Mark Stephen Warren

Mark Stephen Warren Bio:

A beautiful work of piano music.

MSW has many years in the indie recording industry as an artist, writer and producer. Known more for his instrumental versatility and quarky rhythms and melodies, "Hands Lifted High" is a focused effort at creating a solid soundscape of meditative piano improvisations.

He has returned to his first love with this release. The sincerity to the instrument and the solo piano form are obvious. No efforts at conjuring up pop rhythms or trendy sounds, this is a work of straightforward piano work that is ageless in appeal. Those of us keeping our George Winston CDs alive will add this work to the collection.

"The idea was to create the sound of a piano player in the corner of your living room," MSW said, "playing for the morning quiet time or for a evening with friends."

A little history ....

"Hands" comes as a surprise to those who remember Warren's 1984 comedy "DWI - Driving While Inspired" which received airplay in the south. Written as a dare to write a "redneck rap tune," the over-the-top comedy became a hit quickly. On the same release, "Let the Angels Sing" received airplay as well.

More recently, the song "All Over the World" from the 2001 project "I've Seen God Move" received airplay in the south. From this five song tape, the piano instrumental "Wedding Prelude" was quickly found to be a favorite. This was the impetus for the "Hands" project.

"Doing what I do best," he says, "for those who define what life really is."

The adoption of his daughter from China in 2002 led to Warren's resolution to complete the project. The family dedications the nieces, Mark's wife Marlene, friends and the project dedication to one of his childhood piano teachers reveal the heart that's behind the "Hands."