Search - Mark Spoelstra :: Out of My Hands

My folk hero is back

Joshua Spoelstra | Stockton, CA | 02/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I may be biased since this recording was made by my father, but this is is some of his best work. I gravitated, upon hearing some of the songs firsthand, towards his light but ornate instrumentals.
I'm further biased by his inclusion of a song dedicated to my 2 1/2 year old daughter Ileanna. While my father has included his newest songs within this collection he has included other songs that I grew up with. These songs ( S.F. Zoo, Pickle Song) are so familiar to me sometimes I forget that others haven't necessarily heard them already.
Pick up this CD it comes with the heart and soul of a true American Folk Singer who after years of struggle offers you some truly vintage songs 25 yeard in the making and the artistry of a well tuned performer."

Comfort Music

gjonesanimhs | Santa Rosa, CA. | 03/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Listening to this is like eating your grandmother's cooking. It's just as good as it was 30 years ago. I grew up on Mark's music, and when I first put this CD into my deck, heard the first few notes, I was ten years old again! The melodic quaility of his voice, his superb guitar playing haven't suffered the ravages of time.
The only thing that one might find missing from this colection of songs, compared to Mark's earlier albums, are the political and social ballads (12th Ave., White Winged Dove etc.), that were so prevelant in the 60's. I attribute this change of content in his music, to Mark's family and his own spirituality having become such an important part of his life.
The children's songs are heartfelt and honest, up-beat and happy. The blues influence is still strong in "Out Of My Hands", with tracks such as "T-Bone T-Bone Blues". The instrumental piece, "San Joaquin County Fair" is one of the best guitar pieces you will ever hear. If you want music that is great for the whole family, I strongly advise you to buy Mark Spoelstra's "Out Of My Hands"!!!"

What a pleasant suprise!

Dean Kauffman | Arlington, VA USA | 07/29/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've often checked the web for any info on "What ever happened to Mark Spoelstra.." and now I know. He's back! Really an enjoyable album -he can still play that 12-string and the 6-string too. His blues sound so right - how come they call it the blues when it makes you smile so? I first heard his music when we were in alternative service orientation in 1963 and its just as good today. I would would enjoy him recording "Just a closer walk with thee" which he played back then but worried that it might be too bluesy for the church he was going to be performing in! Hope this isn't the last album - and I hope it gets noticed! It deserves it!"