I am not a person of faith. However, it isn’t an impediment to enjoying Mark Conklin’s new opus The Gospel According to Mark. This sprawling musical interpretation of Christ’s story, as told in the New Testament’s Book of Mark, pairs Conklin’s vibrant gospel originals with brief readings from the Scripture often set to music. Renowned vocal legend Gloria Gaynor provides those readings from the Book of Mark. It’s one of the album’s masterstrokes.
There are several. The New Jersey-born Conklin shows an unerring instinct for choosing the right guest performer to help interpret his songwriting. Many five-star country, gospel, and bluegrass major leaguers join Conklin to help realize his overarching ambition for this collection. Sometimes “all-star” efforts smack of contrivance. However, that isn’t the case with The Gospel According to Mark. He makes inspired choices, pairing talents with songs that play to their strengths. It gives the overall release the gravitas of a cohesive musical work rather than a scattershot shot ploy for sales.
He begins the outing with a reading from the Book of Mark. “Mk 1:1-3” starts listeners off at the story, a wise and practical decision on Conklin’s part. However, he roams throughout the Scripture with later similar entries. This opener is free from any musical adornment. However, Gloria Gaynor’s voice communicates a great deal. It has a deep yet far from foreboding timbre and immense warmth. The first full-on track included on the album is “Make Way”. Guest performers Ernie Haase and Signature Sound set an early template for the collection with their outstanding vocal attributes. The mood of the release is clearly celebratory but never manifests itself in an one-note fashion.
The first narration-driven track with musical backing, “Mk 1:4-8”, benefits from a well-played piano to accentuate the mood. It segues nicely into the second regular song, “Into the River”, featuring the formidable talents of The Fisk Jubilee Singers. Drafting such outstanding contributors like this polishes these excellent compositions to a high shine. They are natural fits. Conklin’s inclination towards utilizing horns adds further diversity to these performances. It’s one of the album’s unmitigated high points.
Actress and vocalist Rita Wilson delivers a memorable performance for “Through the Storm”. It’s an excellent example of how astute Conklin is in selecting songs and singers who complement each other. Wilson’s powerful vocal power, finesse, and unquestionable passion raise an already exemplary song to dizzying heights. The bluesy horn and guitar-fueled slink of “Devil in the Temple”, featuring Mike Farris, will enchant many. Conklin and his cohorts latch onto a delicious groove that a wide swath of listeners will love.
One of the album’s under-the-radar strengths is how the arrangements make the message entertaining, even if you aren’t a believer. “Devil in the Temple” exemplifies this. Wendy Moten’s turn on “The Greatest is Love” is another brilliant example of that strength. The sheer unbridled brio of the brass and spot-on energetic drumming physically engages listeners from the outset. Conklin ends The Gospel According to Mark with the rousing “Good News”. The finale boasts a mind-blowing triumvirate of talents. The Fisk Jubilee Singers return for this stirring curtain closer, and they’re joined by Lenesha Randolph and Joseph Rice. Mark Conklin ends this release unforgettably. His full-length The Gospel According to Mark deserves consideration as one of the best gospel releases in many years, if not decades.
Mindy McCall
