The Undiscovered: Doug Markley

On The Half Shell is Pennsylvania based guitarist Doug Markley's sixth CD release, consisting of eleven appetizing tender morsels of jazz funk guitar with a hint of country island bossa nova. Geared towards the ever-growing Smooth Jazz audience, the CD was recorded in Markley's home studio, and showcases Markley's speech-like phrasing and sophisticated melodicism. Markley handled all the instrumentation on the album, using his vast experience to create thematic, yet mood-driven compositions such as "Fishing On A Bridge" and "Sushi Wah Wah", the latter featuring a talkbox-like, wah soaked lead which adds the proper amount of funk spice to the 'raw fish' meal. Smooth Jazz fans should take a serious look at Markley's growing catalog of releases.

Doug attended the University of Miami as a Jazz Guitar major, from 1973-1977, at a time when the school was filled with talent such as Jaco Pastorius, Steve Morse and Bruce Hornsby. He started The Markley Band (jazz fusion) in 1978, which attracted a following in the Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware areas. Doug landed his first record deal in 1980 with Accord Town House Records, and released "The Markley Band" followed by "On The Mark" in 1982. He later signed with Visual Musik, who released "Philly Fillet", the music of which was used by the ABC soap opera "All My Children" for eight years. Doug released his fifth CD, "Sunset Dance" on his own, distributed only in the tri-state area. He continues to play live gigs with his band,. opening for Spyro Gyra, Robert Cray and Jeff Lorber, among others.

Markley's objectives include getting airplay on Smooth Jazz stations across the country, garnering reviews in music publications, CD distribution, Internet sales and touring.

Markley Music
United States