Gary Marks - Gathering (1974/2016)

These comments were from an interview in 2013: In 1973, at the age of 22, singer-songwriter Gary Marks self-produced Gathering. It is now considered a collector's classic -- a totally unique amalgam of folk, rock and jazz that seems to get richer and more powerful through the years.

It was first released on the prestigious JCOA label, run by Carla Bley. Original copies go for $400-500 on eBay nowadays, since it has never been re-issued. Kindred Spirits found a copy in Jazzanova's collection and contacted Gary Marks to request licensing the album.

What makes the album extra special is the fact that the band included guitar legend-virtuoso John Scofield, the renowned pianist Michael Cochrane, and one the of the top vibraphonists in the world, David Samuels. At the time none of them were known to the general public. (Gary, apparently even from the beginning, knew how to hand pick his band members.) In fact, Gathering was the recording debut for each of them!

Gary played and sang live with the band on these tracks. No overdubs were used, and all nine tracks were first takes.