“'On A Roll' from Cop Records. Mark Cameron hails from Minnesota where he has been making music for over 30 years. Cameron came to national attention with the release of his fourth album 'Playing Rough' in 2016, and the charismatic front man recently represented Minnesota at the International Blues Challenge. All of the songs are written or co-written by Cameron who proves himself a skilled storyteller. 'Ridin' The Rails' is dedicated to the late bassist Serrin Andreas, and Sheri’s flute and the boogie beat reminds me of Canned Heat. 'Where I Got You From' is a fabulous Delta Blues tune with some great slide from Cameron. He excels vocally while the band works out. The Mark Cameron Band proves to be the most improved blues band I’ve heard so far this year. This is truly an infectious album! ” - Richard Ludmerer
— Making a Scene Magazine
“An all original set from this Minnesota band, [in 'On a Roll'] Mark wrote the songs and leads on guitar and vocals. The album opens with the lively ensemble piece 'Trouble Brewin'. 'On Your Way To The Top' is an early standout with Mark’s core guitar riff picked up by sax and harp while 'Dirty Biscuit' [is] played to a driving boogie rhythm. The impressive 'Next Stop Is The Blues' on which Mark plays a fine solo, [is followed by] 'Back Seat Boogie' that has a fun 50’s rockabilly feel with the twangy guitar, and 'Here We Go' is another ensemble piece with a driving rhythm. Saving the best 'til last, ‘Dreams’ is a slow burn ballad, well sung by Mark. Over the last few years Mark Cameron has given us a series of solid albums, proving that he is, indeed, on a roll!” - John Mitchell
— Blues Blast Magazine
“With nearly a dozen albums to his credit, it can be safely said that Mark Cameron is a seasoned professional. Cameron has consistently shown himself to be an accomplished songwriter, musician and storyteller. 'On A Roll' is the work of a mature artist who has paid his dues, diligently studied the work of those who came before him and has spent years honing his skills. As a band, they are as good as it gets … operating as a finely tuned machine. It’s easy on the ear, will satisfy the dancers in the crowd and it runs a lot deeper than what appears on the surface. Within the beautiful tapestry of music, Cameron delivers words of wisdom and healing to all with a desire to listen. From straight-ahead blues to soulful ballads, 'On A Roll' is top shelf! ” - Bill Wilson
— Reflections in Blue
“This is a great album...and the fact that it is a live recording makes it all the more amazing.” Bill Wilson
Live! At Blues On The Chippewa
Cop Records LMP-1678
Straight-ahead house-rockin' boogie kicks this one off beautifully. Add a good harp player to the mix and you have a recipe for success. Cameron on lead vocals and guitar wrote all the tunes except for Howlin' Wolf's "Killin' Floor." Add Bill Keyes on harp & vocals, … Dan Schroeder on drums and Sheri Cameron on sax, flute, bongos shaker, tambourine, washboard, chimes, female vocals and the kitchen sink...if that's that it takes to get the job done. These tunes are more than simply words and music that someone thought "bluesy"...they are slices of real life. It is that authenticity that gives blues its power. These are real men and women singing about real-life situations.
One of the things that impressed me the most about this band is that they work together so smoothly. They play as a single unit...each player doing his part, with no showboating. Artists egos take a back seat. The song is the important factor. I was also impressed by the quality of the recording. The listener actually gets the feeling that they were there when the show was recorded. This is not usually the case with live recordings, but, when it works, it REALLY works. Be prepared to laugh, to cry and to dance until you wear holes in the soles of your shoes. This one's a keeper!
Bill Wilson
Chris Spector, Midwest Record
Live! At Blues On The Chippewa
COP Records
A blues challenge winner, this record was a serendipitous, spontaneous affair that happened because his sound man noticed some killer sound equipment laying around when they were waiting to go on for their set. Knobs twisted and here we go!
Brimming with intensity, this long standing white boy with the blues plays like he has 30 years under his belt, without sounding like he’s got 30 years under his belt. Perfectly capturing his live sound, this is the next best thing to being there. Totally hot stuff!
Volume 40/Number 205
May 25, 2017
MIDWEST RECORD
Live! At Blues On The Chippewa
COP RECORDS LPM 1678
The Mark Cameron Band were about to play at Blues On The Chippewa at Memorial Park in Durand, WI, when bass man Scott Lundberg noticed the awesome equipment set-up. Faster than Joliet Jake could say “Hit It!” the fellows punched the REC button, and, ’bout an hour later, “Live! At Blues On The Chippewa” was a reality! Ten originals and a hot cover of “Killin' Floor” make up this record, with heavy emphasis on having a good time and pleasing crowds everywhere they go!
Mark Cameron, out of Minneapolis, is on vocals and all guitars, and does the writing. Mr. Lundberg is on bass, Bill Keyes is on harp, Dan Schroeder is on drums, and Sheri Cameron is on flute, sax, percussion, and anything else a song might need.
The band’s hi-energy sound and Mark’s incredible guitar skills always make them festival favorites! They get this party started with an irresistible groove and the set closes on a rockabilly note.
The Mark Cameron Band possess that intangible “mojo,” if you will, that puts you in a dancin’ mood, and gives you that good feeling all over. “Live! At Blues On The Chippewa” puts them right in their element–playing butt-rockin’ blues for a raucous crowd! Until next time…
Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues Society
May 25, 2017