The City - Mark-Almond (HQ)

[@jimwilson-storey8138]

Brilliant! I was twenty-three when I first heard, "The City," I'm now seventy-five, and it still sounds so incredible.

[@donstrickland4347]

At 73 this still comes out of my collection to play for people who think they know the paths of music.

[@jingles7117]

Same-same, brother… I was 22 when I first heard “Rising” and I was hooked on the relaxed jazz modes of Mark-Almond, and was thrilled with this next release. City and New York State of Mind were my favorites and I still get that urge to hear them often.

[@junofluke]

Simply outstanding. I saw these guys at the Fillmore East as part of John Mayall's band. I was 17 and in high school. I never understood the general public's lack of enthusiasm for the band. I played this album over and over. Lots of nostalgia every time I hear it. Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelscott7462]

Consider yourself blessed beyond measure my friend.. I caught them at Princeton University... Perhaps 1971. .outstanding!

[@GeorgeKane-fw2bd]

I first saw them open for YES ( on Yes first American tour ). Emerson Lake and Palmer were also on the tour. The crowd booed the Mark Almond band , ELP walked of the stage after Keith plunged a knife into his keyboard and stormed off. YES killed it , the crowd went wild . It was certainly a bad choice of bands . Mark Almond was great but not appropriate for that Philadelphia crowd

[@loumorheim5704]

I saw then at the east they opened for Richie Havens

[@SueBHoney-cq8co]

Longing for another time and place ...

[@MzKlara]

Memories of my old apt. in SF with a bunch of other hippies, gathered around the radio, speechless.

[@annasoucek6407]

I fell in love with this at 16 . At 65 it’s still working.

[@2005rosebud]

Me too. Still working at 66

[@doylegaines1319]

17 & 67 here...

[@stephenrowan8935]

Still have My vinal albumn!

[@duanewyman977]

Living in Vegas in the early '80s, this song & Lee Canyon (Mt Charleston) were my escape from the City...

[@Behutet93]

I was 19 when this came out. KSJO played this. Now I am 69 & it is fresh as ever still.

[@homemountain333]

They don't make 'em like this anymore. A masterpiece.

[@marynovak5800]

He sounds like he's ripped off the melody from Emerson, Lake and Palmer's song, "from the beginning"...how come EL&P didn't drag him into court for plagiarizing?....Led Zeppelin did that!

[@georgeleroytirebitergi812]

@@marynovak5800 Great minds think alike, mediocre minds whine and moan. 😭

[@karenpecchio2809]

oh what I would give to go back for maybe a weekend...when really everything was ok...17 was a great age

[@michaelkline2791]

Oh so true.

[@craigvogel2935]

Absolutly beautiful fell in love with this tune when I was fifteen still in love

[@terryfriend16]

If you were listening to Mark Almond in the 70's you were either an artist or a writer.

[@larrylinn8589]

I was just an outcast.

[@jeancoughlin5490]

Not necessarily. FM radio was programmed by DJ's back then. You could hear Howlin' Wolf. Miles Davis and Buffy St. Marie in the same hour. Or if a new Beatles album came out they might play the entire thing. That was what the old tv show WKRP was about. Before corporate programming of crap.

[@GeorgeKane-fw2bd]

They played a lot in early 70s. With bands such as the Eagles , YES , ELP . If you lived on the East Coast you probably heard them .

[@miguelangelperezmartin8688]

Musician and actor..

[@chazhernandez6933]

A musician at 13. Writer later songs. Poems and books! Good observation! 😎

[@mkh3d]

This was a regular in our repertoire in the mid-70s. They were great with John Mayall ! I really miss this kind of music and this quality of musicians

[@maggiemae6736]

I have this vinyl album. My late husband Jim Sweeney knew them on Maui in the 70"s and they stayed at his place upcountry Maui. I love this album and Jimmy too.

[@bulldog5873]

one of those songs that you would hear on a FM station in the 70's after hours

[@00stargazer]

Surprisingly, I heard it on an FM station about 10:30PM a couple of days ago. Really caught my attention...again.

[@tomcostello8220]

93.3FM, WMMR, Philadelphia

[@victorbuiser1695]

DZUW 1310fm, Philippines

[@victorbuiser1695]

DZUW 1310fm, Philippines

[@krisscanlon4051]

Yeah this post is the essence of old radio FM etc...progressive rock but not prog

[@donaldkoester9096]

This is HEAVEN! ... me thinking of my youth in ST. LOUIS hearing this on KSHE-FM t 1 a.m. coming home from a wild night out there! IN THE CITY.......

[@JordanCreek1]

I was across the river, the radio made it over

[@JordanCreek1]

You nailed it, crossing the bridge late after a night out, headed back East

[@thomasdreyer2389]

I attended concert in Des Moines, Mark/Almond was opener for Joe Cocker. I was really into Cocker and though Mark/Almond were really good, (really), I was there with great anticipation for Cocker. I loved the "Room To Move" album they played on, but didn't realized, until all over, that was who they were. Even more, I thought this was part of the Allman Brothers, duh. Cocker couldn't hit a note he was so burnt out, extremely disappointing. I wish I would have taken more seriously the opportunity I had to listen to Jon & Mark, they were pure and refreshing. Oh Well, you live and learn. Been probably 50 years since I heard this song. 5 Stars.

[@hexc0nn392]

Did Almond have a drummer at all during the show?

[@clh3z0]

discovering this in 2023 is just brutal

[@christinehanscombe9324]

At 76 years of age still a huge favourite❤❤

[@marstondavis]

This group was far ahead of their time...and this is a great song. Listen to this album on a long drive. It's just so good then.

[@stuartsmith1057]

there isn't a note out of place on this incredible, velvety smooth groove... wow, happy to have stumbled across these fellas, crazy good!!!

[@taffyjones281]

I was lucky enough to see these two as part of the John Mayall "Turning Point" tour, back in the day. Johnny Almond was an absolute genius on saxes and Flute! I loved this album in my student days. Great to hear this again 👍

[@andyokus5735]

Damn right you were lucky. The Turning Point made me into being the Jazz player I am today. And I ain't no slouch.

[@gregbryan1485]

I saw them also, at fountain Street church in Grand Rapids, almost danced with God

[@nickpappalas6948]

Great music doesn't get any better than this. Really miss those days

[@homervargas8165]

KRTU-FM 91.7 San Antonio Texas. My wife to be Sara would always request this timeless jam! What a beauty! Middle 70's were great times & great music!

[@SamLopezI]

KGB-FM in San Diego would play this whole album.

[@docvega5465]

One of my favorite tunes after all these years!

[@tonyadams4533]

Listened to this track in Phoenix, AZ in the 70's by the way of KDKB. Finally made it back full circle. Nice.

[@SamLopezI]

KGB in San Diego played a lot of jazz-rock fusion. These guys were tight!

[@LarryHawkesOriginal]

Some of the best jazz ever recorded...

[@jeffryhammel3035]

From a jazz lover of music from the 30's to today, I totally agree.

[@gerwynevans2729]

Saw them in 1972 at what was then the local teachers training college in the Uplands district of Swansea. It was their first gig back in the UK following a long tour in the US. They played brilliantly in front of an audience of no more than about sixty students. One of the best gigs I've seen to this day.

[@voltron88888]

Heard this on the radio today and had to Shazam it. What a fantastic, chill tune.

[@billdoerr5271]

19 years old. Now 67. Peace out.

[@billdoerr5271]

I’m 66. Shit.

[@loisfurlo8709]

@@billdoerr5271 I'm 70 - double shit! Great band, listened to the record album until I wore it out!

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

I first heard this as a freshman in high school on the radio so that would have been 1971?!

[@jimmycalderon8111]

I seen this band at the Santa Monica civic Aud. in1973. A treasured memory that I can re-play as if it was yesterday, we all need something like this in today's music, it sets you free !!!

[@larrycasillas4071]

I was there as well! Born and raised in Santa Monica great concert Blonde Leb Columbo Red beautiful

[@larrycasillas4071]

I was there too! I’m 70 yrs old

[@annasoucek6407]

Still have this album. Fantastic 🎵

[@SamLopezI]

Me too!

[@tommartha]

Heard this yesterday on satellite radio. I had forgotten all about it. Loved it in the 70s, and it's still so smooth and silky!

[@Mrhatmandu]

Never understood why these guys weren't more popular. They fit right in with the jazzy/horn bands of the early 70's. And did it better than most.

[@jackbrown697]

No Body makes great music like this anymore. 40+yrs' since I first bought this album and people are still truly amazed.

[@isorokudono]

Check out my old buddy Johnny doing his solo Music Machine.....

[@reuireuiop0]

Look up Still Joe by the Flat Five & most of their Album World of love& hope Or, check out internet web radio like FIP and try their groove or jazz channel. Flux from Berlin almost must one or two groovy stations!

[@a.ritchie1525]

Good music lasts forever!

[@charleshull5055]

I also have it, very old.

[@alvintexas5859]

My freshman year in college, living in Clark dorm at Texas Christian University, hearing this song playing in someone's room in the dorm. What memories!

[@MrBillinoregon]

Had this LP in high school. Wore it out.

[@silvanusslaughter]

Me too.

[@lawrencenahlik9805]

a jazz lullaby.

[@TempleOfFilm]

i had Mark-Almond II album in high school - and i still do! and plenty of wear and tear all right.

[@williamfarmer3841]

Mark Almond band was a favorite of mine for their cool jazzy sound.

[@jimmymacnj]

listened to this a million times many moons ago... great sound...

[@stevenelson8190]

Wow. Haven't heard this in 40 years. Memories.....

[@andyr1313]

Me too- hadn't heard this since the old KSAN days here in NorCal...

[@glendafield9797]

Eh, not since back in the day....

[@olander666]

@@andyr1313 KFIG in Fresno, CA back in 1970-71. That was before FM radio became formulaic and specialized.

[@mikeanscombe5630]

Tony Duffy, now passed, introduced me to Mark-Almond in ‘71...I owe him one...rest easy, fella...

[@concatinate]

Sorry for your friend...but at least, the music is eternal.

[@jantrieger4500]

NICE THOUGHT FOR YOUR AMIGO!

[@salamanca1954]

This is a masterpiece. Complex, never losing the flow, blending so many instruments and lyrics. Sheer beauty.

[@ftlpope]

Great album off the 1970s beaten track. I remember this well. Got a vinyl copy of this some time in the 1990s but heard it when it was released.

[@francesformiller7667]

Love this song. It was a favorite of mine so long ago...and I lost it for years....🌛☔🌎🎶🎶

[@robinjackson7882]

Frances A Danna So did I. So glad to have found it!

[@RSomersJr]

Wow. So tight. Almost a year since it was posted. Maybe 40 years since I heard this song which bubbled up from my memory last night. Life is good. God is good! What great sax!! What great piano.

[@olander666]

Maybe 45 years since I heard it! Mellow jazzy acoustic guitar BLISS.

[@tonycalderon6791]

Soooooo GOOD

[@botellajuan]

Well, I slept last night in the open Down by a redwood tree Yes, I slept last night in the open Just to let, just to let, just to let my soul free I don't want to know, I don't want to go I don't want to go back into the city It's just a long long long lonely taxi ride Going nowhere Well, I slept last night in the open (It gets so hot in the city) Down by a redwood tree (It gets so hot in the city) Yes, I slept last night in the open Just to let, just to let, just to let my soul free I don't want to know, I don't want to go I don't want to go back into the city It's just a long long long lonely taxi ride Going nowhere

[@taosrain]

Cool nights upstate every once in a while makes the city fresh again.

[@davidlogan9777]

Saw Mark Almond in '72 sounded just like this live.so cool and soulful feel of Cityscape ..

[@TheIsreal0312]

One of those underapprecited, underrated bands that never quite made it.

[@jimforsythe3129]

They made it in my book -- that's all that matters -- can't help it that the rest of the people were not groovy to dig it and were listening only to top 40 hits-- though maybe half of those were pretty good too.

[@kristofernewton422]

...Naw....They MADE IT.

[@tostenakichania2043]

Beeing here prooves their success

[@dorsetles5]

@@tostenakichania2043 Time for a revival of their tracks.

[@joesalama9105]

I love these guys and such a shame they didn't make a bigger impression on the music buying public

[@markbridwell8972]

John Mayall loved these guys too . Too bad they "disappeared" so unnoticed _ _ a tragedy really .

[@charlieg1337]

saw them at the Troubador in West Hollywood....incredible...the sax was as big as Johnny Almond...great music!!!

[@luisalvaradoquesada2427]

The BEST of music.

[@annasoucek416]

I can still see the room I was in when I first heard this song. I still have the album and the experience .

[@kaosreigns2k]

high school memories for sure!

[@marcelthibeault]

jonny almond is incredible saxophone player wow

[@BobRoden-vy8oi]

I heard it on WXPN today the moods of Ben Vaune and I think I’ve played this three or four times already bringing me back to my youth 16 years old early 70s

[@michaelleroy9281]

I remember this when it came out in the summer 🌞 of 1971 big hit

[@MrScottbaxter]

Mark and almond were with John mayall on USA union. Amazing album too.

[@TomTom-xp2jb]

And also Turning Point, my favourite John Mayall / Jon Mark and Johnny Almond project!!! Steve Thompson was awesome on bass guitar too!!! 🌟🌟🌟

[@graham2852]

One word beautiful

[@007mperez]

The blacklight in on...and getting low....killer song..!!

[@DavidnBCNV]

First heard this in late 70s.Brings back real city memories best sax I've ever heard .

[@larrycasillas4071]

Late 70’s? Where were you bro

[@DavidnBCNV]

​​@@larrycasillas4071East St Louis then Belleville Illinois. I was 17 ,very odd experiences huge impact on me and this brings me back. I was so LOST, taking bus to St Louis..... Yourself?

[@davecawkwell4079]

I saw them in the early 70's in Baltimore at the Morris Mechanic Theater and it stuck with me for decades.

[@kbtube8125]

I love how real and imperfect it is.

[@greatestmusiclive6175]

I love REAL and imperfect musicians. I don't like the polished and perfect bands like Queen: BORING!

[@mariavictoriaperezdiez7429]

Why day that?

[@mariavictoriaperezdiez7429]

Say

[@TyStephens]

This one just stuck its head out of my vinyl collection on a day of cleaning the apartment! Begging me to play it, and boy, am I glad I listened!! This is music by musicians. Thought-out, conceptual, personal and intimate while opening up a world of styles! Guys, what year was it? It doesn't appear on my cover or label. All I know is I discovered it while working my High School after-school job at Flag Brothers shoe store in Philly (Upper Darby)! The two mangers had an awesome rock collection that we played over the system. I eventually got to bring in music and pick some of theirs to get us through the day! Freakin' awesome!!!! Those were beautiful days of discovery and growing. I wish today's generations had such beauty to dig into.

[@joelledoll2466]

Love this album Fabulous music since 1971!

[@positiveleanings3023]

Before I started seeing the Dead, 7:41 seemed like a long song. I did get to see this band and also got to see Jon Mark as the guitarist in John Mayall's band touring the "Turning Point" album.

[@rickleborman]

I have this LP in a box somewhere - scratched to hell from playing it so much back in the day.

[@DonTomaso33]

Incredible

[@markmaier3143]

I still say "smooth as a Johnny Almond sax solo"

[@marissadower-morgan3313]

My god I almost for got this one..so wonderful

[@rebotnie6739]

Thanks Mom and Dad You Raised Me on good music. The ghetto breaks my heart every time give it a listen. Peace

[@mesisson]

A unique gem for the time.

[@kirahastings9900]

Used to play this every night before going to sleep. Still have this and several of their other albums.

[@meyergoldberg6386]

Am doing the album challenge on FB, and this gem popped into my head! It has been locked away too long. Such an incredible album! It took me far away and still does!

[@kkvz2228]

In 1971, when I was 20, I had a roommate who worked in a record department. She would get albums given to her by reps. She gave this one to me. I still love it.

[@JasonKavetis]

You still have that record from 1971?

[@harrylaws2260]

Thanks for that got mine at Peaches in cut out bin $1.00 I think 1972?

[@ManuelDeleon-n8b]

Never seen these guys, but my compadre and I always dug these guys

[@gregthornton4209]

saw them live in an opera house. cleanest sound reproduction I have ever heard.

[@brucefeiring7481]

Saw them once, opened the show for J J Cale !!!! What a peaceful night ..

[@1kevincrossley]

+Bruce Feiring Was that at the San Diego Sports Arena in '73? I was there too!

[@brucefeiring7481]

No Phenix

[@robertskuy4712]

That would of been really great. Seen J J Cale a few times, would of loved to see that pairing.

[@mikehaight8664]

Wished I had been there!

[@OriginalStosh]

I first noticed Mark Almond on The Turning Point with Mayall. Genius, my favorite album esp on the road.

[@maxromero2903]

Wow. I forgot all about this song. Just heard it this morning on KKUP Cupertino CA. I have Johnny Almond's first two Lps still. Good groove.

[@AndreaMartinez-jm4lh]

Love this slow groove.takes me back to a time of 60s

[@1bluezlovinkat]

I ran out and bought this song when it came out way back when!

[@carlodangelo8348]

Ive been through a 40+ year span of work, marriage, kids, divorce..and this pops in my head..before all that,there was this magical era, and it was always good.

[@Dlrealife]

Incredibly GREAT Band... Incredibly GREAT song

[@josephbecquet-ahn3734]

Played this until I wore grooves in the grooves. Great tune with great memories attached.

[@stephendemeter5806]

I have woowded many with this tune and is on my top 10 list

[@jamoore0312]

Man I loved this jam when I was a kid ! I have to say it was probably the starting point of loving jazz along with Rock . Just tried to download it from ITunes ...NOT ! I will have to try and find it somewhere . For those of you that never heard of these two they used to play with John Mayall ..Peace !

[@rogersouthall2800]

Love this song. Sing it every day. Love the lyrics.

[@thebrundlefly4714]

Great cut and a great list! I couldn't have put one together any better.

[@kevinoconnor622]

I saw them at the Academy of Music in 72 or so . Compost was 1st, booed offstage. These guys game out and said something like give us a chance and won the audience over. And then came Yes for my first time!

[@bmuhamad]

Arranged By [Brass And Harmony Arrangements] - Johnny Almond, Tommy Eyre Baritone Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Vibraphone, Vocals, Congas, Flute [Concert Alto, Bass] - Johnny Almond Bass [First], Percussion, Vocals - Rodger Sutton* Cover [Concept], Design - Ian Latimer Guitar [Classical], Electric Guitar, Bass [Second], Percussion, Lead Vocals - Jon Mark Photography By [Cover] - Richard Dunkley Piano [Concert], Electric Piano, Vocals, Organ, Flute [Second], Percussion, Guitar [Second] - Tommy Eyre Producer [Production Supervisor] - Hugh Murphy Written-By - Jon Mark (tracks: A1 to B1)

[@vIIIthnote]

I believe Bill told me he played on "New York State of Mind" and "The City" this song... you've given some great insight into what is one of my all time favorite LP's. I've loved this record since I was 15... Thanks again for your input and expertise on the band. AWK

[@andressuarez6550]

La primera vez que la oí - hace décadas - me pareció una canción muy íntima, para escucharla con alguien muy querido... Me lo sigue pareciendo...

[@slyslaughter5115]

High school was so sophisticated and erotic when you put this on the turntable.

[@drewdietz2115]

I hear ya Sly, saw these guys live a long time ago. groovin my man, groovin.....

[@slyslaughter5115]

@@drewdietz2115 Let us keep groovin'. It's the spirit.

[@drewdietz2115]

@@slyslaughter5115 you got brother, I'm right with ya.

[@APL314159265]

Takes me back to my college years, saw them seral times at The Main Point in Bryn Mawr, PA a tiny coffee house, probably seated 120 people. They did exceptionally long shows each song was extended by solos from each member. Danny Richmond on percussion was the best era for the band.

[@leongarcia2549]

The mystifying music really relaxes the nerves. Then and now I'm now 68 yrs old.

[@drawyrral]

A highlight in my life.

[@drewdietz2115]

their rendition of New York State of Mind is the best baby!!!!

[@susanritchie1955]

soooo smooth....

[@bmuhamad]

2007 digipak pressing features the debut album from former John Mayall sidemen Jon Mark and Johnny Almond plus six additional tracks pulled from their albums Mark-Almond 2 and Mark-Almond '73. The band had acquired a great reputation by constant touring but also had quite a history between them prior to playing with Mayall. Between the two of them, they had previously worked with artists like Marianne Faithfull, Mick Jagger, Alan Price, Zoot Money and many more. 11 tracks total. Body Heat.

[@TravelsWithBob]

Must be something in the water. This has been bugging my brain for days! Thanks for posting.

[@veronicadeal1351]

loved them long time

[@joeg16]

Mellow. Heard this for the first time yesterday on Sirrius "Deep Tracks". Excellent. Thanks for posting.