I've heard rumors about Mark DuFresne over the last little while; I think somebody sent me an anthology that had a few cuts. He's got a few things on YouTube, but you've got to hunt them down. I hope this thread might turn into a shared endeavor. Here are two clips, to start things off.
The guy is a powerful, original player, somewhat in the Paul Delay school. I most admire the way he's reaching for melodies just outside the box. He's based in the Seattle area and I feel like a fool for not having him on this website's honorable mention list of great players. The video below is enough to get him there. The solo starts around 4:21. Once they start blowing, serious players make it clear very quickly that they're serious players. (Not everybody is Dennis or Jason or Kim or Mitch Kashmar, of course, but there's a national caliber player just below that exalted level, and I'd put DuFresne solidly in that category. That's just me. You're free to disagree in either direction.)
As for his singing: amazing! One of the best-singing harp players in the world right now--right up there with Mitch, Sugar Ray, Sugar Blue, and John Nemeth. Check his singing in the second video.
He's got a website and the opening statement reads as follows:
Mark DuFresne is one of the most sought after Blues talents in the Northwest. The Washington Blues Society has awarded him for best vocalist, songwriter and harmonica more than any other artist.
He has recorded three CD’s of all original music. “Out of That Bed”, “Have Another Round” and “There’s A Song In There”, which featured the lineup of the former Hollywood Fats Band.
In 2002 Mark joined the coveted band “Roomful of Blues” as lead vocalist. While in that role the band received a Grammy nomination for “That’s Right”. They also won the W.C. Handy award for Best Band - 2004. The New England Blues monthly awarded him Best Blues Vocalist. He returned home to the Pacific Northwest in 2006 after a very successful and fun four and a half years.
Recently he has had the pleasure to tour in Europe with Italy’s finest... Maurizio Pugno, guitar, Alberto Marsico, organ and bass, and Gio Rossi.. excellent musicians.. excellent pasta.....
His work on the chromatic harmonica is considered as some of the most innovative in Blues music. His ability to circular breathe has left audiences amazed.
“DuFresne is as distinctive as a vocalist as he is a fiery player; rather than recycling old riffs, his original compositions are tuneful, melodic and grooveworthy..” - Blues Review Magazine....
