With a voice as clear as a Rocky Mountain stream and as strong as a gale force wind, Randy Clarke has no problem at all getting his message concerning the blues, across to his audience. With guitar extraordinaire Mark Rankin by his side, this team makes up one of the most mesmerizing blues aficionado's, the Canadian West Coast Music Scene has seen in a while, and to prove that point they put out a non-stop Bluesfest of an album titled, The Mojo Stars "Devil's Advocate".

With what looks like a vintage Electro-Voice Mic in hand, Randy has no problem at all belting out the tunes and if that wasn't enough he also has a mean talent with the Harmonica, as well.

"Devil's Advocate" consists of 10 Tracks, all originals, which were all audience favorites before recording them and which quickly became my favorites after listening to the Album.

"Devil's Advocate" is a great introduction to anyone who loves the blues, sung straight up, without the clutter and a great introduction to one mighty fine Band.

Review by John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)

Other Info & Reviews

After tearing up the Vancouver music scene for two years, singer Randy Clarke and guitarist Mark Rankin decided it was time to head into the studio and record some of the best original tracks they had written. Basing their selection on the tunes that had been garnering the best responses, Clarke and Rankin recorded ten of what they considered their best songs.

THE BOYS IN THE BAND

When you go to see The Mojo Stars live, there are a few things you notice.

First, the audience is in the palm of singer Randy Clarke’s hand all night long. (If you ever compliment Randy on this, he’ll tell you, as a singer being the ‘show’ is his duty and that the real hard work rests with the band.)

Secondly, you’ll notice the guitar playing of Mark Rankin, whose rhythm and lead playing seem to compliment every song so well. (If you ever compliment Mark on this, his usual reaction is to say that he’s just trying to play off Randy’s vocals.)

At the end of the night, after what seems like half the audience have bought them drinks, Clarke and Rankin are as humble as can be, shrugging off kudos and accolades with recommendations to check out their inspirations, both current and historical, local and international. They will also tell you that they’re attempting to do nothing more than reach as many people as possible with the music they’re writing.

It’s their quality and originality of these songs, combined with their stage show that has kept the band busy in the last few years. They’ve played Vancouver’s prestigious Jazz Festival two years running, closing the festival on a bill that one year included Canadian rapper K-OS’s band, no less. They’ve twice headlined the pride and joy of New Westminster, its annual Show and Shine. They’ve also played casinos, pubs, clubs, and just about anywhere in BC that appreciates good music.

Tracklist 

1.Struck 5:52
2.The Easy Way 3:48
3.Soul Mate 5:33
4.Warden 4:12
5.Fool's Heart 8:18
6.Devil's Advocate 5:40 
7.Summer Love 3:39
8.Vina Vina 3:42 
9.Lovin' Man 4:22
10.Waters Are Rising 4:38

Listen To Music Here 

About The Mojo Stars

Mark Rankin - Guitar

Originally hailing from Scotland, via Zimbabwe and Oman (long story, best told by Mark over copious amounts of Guinness), Mark began playing professionally when he was 18, playing in the Ottawa club scene through University with famed original rock group The Last Minute Men, a group which he formed with Toronto actor/musician Raoul Bhaneja.

After leaving Ottawa, Mark moved to Japan for a few years where he taught English and played with some of Tokyo's biggest blues acts including famed Ex-pat bluesman Arkansas Fats.

Since moving to Vancouver a few years ago, Mark has played with many good local musicians before hooking up with partner-in-crime Randy Clarke to form the Mojo Stars, a project he describes as 'the best musical group I've ever been involved with."

Recently, he became the proud father of a beautiful new baby boy.

Randy Clarke - Vocals

Randy Clarke - Well back in '62... that's 1862 my grand pappy took me on his knee and said something called "The Blues" was gonna be all the rage when I was all grown up, so he taught me how to get drunk from an old fruit jar, steal cars (once they was invented), have my car stolen, run Ho's, be a Ho, roll cheap cigarettes, cheat on women, have women cheat on me, and basically be a master at "The Blues" so that when they came along I would be ahead of the game.

The rest is history...

The Mojo Stars

Recorded Live at The Yale Blues Lounge. Vancouver, Canada

http://www.themojostars.com/

http://www.myspace.com/themojostars

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