The career path of Mark Zeus has not been what most might consider as typical, although a typical music career might also be considered an oxymoron. None-the-less, if we were to look back at the twists and turns of this versatile musician’s and songwriter’s life and times, as well as his music, we would find perseverance and a drive for consistency underlining the spirit of both his artistry and musicianship. In the first half of the 1990s a perfect storm of ideas, melodies, lyrics and musical friendships came together, amidst some very trying, as well as special, moments and times in his life. The defining result of that storm became the album, Bridging the Gap. Although as a commercial product it did not achieve much success, it became a strong favorite amongst friends and fans. To this day, many of the songs included in the collection are still staples at Mark’s live shows. After it went out of print in 2002, many fans, old and new, began expressing an interest in having those songs on CD. Time passed, but it had always been on his mind to rerelease the collection. The idea to actually extend it by including other tracks from the early 90s that never made it to CD, came in 2010. Soon thereafter, it was also determined that the first track, “Between the Cradle and the Grave”, written in ’02, would also be included. It has been a special song to some of Zeus’ friends, and the theme fit the project perfectly. Again, twists and turns, and other projects and priorities delayed its completion until ’16, but here it finally is. So, we hope you will enjoy the music, the messages and the ride they will take you on…
Below are the author’s brief descriptions and/or thoughts on each tune, most are from the original release, followed by the musician credits.
1. Between the Cradle and the Grave
As you might imagine, my move to Texas in the early 2000s spawned a diverse mix of song ideas. This one draws from a theme that I often like to visit- shared human experience and community. The concept of “Legacy” is one that many of us hold dear. Let’s hope that the legacy we leave affects others in a way that causes them to aspire to a better life and world. That’s really all we can ask and hope for..
Zeus- Acoustic Guitars
Wayne Wilkerson- Electric Guitars
Kristi Heaton- Harmony Vocals
Greg Partyka- Drums
John Haddad- Bass
Brian Thomas- Dobro
2. Middle of Your Life
As one of the recordings recovered from the cassette compilation, Now and Then, you might find this as an earlier perspective on a similar theme to “Between the Cradle & the Grave” with a bit more of an existential and romantic twist. “In the middle” is where we all are. There’s no need to look back and wonder. Live for today and be you!
Zeus- Acoustic Guitar
Frank Kvinge- Electric Guitar
Steve Wozny- Piano, Harmony Vocal
Mindy Weiss- Organ, Harmony Vocal
Michael Carney- Drums
Scott Kassal- Bass
3. Daddy Was a Famous Man
This one started as a knock on society’s perception of heroes. It became that, but obviously gained a greater meaning for me upon its completion. I’m glad others relate to the message as well.
Zeus- Acoustic Guitar
Judi Riley- Harmony Vocal
Howard Levy- Harmonica, Strings
Michael Carney- Drums
Scott Kassal- Bass
4. El Dorado
My brother, Phil, is a fine poet. Years ago he handed me several sets of lyrics. Years later I decided to work with these. I can’t remember when this tune was finished, but it was many years ago. To date it is still our only collaboration.
Zeus- Acoustic Guitar, Harmony Vocals
Tom O’Brien- Electric Guitar, Mandolin
Michael Carney- Drums, Harmony Vocals
Steve Wozny- Piano
Scott Kassal- Bass
John Rice- Dobro
Mindy Weiss- Harmony Vocals
5. Ship in the Wind
I originally wrote this song to reflect the uncertain future of the Eastern European nations following the fall of the Iron Curtain, but after Kelly added the flutes and I heard her African influences, I found it to be much more universal.
Zeus- Acoustic Guitars, Harmony Vocal, Bass
Kelly Armour- Bass and Soprano Flutes
Gus DeLao- Congas,
6. Insecure Treasures
I taught High School back in the late 80s and early 90s at the same school I attended, Weber H.S.. Looking into the faces of the students, I often saw myself, or at least a vision of someone I thought I had been. There is an innocence of spirit within youth. I felt it my duty to understand the changing stasis they would soon experience. The original recording was included on Now and Then in ’90. This recording was done in 2016- firstly at Dr. Caw, as a live in-studio with Steve and me, Marlon adding the harmony later in that session. Maddy added her cello a couple months later at my place in Houston.
Zeus- Acoustic Guitar
Steve Wozny- Piano & Sampled Strings
Madeline Herdeman- Electric Cello
Marlon St. John- Harmony Vocal
7. Evil Weed
I don’t remember the name of it, but a “Reefer Madness” style flick came on the tube at 4am one late night and I immediately wrote this ditty. Marck, Jeff and I often performed together as The Three Acoustic Dudes..
Zeus- Bass, Guitar & Backing Vocals
Gus DeLao- Congas
Rico Russel- Baritone Sax
Marck Bailey- Harmony Vocals
Jeff Lalowski- Harmony Vocals
8. Back to Mississippi
After years of being in the bar and restaurant business, which is where you usually wind up when you decide to become a musician, I often commiserated with the owners, managers and employees of the establishments in which I played. I think I wrote this for them, although it works for a lot of us in general when you just want to get the hell outta Dodge. I never spent much time in Mississippi, but I figured it was as good as a place as any to be from, and the alliteration works great!
Zeus- Acoustic Guitar & Backing Vocals
Frank Kvinge- Electric Guitars
Mindy Weiss- Organ & Backing Vocals
Scott Kassal- Bass
Mike Carney- Drums & Backing Vocals
Rico Russel- Sax and Horns
9. I Love Me
I wrote this for a songwriting class in 1987. It turned out to be my anthem for the 80s. I hope no one thinks I’m really like this guy. lol
Zeus- Acoustic Guitar
Tom O’Brien- Electric Guitar
John Rice- Fiddle & Dobro
Scott Kassal- Bass
Mike Carney- Drums
Rico Russel- Alto Sax
Steve Wozny- Piano
10. Heavy Crosses
A happy ending to a sad song. I wrote this shortly after a good friend and colleague, Doug Mazique, died. The message here is: Life is short- grieve, then get on with it. I think Dougy would agree.
Zeus- Acoustic Guitar
John Rice- Hawaiian Slide Guitar
Steve Wozny- Piano
11. Somebody’s Heaven
Are you ready for the world of virtual reality? The power of suggestion has already been cleverly masked behind the media of print, radio, TV and the internet. Imagine the allure of a dreamscape experienced while physically conscious, and imagine the power of controlling it.
Zeus- Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Bass
Judi Riley- Harmony Vocal
John Rice- Mandolins
Garrett Hammond- Drums
12. Land of the Lords
I guess I’m saying that things haven’t changed much; only the rhetoric and the titles of those who rule are different.
Zeus- Acoustic Guitar, Sampled Cellos
Kathleen Keane- Irish Flute
John Rice- Mandolins
13. Seasons
Using the ultimate metaphor, it just seemed to write itself.
Zeus- Acoustic Guitar, Sampled Double Bass
Rico Russell- Sampled Woodwinds
Judi Riley- Harmony Vocals
14. Since You Went Away
Somehow I believe that all of us have been there. Whether it be a lover, a father or a friend, we feel the pain, then the resolve. There then inevitably comes a day of reckoning.
Zeus- Acoustic Guitar, Sampled Strings
Steve Wozny- Piano
Scott Kassal- Bass
Mike Carney- Drums
15. Shoot the Moon
After sitting in a notebook for 5 years, this tune was finally finished in 1983. It was my first purely positive piece (that’s why it probably took so long to complete and eventually record). The reference to It’s a Wonderful Life came coincidentally, but friends have been quick to point it out.
Zeus- Acoustic Guitar & Bass
Chika Sekiguchi- Harmony Vocals
16. Who Makes the Rules?
Ever get frustrated with those who believe they have all the answers? Do you ever question your beliefs because most disagree? Are you criticized for being different? Be true to yourself and hang tough!
Zeus- Acoustic Guitar
Steve Wozny- Piano, Sampled Strings & Harmony Vocals
17. Forever Love & Rock & Roll
This one’s for all who have grown up under the spell of rock & roll, especially those who have transcended the generation gap. I spent a summer playing in the house band at a Chicago saloon called The Pastime, a tiny honky-tonk through which some of the finest players I knew made their way (and paid their bills). There, I would run into all kinds, including old fans and first generation rockers. It seemed to draw us all together and leave us wondering why we came.
Zeus- Acoustic Guitars, Bass & Backing Vocals
Judi Riley- Harmony Vocals
Garrett Hammond- Drums
Pat Brennan- Organ