I first became a fan of Mark Knopfler when he was fronting Dire Straits back in the ’70s, ’80s and early ’90s. I was always impressed with his extraordinary guitar skills and his songwriting ability. Even in the ’80s, he was branching out into other musical pursuits like composing soundtracks for movies. Local Hero, The Princess Bride, Last Exit to Brooklyn and Wag the Dog are among his better known cinematic scores. Knopfler has collaborated with numerous other artists, ranging from Classic Rockers to several notables in country music. He recorded an album with the late, legendary musician Chet Atkins and more recently with Emmylou Harris.
Mark Knopfler has continued to release solo works since the disbanding of Dire Straits in the mid-90s. Sailing to Philadelphia, released in 2000, is probably my favorite. 2001 was a very trying and challenging year for me, and I found a lot of comfort and “escape” in that cd which features duets with James Taylor and Van Morrison. Knopfler has a great way of communicating stories in his songs and composing them in an impressive variety of genres and styles.
Since I mostly listen to “old” music, I typically don’t anticipate new releases. However, I was excited to learn a few months ago that Mark Knopfler was completing work on a new album. Get Lucky was released in the U.S. yesterday. You can listen to the title track above. Kim and I got to see Knopfler perform at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville in 2005. It was one the most enjoyable concerts I have ever attended. We are planning to see him again when he tours the U.S. next spring!
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January 17, 2010 at 11:02 pm
creat1ve11
I’m with you all the way on Knopfler. I agree that Sailing to Philadelphia is a terrific album. Of course, I believe that all of his albums are amazing, each in their own way. In the days of Dires Straits, Telegraph Road came along during a pivotal and painful time in my life. When I listen to it now, it evokes the feelings I experienced then, along with a powerful sense of poignancy. Get Lucky is yet another great Knopfler album. I found it subtly and deeply moving.
My husband and I have tickets for his show in Santa Rosa this April, and I can’t wait to see him again!
Cheers!
January 18, 2010 at 5:35 pm
Tim Pyles
Thanks so much for your comments. It is amazing how music becomes fused to our lives and how hearing a song can immediately transport us to a previous place and time in our lives. Glad to know that you survived the difficulties and pain in your life in the Telegraph Road era and that MK’s music has been a part of your journey.
Sounds like you and your husband will be seeing MK a week prior to his concert in St. Louis that we will be attending. If you think of it, post another comment after the concert in Santa Rosa and let me know what we can expect. Greatness, I am sure.
God bless!
Tim
January 19, 2010 at 2:43 pm
creat1ve11
Tim,
I like how you put that–music DOES become fused to and with our lives on such a deep level. It’s an incredibly powerful medium.
I’ll be sure to post here on the show in April!
Take care!
creat1ve11
April 29, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Getaway with Kim and Knopfler « Thinking Out Loud
[…] September, I shared a post about the release of Mark Knopfler’s latest cd and expressed my longstanding admiration for […]