Blues Society of Western PA - Newsletter

Mark Stutso is best known for being Jimmy Thackery’s drummer. It is a team that has lasted for eighteen years and still is going strong. If there is one thing that I have learned about performers, the caliber of Jimmy, it is that they get their pick of players when putting a band together. There are no weak spots in their bands and Jimmy has none in his. Mark is a powerful drummer, definitely in charge of driving the band keeping it going in the right direction. His bio reads, “…instead of learning all the speed fills, flash and so on, I went for the groove. Protect the beat.”

“Rock my Soul” is Mark’s first solo effort. There is a definite Pittsburgh connection. It was Norm Nardini who urged Mark to record ten of his songs. There are a total of eleven cuts, one being the cover of Eddie Hinton’s, “I Want a Woman.” Norm and Glen Pavone handle the guitar work. Glen’s playing is beyond description. I did not hear a bad or even average lick out of his guitar. He is awesome. Band mate, Tom Valentine, is on bass. Others include: Herman Grannatti, Gene Ludwig, Fred Delu and Whitey Cooper. This CD covers a wide range of styles. “Bow Legged Woman” is Blues. That song along with the rocker, “Victoria’s Secret” shows the sense of humor that only Norm can deliver. Even in a lousy mood, these two will bring a smile. Other songs lean toward R&B and Soul. “You Go Your Way” has a 50’s feel. My personal favorite is, “Just Like a Woman.” It could sit perfect in any Jimmy Thackery CD.

The real star of the show is Mark’s vocals. They are gritty and powerful but with a soft, soulful, and melodic side when it calls for it. He is a self taught drummer and vocalist. Mark Stutso has a tremendous natural talent and it shows through out this CD.

Jim Weber