Today at REDFISH ROADHOUSE - 6121 Hwy 6,Hitchcock, Texas (3-7pm) and it's the last Houston area public performance of Mark May Band until Saturday the 4th of February when Mark joins Eric Demmer's group at Dan Electro's Guitar Bar in the Heights. Then H-town will have to wait until he returns next year for his annual Texas tour. It's been great from start to finish! Thank you Mark. H-town loves you!!!

'I Gotta Know' by:Mark May Band (video)

CD and Tour review by Abby Owen:

Mark May Band has been touring in Texas the whole month of January (2012) to promote his new CD 'Release My Soul - Mark May Band', and his Texas fans have had a real treat to be sure. Mark's fifth CD is a perfect addition to his enjoyable sound catalogue, which is a nice mix of Texas Blues, Blues Rock, and Southern Rock.

Some reviews of 'Release My Soul' from those who know Mark's music: "It was like spending quality time with an old friend." ~ Jerry Owen.

"I love Mark's early stuff and Telephone Road. His fun upbeat stuff is the best. He does a wide spectrum on this album. But I hear the ghost of Joann, You're Leaving Baby and Light's On Nobody Home!! Good Job Mark......it was worth the wait!!" - by bpsonoma

"For those who like his sound, this CD will not disappoint. True Mark May from beginning to end.There are songs reminiscent of 'Call On The Blues' AND 'Dollmaker', and some real surprises that stretch Marks creativity, which is obviously ever-expanding...and so nice to witness." ~ A.S.O.

What can I say about this band? I've know these guys for going on three years only, but in
that time I've seen changes that leave me breathless at times. This tour especially. They have been consistently
packing the house at every venue they've played, bringing people to their feet and blowing the roof off
non-stop.

I feel that by stepping away as Mark did last year (moved back to his hometown near Columbus, Ohio) he has

succeeded in somehow creating even more demand for his work here in Houston, and has given Paul the
chance to step up his own game further, (if that is even possible) after having created the Paul Ramirez Band when Mark left town, to produce a combination of guitar virtuosity unmatched in the history of the band, and maybe anywhere.

Paul's drummer Brian Shoppell adds such intensity with his powerful yet intricate and organic approach to his drum work that has undeniably been a real shot-in-the-arm to the band in creating a more high-energy sound and tying together the talents of the guitar players, and make no mistake, there are THREE of them in this band.It is easy to be dazzled by the playing of Mark and Paul, either separately or together when they tie together

their 'Allman Brothers' style dual harmonics, but like Brian sitting there in the back, doing his job with
perfection is Dan Cooper on the bass guitar. If you pay attention to his own unmatched and highly
accomplished fret work, you won't fail to be greatly impressed. He produces fills and riffs of his own that
perfectly merge with the lead guitar/s that elevate the song to a magical place indeed. Two of the songs that he
really shines on are 'Southbound' and 'Oye Como Va'. Both of which prominently feature Paul and Mark, but
pay close attention. Dan is truly the MAN and you would be hard pressed to find another bass player that
brings it the way he does.

Right from the first gig at House Of Blues, (with the addition of Eric Demmer, sax and Max Day, harp) to last night's show at The Hawg Stop in Sheldon, the intensity and artistry of all four of these men is unmatched, and evident in the crowd response and rockin' good times enjoyed by everyone in attendance. [ 'Call On The Blues' with Eric Demmer (Gatemouth Brown) on sax @ H...

I will be looking forward with much anticipation for the next Houston tour! This month has been such a pleasure, way beyond my expectations in every way. I'm so sad to see it end.