The City - Mark-Almond (HQ)

From their first record "Mark-Almond."

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@user-kk1ne9wf7j]

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

[@jimwilson-storey8138]

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

[@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! 😎

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@clh3z0]

discovering this in 2023 is just brutal

[@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?

[@craigvogel2935]

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

[@user-om5yu4qw8e]

jonny almond is incredible saxophone player wow

[@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

[@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!

[@christinehanscombe9324]

At 76 years of age still a huge favourite❤❤

[@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

[@nickpappalas6948]

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

[@tonyadams4533]

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

[@user-ip5dm6jf8k]

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

[@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!!!

[@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!

[@user-ip5dm6jf8k]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@docvega5465]

One of my favorite tunes after all these years!

[@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

[@voltron88888]

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

[@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!!! 🌟🌟🌟

[@LarryHawkesOriginal]

Some of the best jazz ever recorded...

[@jeffryhammel3035]

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

[@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

[@markmaier3143]

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

[@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 .

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@annasoucek6407]

Still have this album. Fantastic 🎵

[@user-ip5dm6jf8k]

Me too!

[@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!

[@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)

[@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.

[@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.

[@luisalvaradoquesada2427]

The BEST of music.

[@salamanca1954]

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

[@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.

[@taosrain]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@ManuelDeleon-n8b]

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

[@jimmymacnj]

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

[@BrerRobot]

Friday saturday night I'm sleepin in a hollar next to a spring fed stream. just to let my soul be free.

[@OriginalStosh]

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

[@davidlogan9777]

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

[@michaelleroy9281]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@DonTomaso33]

Incredible

[@007mperez]

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

[@charlieg1337]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@rebotnie6739]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@kaosreigns2k]

high school memories for sure!

[@drewdietz2115]

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

[@graham2852]

One word beautiful

[@chazhernandez6933]

I was in junior high seventh grade and my older brother would always play it then I found it in total make out light candles. Ha! 65 now and still lighting candles.

[@chazhernandez6933]

My 13 year old girlfriend and candles i meant.

[@davecawkwell4079]

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

[@phatdaddy3202]

Such smooth music. Love it.

[@prestonpresley6885]

This is an amazing and mesmerizing album. The Ghetto, Love. Tramp and the Young Girl

[@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?

[@joelledoll2466]

Love this album Fabulous music since 1971!

[@rickbartolacelli8606]

Pretty sure I only heard this one played on KSAN way back when. And I was reintroduced to it last year by none other than Terry McGovern, on his Saturday 11am show on KPCA.

[@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!

[@gregthornton4209]

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

[@57curtnevan]

Mayall brought them together, the rest is history. They definitely had their own sound. If you want your mind blown, listen to Jon Mark's ALHAMBRA album. Enjoy the evolution of a Brit guitarist as he enters the 21st century. Vey cool!

[@lachavez55]

Thanks. Greta history

[@57curtnevan]

The Turning Point (Mayall 1969) is an all time fav of mine, partly because Room To Move inspired me as a budding harmonica player. Also the way Mayall & co added a Jazz fusion with Blues, and WITHOUT a drummer!

[@harrylaws2260]

Yeah John May all I bout forget him check out Room to Move sometime. Chicka Chicka wot?

[@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.

[@mesisson]

A unique gem for the time.

[@chazhernandez701]

This was my make out song in the 70’s. Course i was in Jr high. And high school. 👍🏼

[@StevesSlideandJazz]

Am7th and D7th over and over....perfect actually.

[@michaelmiller8205]

I have this album and the last time I listened to it, it sounded as if I was sitting around a camp fire. Makes me choke up a little.

[@SRSOS]

This is some chill, dope shit man.

[@TheHeliumkid]

don't gay it up

[@Dlrealife]

Incredibly GREAT Band... Incredibly GREAT song

[@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!

[@marissadower-morgan3313]

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

[@AndreaMartinez-jm4lh]

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

[@rickleborman]

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

[@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.

[@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 !

[@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!

[@anthonylovato5614]

Electric piano takes where I need to be! Right to the sax lead......*^◇☆!

[@A-RA-N]

wow !

[@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.