Mark-Almond - The City (1971 Studio Recording - Long Version)

Written by Jon Mark
From the album, 'Mark-Almond' (1971)
Jon Mark (Classical guitar, electric guitar, 2nd bass, percussion, lead vocals)
Johnny Almond (Baritone, tenor, alto and soprano saxophones, vibes, vocal harmonies, conga drums, concert alto and bass flute)
Tommy Eyre (Concert piano, electric piano, vocal harmonies, organ, 2nd flute, percussion, 2nd guitar)
Rodger Sutton (1st bass, percussion, vocal harmonies, 2nd vocals)

[@wes8043]

In 2017, I went to Yellowstone with my family and my parents. My dad has been the biggest musical influence on me. He’s always had great records, an encyclopedic knowledge of music, and a stereo to make it sound fantastic. It was late September and we had spent all day in Yellowstone. As we were driving out of the park, in the dark, he requested this song. I’ll never forget how perfect the song was as we left the glory of the park with the stars shining above us…. One of those moments where it was so absolutely perfect.

[@neithermonkey]

Thanks ya'll for sharing your memories. Here's mine. I heard this song one summer night of 1971 on a tinny little AM/FM clock radio set to KNUS at that time a magically progressive radio station in Dallas. I was spending the summer with my Uncle in Arlington TX who had cancer and I was there to help out. We took a taxi to the grocery store, planted a magnolia tree, set up a tall flag pole in his front yard so we could raise the flag each morning and retire the flag at night. I got to drive a newish Pontiac Bonneville Convertible one weekend and would sneak some vodka in the evenings and prepared some stuffed crab cakes with my Uncle. That summer was a big deal for me. This song was loaded forever into my mind and hearing it today takes me back to that moment.

[@jeffryhammel3035]

Thanks! Sometimes you hear a special song on the radio, and you always remember that entire day. I had no one to find good music in the early 70's - about the same time as your day in Dallas - except for an older Sister who had her album collection in the basement. Btw, what a time for music, the early 70's! Anyhow, one night Cindy was gone and I snuck downstairs and qued the turntable. I put on Marc Almond, and was especially struck by "The City". The radio was mostly bubblegum pop back then, and I had never heard such journeyatic and tight music. It really influenced my taste not only in rock and folk, but the great jazz artists from the 40's onwards. We didn't have the internet back then to find our music, only the occasional late night gem of a radio station, the hippy at the local head shop, or ones sister's basement.

[@a.ritchie1525]

Nothing takes you back in time like music does.

[@williamgarcia5745]

Thanks for your sharing , yes it’s my get in the grove feeling , New York State of mind is mm next biggie, John Mayall introduced them to me and the rest is history

[@joelhenderson1252]

I've been searching for thos song for decades. My father used to play it all the time. He left, we drifted, he died in 98. Couldn't find it. Found it tonight. Brings me back.

[@williamgarcia5745]

Hi , glad to hear you found your way , the Marc/almound band is great , only one of the musicians is alive, , great album , (to the heart )

[@SDWilliams-ik4tl]

I've been playing this in local bands since the 1970s. Will probably play it this Thursday night. Am7 and D can go on forever and sound wonderful.

[@adrianwood4053]

Loved this track for 45 years - never gets old

[@bobgreen623]

Yeah, me too Adrian.

[@slyslaughter5115]

It never does

[@jeffryhammel3035]

I raided my Sister's albums. This was a treat.

[@thehypnoticdog6682]

Fell in love with song first time I heard it

[@shaunhynes6594]

Top down on a Summer night in the moonlight heading north on Pacific Coast Highway out of Big Sur on the way to San Francisco... Nothing more perfect...

[@robertevans4424]

I lived in San Francisco and we loved heading down to Big Sur!

[@furion..]

...or driving Highway-1 near the Russian River out Guerneville Highway to Jenner-By-The-Sea with the top down, waving at Major Tom riding his Bridgestone as we drive by

[@rosalindastrona380]

You got that right !

[@LoveApple2]

I think we peaked here- unbelievable 🩷timeless

[@peterschlosser7605]

Unsung heroes. Stealth jazz-rock fusion.

[@danielduenez714]

Such a classic bluesy folk-rock song of the early 70's I was 14 when it came out, still loving it at 64.

[@reginagetz3873]

one of the BEST pieces of music. I love the journey of listening to this music.

[@jeffryhammel3035]

True "calling" blues and it's bro, jazz. Beautiful.

[@benetrutenberg7057]

Found these guys on Maya’s turning point tour at the old Olympic Auditorium in LA. No drums. We started listing and saw Mark Almond live after a while. The essence of cool and yet so much is happening in this song. Almond’s 2 solos are all that. My younger sister, barely in her teens, would, out of the blue, get in your face and start: I don’t want to know I don’t want to go I don’t want to go... a memory almost as good as the song.

[@written12]

Great memory - of your sister(is that not unexpected and precocious?) and hearing Mark-Almond. So you caught this low volume edition of Mayall. I envy you

[@tomgordijn3378]

If you like this you should also listen to the John Mayall albums on which they both play: The Turning Point and Empy Rooms.

[@tobypuente8841]

KZAP, Sacramento was an FM format long on music, short on chatter. We heard a variety of music we never would've had we stayed on AM. This tune, a lil like Traffic, a lil Bolo Sete, a lot of groove. Wonder where these cats went

[@robertalderette7241]

They were the opening act of one of the best concerts I ever saw. The closing act was EltonJohn! It was in 1972

[@davidbryden7904]

Back in the day, our family had a cabin near Big Bear Lake. I'd frequently drive home to LA in the morning. Driving home, this was my jam! 🎶🎵 "I don't wanna go back into the city.." 🎶🎵🌄🚙🎶 🎵 🌇 Cheers from California!

[@norcaldigger348]

This song was going through my head last night when I was getting ready to sleep in my back yard next to my redwood trees here in Nor, Cal, Too hot last night to sleep indoors. I have always loved this song.

[@guyborrows7818]

Someone in Liverpool England 🇬🇧 is listening to it right now and loving it.

[@dorothyrandall7188]

Saw them live in Manchester teachers union bar, a last minute gig, hardly anyone there. I was transfixed I will always remember that night as the best concert I ever went to . I’m 70 now and that night leaps right back at me every time I play their music. Oh and by the way way.......they played for a percentage of the gate........virtually nothing.

[@AFaceintheCrowd01]

Superb memory.

[@levisanchez7754]

When I first heard this song as a teen back in '71 I fell in love with it then and I have fondly carried it in my head all these decades later. It is the coolest late night jazzy sounding song to listen to when driving in the rain. The bass line is exquisite.

[@PeitouBob]

San Francisco, 1971...tooling around in a Bug.... this came on the radio....forever reminding me of that City and the Bug....

[@jameswolford3617]

Loved this for a half century now...amazing!

[@thebrundlefly4714]

Timeless and beautiful.

[@clarencereyes6674]

Dunno if this music is jazzy or bluesy but I love it. I never tire of listening to it.

[@jedgould5531]

Marc Almond turned me on to jazz. I didn’t know it at the time. Nevertheless I played it on Arizona radio when it was new.

[@dreadogastusf3548]

OMG! I remember this song for so many years. Listening to the cool, cool music played by our local DJs. Late at night. Way tired and stoned. Floating to other worlds. Thanks actormaniac!

[@1956gooner]

Great track, knew Tom, used to play darts and bar billiards with him, wonderful guy, rip Tom

[@patriciawalker5678]

I would listen to this before sleep every night.

[@chrissupport]

GREAT.. thanks for including the part at the end.. KSHE always played the whole song.

[@robin2012ism]

One of iconic songs

[@glassncobalt]

This song is a regular for my band. Lucky me, I get to sing, at least once, if not, twice a week. Big Sur is never far away. An anthem to be sure...

[@tomschloss]

A masterpiece!!

[@danettesoffa300]

The first time I heard Mark - Almond was in 1970 on John Mayalls, The turning point album. Needless to say I loved their music. So I went to the music store to find some of their tunes. In the "A" bin I found nothing by them, but I found an album by somebody called THE ALLMAN BROTHERS (unknown by me) and thought that "Live at Fillmore East" might be good, so I bought it. Turned out to be pretty good!

[@1viridis]

Mark Almond, John Mayall, Allman Brothers..........we must have the same taste, Danette. Summer isn't summer without "Turning Point" and "Live at the Fillmore East." Even after so many years, songs off those albums give me goosebumps and I know there must be a universal divine, I've heard it.

[@hapster54]

Funny, in 1972, I was flipping albums for more Allman Bros and ran across Mark-Almond's Rising. Had no idea of their history or what to expect - pure chance. At the time, I didn't know how to classify what I was listening to. It was one of those albums I played "in my room", most of my peers couldn't relate beyond 70s R&R. Ironically, I was familiar with Mayall and Turning Point/Empty Rooms, just didn't make the connection. Nearly 45 years later, I'm still enthralled.

[@Nancyspix]

This soulful song brings me back to 1971 the year I was 16

[@randyb4985]

I saw the Mark Almond Band open for the Allman Brothers in 1972. Magical show.

[@williamgarcia5745]

The allmonnd brothers band is kick ass album also recorded live at Fillmore east, another fav of mind , try Eddie Harris/ Les macan in compared to what, you’ll like🤔😂👍

[@catrinanixon]

Oh my - a time machine back to my uni days in the early 70s. Loved this album so much. Still got my vinyl copy but it's scratched from playing it so much. Happy memories of fuzzy warm summer nights and carefree days.....

[@naryaquid]

I only saw these guys once 46 years ago and I never forgot this song.

[@dancloninger5117]

Chill Laid back Awesome The creativity is very unique.

[@katy94tess97]

My college rocked when these guys played St. Lawrence U in Canton, NY in 1974. People were on their feet for the whole concert.

[@user-vl8gn1kf8e]

Every single album,not just this song!!!!

[@gnostix1]

"She's still sleeping ... I hear the taxi coming..." I'm still haunted by this song after almost 50 years. In some alternate universe Marc-Almond will have attained legendary status with other Mayall alumni Cream and Fleetwood Mac.

[@relevantaesthetic6004]

Playing this favorite tune before I get picked up and head into Big Sur for about 5 nights of back country camping

[@marlenemorrow8942]

At first, I didn't remember it .then when I heard as it played...now I vaguely remember! Yes, Louella was patient with us indo remember gi was in love with Rod Stewart and The Faces?

[@danettesoffa300]

Here it was 43 years later and living in Greeley Colorado, at awonderful program that had developed in our town 9 years earlier. That John Mayall came to the "Greeley Blues Fest" as the headliner that year, and although Mark - Almond were certainly long gone from his group then, it was an almost "full circle" time for me! The Fest has brought many great blues artists to Greeley, Buddy Guy, Tab Benoit, The Subdudes, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Charley Musselwhite, and become one of the highlights of our year. Getting to see John Mayall in our backyard was a real treat! Especially having him play "Room to move", { a little chicka, chicka in that one}! So between Almonds and Allmans I've gone NUTS for the music life has provided me! I even saw a concert with a guy named Jimi Hendrix in 1969. Thanks for responding, Hap! Dave soffa

[@YardleySlicker]

San Fernando Valley State College, now known as Cal State Northridge, 1971. Mark Almond was booked to play at the "Open Forum" stage outside the cafeteria from 12-1pm. There were hundreds of people waiting to see them. They finally arrived at 12:45 and only had time to play one song, The City. The college officials wouldn't extend the time. But at least we had this. A week later Black Oak Arkansas showed up again. They were always on time....but they were no Mark Almond...ahhh the good old days..

[@AFaceintheCrowd01]

Why were they so late to the gig, man?

[@YardleySlicker]

@@AFaceintheCrowd01 No explanation was given. Maybe they were coming in from another gig out of town.. or too much partying night into morning?

[@ZempelProductions]

@@AFaceintheCrowd01 Ever been in a band? "Late" is a chronic condition among many professional musicians. I think it might have to do with how critical timing is in the playing of the music, the timing in the rest of your life is secondary.

[@1viridis]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for posting a version with the coda. To me the coda is how I always remember it ending and is essential to the piece, yet is cut off by newer versions, no doubt by a careless record company. I have always loved this song and think of it every time I drive home from a hike out in the country, a must listen. Again, thank you!

[@actormanic]

You're welcome, you're welcome, you're welcome!

[@1viridis]

I would buy this song off itunes if I could be sure it included the ending. Does anyone know if it does? Or any other way I can find it with the ending, other than vinyl? I used to have the vinyl many years ago, now sadly gone.........

[@actormanic]

iTunes has the complete version on a Best Of compilation......But unfortunately, you have to buy the whole album if you want it!.....All I can say is, go to my channel, and shoot me your email. I'll try to help you out.

[@oscarurquizo733]

Absolutely great jazz music..hear that song over 40 plus years stills sounds as beautiful like then..

[@davestahl6676]

It's really amazing how great of a song one can create using only two chords! Awesome tune. Takes me way back to SF in my youth.

[@paddymulligan]

This number blew me away.

[@TK-rx5dp]

These tunes will settle your soul. Thank you so much guys.

[@marianfurchofficial]

One of the greatest albums of all time - Best Regards from Austria 2020

[@timhampton3181]

When all the rest of my world goes brown ... I play this one & remember ..

[@malbuff]

I saw them perform this not long after its release at a small cafe-type venue in DC, perhaps at GWU or GU, can't remember, but an all ages show since I was 15. Fine, underrated band.

[@joelhenderson9393]

💯

[@debbieockey676]

Thing about this song, I always imagine leaving SF to go to like Mount Madonna and the healing surrounding, and coming back on a muggy summer's night, smog and fog raking the landscape,y'know?

[@AFaceintheCrowd01]

Brilliant album. It had a different cover in the UK. Still love it decades after it came out. Jazz guitarist Paul Brown did a cool cover in 2005.

[@mrpalomo123]

Nothing better to get me in a good mood as I drove to work in LA back in the 70's.

[@millioneurobaby]

Beautiful Sony. I love it.

[@annasoucek6407]

Always play this to adjust my tension , 💙

[@eagyl56]

thank you

[@actormanic]

+Gayle Whittle You're welcome.

[@rolandaguirre1709]

I know some cats that would open their second set with this great song 🎸

[@TheRunner75]

I'm really surprised how good could be Mark Almond in 1971. Until now, I was more familiar with his 80s-90s electronic dross. Here you have an incredible bass line, excellent acoustic guitar and electric piano. Real music. Not computer sounds like he did later...

[@peterschlosser7605]

FYI Mark-Almond is two people. A bit confusing.

[@davidkennedy2890]

i heard about this song in a great book from Jon Steele named "The Way of Sorrows" The way he described it , I had to search for it on you tube. I'm glad I found it because this a Great song! Thanks for posting it !

[@noshoof]

Two years later: Holy Crap. Your comment jumped the barrier of time and hit me between the eyes. Cool does not get cooler than this.

[@furion..]

Really nice quality upload! 👍😎

[@steveyates4809]

absolute class,many thanks

[@michelgrimes5283]

Thanks for turning me on to this in the early 70s, Grant. We had many great times. Give me a holla if you see this. Mike.

[@ricardobuco6900]

They're very good,and your oblige to hear them!

[@mikeschanzer1818]

Awesome indeed

[@beckyworrell6303]

Killer music.

[@oldsurferguy8141]

Saw them do this song at the old Golden Bear in Huntington Beach in the '80's. Great show

[@pariahthistledowne3934]

My Dad was Punk as fuck long before LA Punk! Miss ya, POP!

[@swill1234]

i have vinyl of these guys but have not found CDs.

[@JimmyJammer1]

Badass Tune

[@ZempelProductions]

Don't remember where I heard it, but it was around the time I started playing out professionally. So I was 18 or 19, 1971-72. I had played along on the radio with my alto sax, and even bought the album. It made me want to play like Johnny Almond (and Bobby Keys, Gato Barbieri) and therefore wanting a tenor sax. The final decision to play tenor happened in a blues club in east STL when a Rhodes player was just vamping a "break tune" while the singer said we're taking a short break, stick around. The guy on the Rhodes was playing what I thought sounded like the open to this. I was just sitting in with strangers and was one of only two white guys in the place, maybe The Bluenote? I turned and said, "The City?" He nodded yes, so I started playing a sax part on my alto which besides being my dads old 1934 piece of junk, was wrong to my ear for the song. After my sax solo - he gave me another nod so I started singing the best I could remember of the lyric, but got a lot of it. I wish I had a recording or video of that show. The crowd loved it and the band leader looked at us from off stage like what the F are you doing. It might have been the best applause we had all night, just me and the Rhodes pianist. And I thought it was kind of a sign to me: get a tenor. I think it was maybe this same night that a guy was killed in the parking lot. I haven't played the song since but I will now, after listening to this. Thanks for posting.

[@davidmccaffery1470]

Love it, also "The Ghetto".

[@benedictcimini604]

Had this LP, Bad Boys!

[@justineotoole3685]

needs more 'likes' - shared to Google+

[@tedsf01]

Last night I slept in the open ...

[@jonbass1435]

muy fino.

[@CharlesCCRidesChandler]

I think I'm driftin' again!!!... _smile_ ...:)O(:...

[@jimmitchell1993]

Nice

[@noshoof]

The Way Of Sorrows. Chapter Eight.

[@user-zi6iz2yn5v]

DIAMOND

[@Jellestraatsma]

where can I find this music? this is very obscure I think. I have a live version of this song that i would very much like to find, invorporated in a mix i have. incredible music, but very little known about

[@baimfatan]

:) good

[@CharlesCCRidesChandler]

Man...'it's only 16 minutes after 4 and I feel like 'it's midnight!!!...weird!!...:)O(:...

[@michaelscott7462]

To San Francisco: I hear the taxi coming!

[@zaferofluoglu2732]

👍

[@justsomeguy820]

It's almost like Traffic.

[@davidmccaffery7977]

I hear the taxi coming

[@billtrebing8655]

just a long taxi ride...to nowhere...

[@Skippee908]

I do not, will not, cannot watch the Grammys. Music died many many years ago. Last night I slept in the open 😎

[@Rich915]

I hear the Taxi coming…! Get me out of here…

[@Baribrotzer]

Interesting - the musicians met in the John Mayall "Turning Point" band, and their sound is clearly descended from that, but this song isn't straight blues at all - it's more like jazz + psych + folk music.

[@rickjohnson1672]

not all dead

[@davidallen2077]

Hi Rick!

[@charlottecarver5007]

Need to use their music for background ?????

[@QuaaludeCharlie]

:) QC

[@danettesoffa300]

This was Dave and not my wife Danette!

[@mihalynehalasz4167]

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