Mark Sholtez: Real Street

Australian singer/songwriter Mark Sholtez and this debut album have been a buzz since March of 2005. At first, Real Street was scheduled to be released in September of 2005, but after a long delay, it was set for April Fool's Day of 2006, no less. The album, however, is everything but a joke! For the recording, a stellar cast of musicians worked with legendary producer Tommy LiPuma and engineer Al Schmitt, accompanied by "gentle giant" Rob Mounsey, who arranged Mark Sholtez's own compositions. Real Street is a perfect, captivating summer pitch—there's so much hidden underneath and beyond first impressions.

Sholtez's timbre is light, boyish and youthful, with a touch of fragile prudence that will no doubt charm many young men and women in the prime of their lives. The album alludes to a kaleidoscope of notions, incorporating a variety of moods, tempi and stories. "Complicated Woman" and "Not What I'll Be Missin'" carry a dash of Lyle Lovett's charisma, while "One More Kiss" creates a warm and vibrant Latin ambiance.

Real Street is certainly an album of compelling love songs, like "Falling," "Deeper," "Wanting You," "If You Were A Song" and "Dream About You." Your fingers and toes will tap in sync with the jazzed-up beats of "Melita" and "Love Me For The Cool." Christian McBride's classy bass intro and Chris Potter's sax playing lend promise to the U2 cover "All I Want Is You," which the group completely transforms into an authentic jazz tune!

The true gem that is "Home By Now" offers a sultry song, teaser arrangement and "maiden voyage." This Michael Franks fan is bound to grow and blossom, offering promise for future endeavours.