas - vocals, guitars
Lead vocalist and guitarist, Mark Lucas has nearly 20 years experience as a semi-professional behind him, starting out in country bands in his native England before enjoying a varied career on the local Sydney pop/rock scene. He is probably best known in country music circles as former front man for seminal alt-country types, The Parwills, as well as a gifted songwriter with two solo albums and a number of awards to his credit
Glenn Skarratt – mandolin, guitar, vocals
Glenn is a multi-talented professional musician whose credits include stints with respected bluegrass exponents Acoustic Shock, as well as The Murray Hillbillys and Donna Boyd. He is also house engineer at Herman Kovacs’ Ramrod Studios, and has worked in the studio with most of country music’s leading instrumental talents.
Chris Mearns – bass, vocals
Chris is another musician who has been around for many years, firstly as pianist in show bands, and then as bass player in various country bands. Most recently he has toured as a member of the multi-award winning Handpicked.
Steve Gunning – drums, vocals
The latest addition to the band, Steve brings a wealth of experience including time with Vicky O’Keefe, Glenn Rhodes, Grace Knight and Margaret Urlich.
Mark Oats – fiddle, vocals
Mark needs little introduction as one of Australia’s most respected and recognizable instrumentalists. A mainstay of the perennial Bushwackers, and Fiddlefest he is also well known for the collision of Irish lunacy and instrumental virtuosity that is Finn MacCool, as well as appearing in any number of other guises at festivals all around the country.
The dead setters are available as a four or five piece band, or in two or three piece acoustic “unplugged” mode, as required.
For all publicity enquiries contact:
RUM Entertainment, ph/fax 02 4285 1461, mob 0439 730 460, rumentertainment@bigpond.com
For bookings and further information:
songsmith managemen tPO Box 53, Leichhardt NSW 2040
61 2 9518 0392, Fax: 02 9569 9335, Mob: 0412 646 288
Email: mark@songsmith.com.au
Live at 2005 NSW Film Industry Carnival- Blackmore Oval
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