A Trick Of The Light

Growing up in New York’s Greenwich Village, Mark Sebastian was surrounded by a diverse mélange of musical influences including bluegrass, bossa nova, delta blues and latin rhythms. His father, John Sebastian, was regarded as one of the greatest harmonicists of his time, while Mark’s mother, Jane, was a novelist and production manager of Carnegie Hall.

As a teenager, Mark co-wrote a song about city life in August called “Summer In The City,” which would become the sole #1 hit for his brother, John’s, band, The Lovin’ Spoonful. The verses had references to stickball games and other symbols of an urban summer. The song’s chorus promised relief, “but at night it’s a different world, go out and find a girl, come on, and dance all night, despite the heat, it’ll be all right”. John replaced Mark’s verses with more vital, upbeat ones that gave the song a punch, while Spoonful bassist Steve Boone, added the quirky instrumental bridge.

Recently awarded Billboard’s 'All Time Top Summer Song', “Summer In The City” has become iconic, and admitted Mark into an elite circle of songwriters who wrote hit songs for the teen market while actually in their teens.

After the success of “Summer In The City,”,” Mark led several bands in New York before finally settling into a regular spot as in house opening act at the Gaslight and the Café Au Go-Go in Greenwich Village, sharing bills with Dave Van Ronk, Tim Hardin, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGee and other folk and blues greats. As the folk scene waned in the 70's, Mark traveled to England and Italy, becoming involved in the nascent electronic music scene, writing and recording with composers in London and Rome.

Upon returning to the States, Mark moved westward, drawn by the Californian siren song of albums like Brian Wilson’s "Pet Sounds" and Van Dyke Parks’ "Song Cycle". Through a stroke of good luck, Mark met Brian Wilson and Van Dyke, which resulted in collaborations on songs, and Wilson’s enthusiastic support of Mark. Wilson was largely a recluse during this period, and Mark was one of the very few granted access to him. Brian had Mark record demos at the famed United Western studios, where so many pop greats recorded.

Mark made frequent forays into acting, helping establish the west coast branch of New York’s cutting edge theater group, 'La Mama', and performing with Los Angeles' 'Second City' troupe. Mark became a staff songwriter at Earth, Wind & Fire’s publishing company, which led to members of the band playing on his recordings of that time. It was also during this phase that Mark began a fertile and prolific collaboration with Van Dyke Parks., writing and producing Mark’s songs. Mark continued to play national venues, opening for Parks, Beach Boys, Laura Nyro, Eric Burdon and other friends.

In recent years, Mark has produced independent film, but never strayed far from music. Quincy Jones’ version of “Summer In The City” was much sampled by urban acts, including the Pharcyde’s “Passin’ Me By” and the #1 song “Stutter,” by Joe, garnering Mark both an 'ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award' and a 'BMI Urban Award'. In 2001, he released his 1st full length album, "Bleecker Street", an amalgam of blues and his infatuation with the lusher southern california sound.

His 2008 album, "The Real Story", was recorded in New York, with players he knew from performing at New York venues, as well as participation from his older brother, John B Sebastian.

His soon to be released "A Trick Of The Light" signals Mark’s return to the west coast, and the musicians are almost exclusively west coast players. They include Wrecking Crew great Don Randi, famed drummer James Gadson, legendary bassists Bob Glaub and Freddie Washington, and Motown Funk Brother, guitarist, Wah Wah Watson. Van Dyke Parks returns as string arranger on the title cut, and Joe Wissert produced 2 tracks on the album with Mark.

Mark played various guitars and Johnnie Lee Schell contributed lead guitar on “ You Made A Monkey Outta Me”. Little Feat’s Bill Payne plays keyboards on “Monkey", and Leah Kunkel sang background vocals, as did the legendary Billy Nicholls. Horns are provided by greats Joe Sublett and Mark Pender.

Mark has painted this most recent album from the same musical palette that has inspired him throughout his diverse career. From urban jazz to pop, with a mix of r'n'b, blues and a hint of surf, his latest effort draws from his array of influences gleaned throughout a life in music.