I purchased this LP after listening to II. What a very talented musician. His instrumentals, lyrics and compositions are very awesome. Im surprised that more of his music isn't played on the air. His presentation and delivery masks itself between Jazz fusion Progressive Rock and Classic Rock artists. Im really impressed with his music and looking forward to obtaining his other albums for my collection.

Nice review. I bought this LP new in 1971, followed by "II" in 1972 and then "To the Heart" in 1976. Was always amazed that nobody I knew ever knew who they were.

Melting with emotional atmosphere, the Mark-Almond band [Johnny Almond and Jon Mark] remain nearly unknown legends from the early 70’s ... delivering a quivering and honest presentation that’s not rock, not quiet jazz, not quite blues, or even that folky Renaissance blend of mystery meets reality, creating a blueprint that to this day belongs to them and them alone. I say this in all honesty, because my next thoughts are far from what I’ve just inferred. There is an “at worst” side to Mark-Almond, in that their lyrics are sophomorically overly sentimental, yet in the context of their delivery, Jon and Johnny can certainly be forgiven, because with the atmosphere they create, this over sentimentality works just fine. Yes, you’re gonna wonder how a song such as “The Ghetto” would find it’s way onto this release, because it’s outstanding, richly constructed, and may be the closest thing to a rock n’ roll ballad in their catalog. Every aspect to the album is delivered sparsely, almost with a minimalist feel, creating a sort of laid back California jazz-rock that’s infused with Spanish elements of warmth and loneliness. Never pushing their vocals to more than breathy whispers, the pair create a delicate balance of sax, flute, piano, and guitars [both electric and acoustic] that enhance each other without feeling the need to incorporate leads or sonic structural flows.This is one of the few albums I suggest you’re either going to love or totally dismiss. Its individual tracks are rather lengthy and unveiled rather slowly ... and even though you’re waiting, and perhaps hoping, there is no midsection where the tempo picks up to make you tap your feet, or nod your head in appreciation. It all feels as if it’s designed to exist in the background of your mind, floating to the surface when you loose your train of thought, pleasantly filling those spaces.Review by Jenell Kesler