Mark Karan
Walk Through The Fire
(Dig)

Mark Karan, best known for his work with Bob Weir's RatDog, as well as the leader of Jemimah Puddleduck, has been a studio and touring guitarist/singer for a long list of accomplished musicians including Delaney Bramlett, Dave Mason, Huey Lewis, the Rembrandts and many more. So it hardly seems right to call Walk Through The Fire a solo album, more of a debut from a man with a musical soul that's absorbed influences from growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area and the mentors he's played with.

The record's a great mix of originals and covers, some of which Mark has been polishing in concert for years. Fan favorites like the soulful "Memphis Radio" and "Time Will Tell" retain their loose and jammy qualities. Special mentions go to "Leave a Light On," a big song that in a perfect world would be a monster hit and Robert Johnson's "Love In Vain," the first posthumous recording to feature Delaney Bramlett (RIP) on dobro and sharing lead vocals. Other luminaries helping out include keyboardists J.T. Thomas, Pete Sears and Little Feat's stellar Bill Payne. The awesome Puddleduck rhythm section of Bob Gross and John Molo anchors most of the tracks.

Back in July 2007 Mark announced he was being treated for throat cancer. His battle helped motivate him to finish this album. The title track was written as he began chemotherapy and all profits from the song are being donated to the Oral Cancer Foundation. He remains gratefully cancer-free.

Walk Through The Fire is the effort of a man whose musicality is evident in every note he sings and plays. This CD is truly a wonderful offering from the heart of a master musician. Enjoy.— Dave O'Connell