Mark Elliott 'American Road' (Cub Creek Records CCR-1967c) Singer, songwriter, Mark Elliott has recently released one of the finest albums I've heard so far this year. His new album, American Road celebrates Mark's arrival among America's songwriting greats. For example, here's the first verse from the title cut: I am an Irish lad walking through Ellis Island I left my native land to see what dreams I’ll find These two hands will work and fight to build for me a better life Where I’ll go God only knows, walkin this American road ... American Road is intelligent, witty, sophisticated, and stylish. It's the kind of album that snares new fans and keeps longtime supporters more than satisfied. More eclectic than electric, American Road is an acoustically charged, high-powered collection of smart songs and irresistible charm. His songwriting skills shine in lyrics such as this this line from Message In A Bottle which talks about a young boy at a summer church camp retreat. He picks up a whiskey bottle and polishes it off with some buddies:"...I chugged it down with my two best friends For me it was religion, for them it was sin..." Brilliant writing, Mark! Within the twelve songs presented on American Road , Elliott examines a range of emotions and issues we all face at various times in our lives. There's optimism that rings true in the cleverly written and arranged - Baseball and Beatles, the pathos of Ride out of Reno and even a song destined to be a true classic, the opening track, and title cut, American Road. Mark says " it's a song about a journey, a sojourn told through the eyes of travelers who have come before - ultimately, it asks the question of my own providence, my own American Road."Mark looks at our place in the natural world, celebrates life and creates real harmonic convergence with the soul-filled spiritual power of doing what you love, and loving what you do best . As a writer, Elliott is taken seriously by major media -- He is a well-published (Sony/ATV Music) Nashville recording artist with his songs having been covered by major label artists and performed both in the United States and internationally. Mark Elliott's latest recording, American Road explores an intemal dialogue of hope, regret, fear, and ultimately triumph of the human spirit. Highly recommended. Review by Ben Kettlewell information: website: http://www.markelliottmusic.com/ Cub Creek Records 8552 Cub Creek Road Nashville, TN 37209 .

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