One Take Radio Sessions

Mark Knopfler is a guitarist, singer, songwriter, and bandleader. His group, Dire Straits, was formed in London in 1977 and went on to become an international success after the release of its debut in 1978. With distinguished vocals, dynamic lyrics and dynamite guitar playing, Mark Knopfler can afford to rest on his laurels. After all, the former Dire Straits frontman has helped shape the course of rock 'n' roll history. But he made a curious move this year. Coinciding with his return to the U.S. stage and his first concert tour in four years, Knopfler released his first live solo EP, One Take Radio Sessions recorded in "one take" at Shangri-La Studios in Malibu, California, this past summer. Knopfler sat down with his band and played seven tracks from his current album, Shangri-La. Also included on the exceptional One Take Radio Sessions is Rudiger from Mark's first solo album, Golden Heart.

One Take Radio Sessions is grittier than its companion disc, heavy on the signature guitar sound of the multiple Grammy winner who has sold more than 110 million albums worldwide. The intimate setting offers added poignancy to The Trawlerman's Song and casts Back to Tupelo in bluesier, more supple tones, while Song For Sonny Liston bristles with grittier energy. Mark gives a great vocal performance on Song For Sonny Liston – you can almost hear him smirking as he delivers the lyrics. Fans of Knopfler's fluid, expressive guitar technique will find much to admire as well, from the sprightly, country-fied chicken-pickin' of Donegan's Gone to the tasteful, economic soloing on Boom, Like That and Everybody Pays. But, as on the album that inspired this EP, the real star here is Knopfler the songwriter – an artist whose choice in themes and subtle wordplay has become the equal of his compelling fretwork.

The band that accompanies Mark Knopfler (vocals and guitars) on One Take Radio Sessions features Richard Bennett (guitar), Jim Cox and Matt Rollings (keyboards), Glenn Worf (bass) and Chad Cromwell (drums). In addition, Doug Pettibone plays electric guitar on Back to Tupelo and Boom, Like That and mandolin on Stand Up Guy. Mark Knopfler's EP release and tour spark hope for a new album where his passion and guitar playing are unbridled.