PRESS RELEASE:

In 1973, critically acclaimed singer songwriter, Gary Marks, self-produced his first album, "Gathering." His original music was accompanied by his band of future jazz greats, including guitarist John Scofield, pianist Michael Cochrane, and vibraphonist David Samuels. The LP was picked up and distributed internationally by Carla Bley’s prestigious "J.C.O.A." label.

Thirty three years later Kindred Spirits record label will re-release this folk rock classic. September 2006 is the present release date.

What was “Gathering?” It was a unique amalgam of great songwriting, stunning instrumental playing, and lyrics that spoke in a poetic voice like no other artist of his era. “Gathering” grew in stature through the years, as Marks continued his songwriting career, John Scofield became one of the world’s most famous guitarists, and David Samuels and Michael Cochrane became internationally recognized.

Marks released two other albums in the 1970’s - - "Upon Oanda's Wing," and "Thoughts of Why." During that time Gary introduced Scofield and Samuels to three other brilliant musicians that he had met on the West Coast: Art Lande, Mark Isham, and Paul McCandless, of " Oregon." They were soon all playing on Marks’ new recordings.

          Jazz Magazine 's W. Patrick Hinely wrote:
 ". . . A flow chart of 'Upon Oanda's Wing' might closely resemble some of Milton Nasciemento's EMI albums, which still serve as a paragon for anyone trying to be equally convincing across the board, from tight vocals and arrangements, to wide open instrumental playing."

In the coming decades Gary Marks became known as one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s most unique and sophisticated pop song writers. Wanting to avoid the grind of long tours he agreed to a publishing deal with Famous Music-Paramount. Soon thereafter, other artists like Teresa Trull and Chris Williamson were singing his songs.

          When the San Francisco Bay Guardian published it's18th annual "Best of San Francisco" edition in 1996, Marks' songwriting career was highlighted:

"Marks is a meticulous craftsman, injecting hismodern rock sound with interesting harmonic subtleties and powerful lyrics. . . [His] lyrics poetically address how we treat each other and our planet."

The re-release of “Gathering” will begin a new cycle in Marks’ career – pausing briefly for a look back.

Presently Marks is also working on his tenth recording, with a release planned in early in 2007.