As of: April 12, 2024 6:06 p.m
It’s been five and a half years since Mark Knopfler released new music. Now – after a serious long-term Covid illness – the former boss of Dire Straits is back: “One Deep River” is his tenth solo album.
Horn-rimmed glasses, full body, grumpy manner and ponderous answers. Mark Knopfler has visibly aged during the pandemic – but as a songwriter he continues to be strong: his new pieces are no good for the music industry – Spotify and ticket prices. He is also worried about the world political situation: “It seems as if we are having a teddy bear picnic for dictators. And there are so many of them. They all appeared at the same time – which is unfortunate,” he says in the interview.
“This One’s Not Going To End Well” is the only explicitly political song on “One Deep River”. Otherwise, Knopfler is nostalgic, romantic, wistful – he reminisces about old relationships, early jobs and his home in Newcastle. “Tunnel 13”, on the other hand, is ironic: the tracks on which a bloody train robbery was committed in 1923 now provide the wood for his guitars: “This redwood has a terrible history. It comes from exactly the tunnel – the rail wood from back then. It has an incredibly good quality, but a macabre background: a cruel crime.”
Calm vocals, deeply relaxed vibe
“One Deep River” should primarily appeal to die-hard fans: calm singing, deeply relaxed vibe, lots of atmosphere and exquisite guitar playing. Maybe a touch too staid, but the craftsmanship is at the highest level – and a sound between blues, folk, rock and a surprising amount of country.
“My roots go back so far that it’s all the same. And all you have to do is listen to Ray Charles. People call his songs ‘country’ for lack of a better term. So listen to Ray and get the idea ” said Knopfler’s appeal.
Knopfler’s farewell album?
What’s special about this album: It could be one of Knopfler’s last. The man who has sold over 120 million records feels tired. In January he auctioned off most of his guitars, and his sports cars and motorcycles will go under the hammer next. And he no longer wants to do a tour or individual concerts.
“I notice that I’m reaching my physical limits. And I would like to spend a few more years with my wife Kitty and enjoy life. I don’t want to die on a highway. It’s something for younger people, around the world hurry.”
The 74-year-old Knopfler calls it “farewell to the fairground” – with twelve songs that are deep and intense.
One Deep River
Genre:Pop Label:British Grove Release date:12.4.2024 Price:18.99 €
This topic in the program:
NDR Culture | The Afternoon | April 12, 2024 | 2:20 p.m
2024-04-13 04:04:25
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