Biography

Markin’ Time released in June of 2010 is Terry J. Low’s second recording project. The songs range from swinging jazz-influenced tunes to Americana folk/rock songs. The musicians supporting this effort include Grammy award winning guitarist Ken Emerson, Cache Valley Drifters mandolin player Bill Griffin, and seasoned sax player Denny Morouse, who has toured with Stevie Wonder and Art Blakey. This only begins to describe these musician’s credits and abilities. Darryl Miyasato and David Braun are professional musicians and band teachers in the public schools on Kauai. Both are highly sought after musicians for a number of jazz groups and recording projects. Eddie Sitzler is an accomplished drummer who is comfortable playing a wide range of genres making him the perfect drummer for this project. His rhythmic ideas added a great deal to this recording. Elle Caldwell is a local recording artist who lent her voice to “Kahili.” Elle’s sweet contribution to this song matched her love for the beach of its focus.

Markin’ Time was recorded over a two-year period in the studios of two highly respected engineer/producers. Rich Evans of Messenger Studios has worked with many professional musicians including Graham Nash and Taj Mahal. Rich recorded Taj’s award-winning CD, Sacred Island. Ron Pendragon of Fat Tuesday Records recorded the final tracks on Markin’ Time and mixed and mastered the CD. I credit Ron as a magician as well as a co producer/mixer for good reason. He has an uncanny knack for knowing what needs to be fixed and how to fix it before the person he is recording has a chance has a chance to verbalize it. Besides the award-winning local artists Ron works with, he has a long history working with legendary bands like Little Feat and Earth Wind and Fire.

Markin’ Time begins with a song about an evil 10th century British king, Aethelred, the unready. The guitar work sounds a little like Mark Knopfler, but it’s really just Ken Emerson at his magical best. “Aethelred’s in the darkroom and the Vikings are on the prowl; help us now, help us now.”

“Prevailing Winds” is a song about loss, mostly personal and a bit national. “You were a movie; I was just a magazine.” Somehow there is a sense of acceptance about that loss in the prevailing winds and winter tides.

“Ditty” is the song that has gotten the most acclaim and airplay on the CD. It’s a swinging song about taking your song to the beach and enjoying all it has to offer. Denny Morouse liked the song so much he offered to write a little horn chart for it. It smokes!

“On the Road (To and from Georgia)” is a Country/Americana tune about loss and uncertainty. “Point me to the highway, lead me to the road; I’m a bit uncertain of the way to go.”

“Double or Nothing” has a jazz swing feel and is a song about taking a chance on love. “Double or nothing, the gamble is on. Cards on the table, all bets are down.”

“Jill’s Song” is a haunting song about unrequited young love. Bill Griffin’s mandolin adds an especially poignant touch.

“Goin’ for the Apple” is a jazz-tinged song about a love that’s moved on for a chance at the stars.

“Kahili” is a song about a special beach on Kauai and the passing of time. Darryl Miyasato’s use of a bow on a bass track adds a lot of atmosphere to the song. This song was written in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the Ka Loko dam flood.

“Markin’ Time,” the title track, is a joyful song about signing on for the ride. Darryl Miyasato’s tuba adds a fun feel to the song. “Done markin’ time, on the dotted line.”

“Summer of Love /Add 40” was written at the fortieth anniversary of the summer of love in San Francisco. A Bay Area child of the sixties made that a special time for Ken Emerson and me as well. His guitar captures that era well.

Besides the songs on Markin’ Time, several songs from my first release, Hand-Me-Downs are included. All of these have received some local airplay. “Dogs and Ponies” being the most popular on that CD. “All they want is just a dog and pony show.”