Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 139 - Featuring Great Works by Master Producers Part 2 - Tommy LiPuma and Mark-Almond

A Surprising Album Encounter at a Yokohama CD Shop

The other day, after finishing some errands in Yokohama, I found myself with some free time and decided to visit a certain CD shop in the area. These days, I don’t buy CDs as often due to the dominance of subscription services. However, CD shops still offer valuable information and unexpected hidden gems that streaming services can’t provide, so I make an effort to visit them whenever possible.
That’s when I came across an unexpected find—the debut album of the British duo Mark-Almond.

Back in my student days, a friend introduced me to To the Heart, an album by Mark-Almond that has since gone out of print. One of the tracks on this album features the duo covering Billy Joel’s New York State of Mind. While they are generally a folk-influenced duo, I remember this particular track being special—especially because the drums were played by none other than Billy Cobham.

I’ve been searching for this album for years, but I’ve almost given up, knowing that I won’t be able to get my hands on it unless a reissue comes out.

While browsing a corner of the shelves at the Yokohama CD shop, my eyes suddenly caught a psychedelic-style Mark-Almond logo on an old-fashioned (pardon the expression!) gray jacket. No way! I thought. Convinced it was a reissue, I immediately looked for To the Heart, but it wasn’t there. Perhaps it was due to a different label or the way the albums were categorized by era.

The introduction comment on the first album read:
“First time on CD & revival of a rare, hard-to-find release!! A hidden gem from the golden age of rock (1965–1975 edition).”

It’s a reissue of out-of-print recordings from the formative years of rock, spanning from 1965 to 1975. To my delight, it even includes lyrics and Japanese translations. And at just 1,100 yen, it was an absolute bargain. Discoveries like this are exactly why I can’t give up browsing CD shops.

What’s more, the name The City, credited on Tommy LiPuma-produced masterpieces, also appears on this first album!

I immediately purchased Mark-Almond’s first album. When I checked the back cover, I noticed a track titled The City.
I was certain that this was the same song as The City from Other People's Rooms, the masterpiece produced by Tommy LiPuma. That was enough reason for me to buy it on the spot.
Mark-Almond’s 1978 album Other People's Rooms, produced by Tommy LiPuma, is widely recognized among jazz fusion and AOR fans as a classic in the genre.
It’s easy to imagine that when producing Other People's Rooms, Tommy LiPuma suggested a self-cover of The City from Mark-Almond’s first album.
LiPuma’s production of The City is a fantastic track, blending sophisticated jazz influences with an interplay of vocals and instrumentals—his signature magic at work.
This left me wondering: what was the original version of The City, as it appeared on Mark-Almond’s debut album? My anticipation grew.

■ Recommended Album: Mark-Almond – Mark-Almond (1971)

Mark-Almond was a jazz-rock group led by session guitarist Jon Mark, who played with the John Mayall Band, and saxophonist/flutist Johnny Almond.
Since their first album was released in 1971, it doesn’t quite fit the description of sophisticated in the modern sense. However, with its extensive use of acoustic guitar and incorporation of Latin influences, it carries a certain elegance of its own.

Recommended Track: "The City"

The track that most closely resembles the later sound of Mark-Almond, The City is built on a bossa nova foundation with vibrant Latin percussion.
It’s no exaggeration to say that this song marked the expansion of Mark-Almond’s musical world—brimming with a one-of-a-kind originality that sets them apart.

■ Recommended Album: Mark-Almond – Other People's Rooms (1978)

With top New York jazz musicians like Steve Gadd (drums), Will Lee (bass), John Tropea (guitar), and Leon Pendarvis (keys) adding their touch, Mark-Almond’s music shines even brighter.
On top of that, the unbeatable duo of producer Tommy LiPuma and engineer Al Schmitt elevates the album to another level, making Other People's Rooms a true standout.
Jon Mark’s decadent vocals blend seamlessly with the dark, moody sound of New York, shaping the overall atmosphere of the album.
The combination of well-crafted songs and outstanding musicianship is perhaps the most significant aspect of Tommy LiPuma’s production here. That uniquely immersive mood—one that only he could create—sets this album apart.
Adding to this ambiance is the album’s artwork, which enhances the experience even further. It’s a perfect trinity of music, production, and visual presentation.

Recommended Track: "The City"

Will Lee’s bass and Steve Gadd’s drums lay down a steady groove, while Leon Pendarvis’ deeply phased Rhodes piano weaves through the mix. Though the bossa nova influence from the first album lingers, this version fully immerses the listener in the nightlife of New York.
Jon Mark’s hushed vocals, paired with Johnny Almond’s flute and saxophone, create a rich, atmospheric soundscape. The essence of the original remains intact, but with a different lineup of musicians, the music reaches an entirely new level of sophistication.
It’s a perfect example of how a song can be transformed through production, and it’s easy to imagine that this was the cinematic vision Tommy LiPuma had in mind all along.

Featured Musicians, Albums, and Recommended Tracks

• Artists: Jon Mark, Johnny Almond, Will Lee, Steve Gadd, Leon Pendarvis, and more
• Albums: Mark-Almond, Other People's Rooms
• Track: "The City"

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