MUST BE A PONY: Mark Newman Danal Music 2006 If there is a complaint I have with Mark Newman's latest release, 'Must Be A Pony' it is that it is too short. Containing a great batch of tunes that are all worth hearing at least once. Very warm, friendly, personable music. If soul music is supposed to reach deep into the heart, then this recording is a winner, lonesome and heartbreaking. As is evident on Mark's haunting rendition of the Bee Gee’s classic "NY Mining Disaster". 'Must Be A Pony' has a great laid-back & intimate feel. Play the disk and it immediately becomes apparent that Mark draws upon his intensity and wisdom to meld eloquent songs of pain like, "Love Won't Ever Pass This Way Again" and beauty on "What She Does To Me". A master of various instruments “Must Be A Pony” to exemplify Mark's mastery of guitar, lap steel mandolin, and dobro. Which Mark exhibits perfectly on the title track along with musicians Anton Fig (Dave Letterman) and Steve Holley. Mark's folk-blues fit squarely within the tradition of the genre, but the power of his feeling and emotions of his composition give the music a freshness and immediacy that is surprising at a time when it is easy to feel that the limits of creativity have been exhausted. Considered one of the most sought after musicians in New York, after listening to 'Must Be A Pony', it would be safe for me to say Mark Newman's music is going to be sought after on a global level. - The Atomic Chaser