Treasure Of The Broken Land: The Songs Of Mark Heard

Treasure of the Broken Land: The Songs of Mark Heard
Label: Storm Weathered Records
Reviewed by: Kim Walter, July 2017

Every now and then as a music reviewer, I am faced with various compilations and tribute albums done in honor of musicians I know almost nothing about or have even never heard. Sometimes they can be tedious, especially when it’s a lifetime greatest hits album of 25 songs, but I always enjoy the albums where each song is done by a different band with its own style. This album really blew my mind. I didn’t know Mark Heard or his music, and honestly, at the first song’s unimaginative sound, my thought was an overwhelming “ugh” when I saw there were 17 songs. However, after the first song, which wasn’t at all bad, just a little generic, it got better and better. The different artists do more than justice to Mark Heard, and his songs are given new life 25 years after his death. It’s interesting to hear how the lyrics and issues that are bound in the songs are still relevant today, and despite the realities they convey, many have uplifting messages.

Mark grew up in Georgia in the 50’s and 60’s, graduating from college in 1974. He had a large theological streak and was actually living and studying in a seminary in Europe when he was discovered playing his guitar and singing one day. He went on to have a good career in music, putting out 14 albums and 3 compilations during his life, before becoming disillusioned with the music scene and its conformity. He dedicated his life to the art of music, finding himself and putting out three successful albums in the early 90’s. He then unexpectedly suffered a heart attack while on stage in 1992. He ended up dying 2 weeks later, which was especially tragic as the world tour and new album he was negotiating just could have been what propelled him to super stardom. Since his death, 8 albums of unreleased and private music have been produced, as well as three tribute albums in the 90’s. This album is an attempt to both honor him 25 years after his passing and to bring his music back to the world. All the songs are good (even the generic country tunes, 1, 6, 7, are okay), but my favorites were 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17.

1. med- generic country tune, almost honky tonk-ish
2. med – original sounding, still in country genre, but more creative and varied
3. slow/med- striking female voice, elements of blues and a larger band
4. slow/med – nice vocal harmonies
5. slow- comforting, homey sound to voice/music/message
6. slow/med – unassuming country/progressive rock sound
7. slow – progressive/country rock sound with great message
8. slow/med – original sounding tune, female lead, good message
9. med – bluesy, nice electric guitar
10. slow/med – unique blues/bluegrass hybrid sound
11. slow/med - gentle drum dominates, nice vocal harmonies
12. slow – beautiful guitar followed by angelic voice in gentle tune
13. slow/med – choral beginning, then the song funks out a little
14. med – upbeat Americana feel, electric guitar
15. slow – acoustic, prominent fiddle, familiar female voice
16. slow – cowboy ballad, Title track, *repeat tribute artist from 90’s
17. slow/med – soul vibe, completely unique to album
18. slow – female with piano, also totally unique to album, nice end