Mark Olson - Many Colored Kite

Mark Olson - Many Colored Kite
Rykodisc Records – July 27, 2010
by Sam Frank

Mark Olson - Many Colored KiteWhen singers perform on stage with a band it's very easy for their lyrical potency to be diluted by the onstage sonic alchemy. As a founding member and primary singer/songwriter of The Jayhawks, Mark Olson often sang behind the beat, letting the music dictate which direction his voice would travel, but on his newest album to date, Many Colored Kite his voice leads the inspiring sounds that create this beautiful collection of songs. Recorded over a month's time in Portland with producer/engineer Beau Raymond, Many Colored Kite finds Olson embracing a brighter outlook on life, exploring themes of freedom, struggle, isolation and belonging, spirituality and love. "To me, a 'many colored kite' is the idea that instead of having a restrictive world, let's have an inclusive one where it's good for people to have different ideas, different faiths, different languages," Olson explains. On the song, "Your Life Beside Us" Olson's captivating voice complimented by his heartfelt lyrics transmit a spiritual longing for good in one's life; whereas, the miracle song, inspired by doves which appeared in front of his house upon its completion, "Morning Dove," marks the very first time Olson performs completely solo and acoustic. "I've always been in bands or groups; I've always liked playing off of other people," he admits. "But this song seemed so direct and personal, that I just went for it."

-Read the full story at UnRatedMagazine.com