Mark Knopfler's Mandolin Song

[Dennis Ladd]

Mark Knopfler has a new CD out called "Get Lucky," always a cause for celebration in this household. One song is called "Monteleone" and I'm sure he based it on a visit to their mando production site. It's pretty, light tune dedicated to an instrument I'd like to own.

The rest of the CD is pretty subdued for him but there's enough of the trademark Knopfler guitar work to keep me listening. Lots of flute, no mandolin but still . . .

Here are the words:

Monteleone

The chisels are calling,
It's time to make sawdust;
Steely reminders of things left to do,
Monteleone, a mandolin's waiting for you.

My finger planes working,
Gentle persuasion;
I bend to the wood and coax it to sing,
Monteleone, your new one and only will ring.

The rain on the window, the snow on the gravel,
The seasons go by to the songs in the wood;
Too quick or too careless it all could unravel,
It so easily could.

The chisels are calling,
It's back for an encore;
Back to the shavings that cover the floor,
Monteleone, they're calling for more.

[Matt DeBlass]

He talks about his visit (and new guitar) before playing it here

[Santiago]

Actually that's a nice sounding guitar he's playing.

[Dennis Ladd]

Thanks for that link. He comes across as a great guy . . . though it helps to have that accent.;)

[Dfyngravity]

Mark Knopfler is and has been for some while my favorite singer, song writer, and guitar player. I had the pleasure of seeing his a few months back and plan on seeing him again in the spring. He is absolutely amazing. This is a great little tune.

[JoeD]

Thanks for the tip. I love his solo work. Looking forward to getting the CD tonight.

[Ivan Kelsall]

Dennis - thanks for this post,i too am an avid MK fan.Ever since the first 'Dire Straits' record came out,he's been one of my favourite Guitarists. He gets wonderful tonal textures in his playing as well as being able to rock with the best of 'em. I'll be on the look out for this CD,
Ivan:cool:

[Dennis Ladd]

Ivan,

Yep ... he's also someone who spends time digging in and writing his songs with care.

And you're right, the guitar! He really makes it "cry and sing."

[Santiago]

I saw his band at Radio City Music Hall in New York about 20 years ago, and I remember he had to replace either his brother or someone on guitar who left the band, and he walked into Manny's Music and hired one of the guitar salesmen off the floor to join the band. I've never seen such a happy guitarist in my life! (And the show was predictably fantastic). I love what he does with the guitar lead on Brothers in Arms.

[jefflester]

I saw his band at Radio City Music Hall in New York about 20 years ago, and I remember he had to replace either his brother or someone on guitar who left the band, and he walked into Manny's Music and hired one of the guitar salesmen off the floor to join the band. I've never seen such a happy guitarist in my life! (And the show was predictably fantastic). I love what he does with the guitar lead on Brothers in Arms.
It's not like Mark just walked in off the street and grabbed somebody. Mark had already known Jack Sonni for several years from visiting Rudy's Music (not Manny's). Mark's brother David had left in 1980 and Hal Lindes replaced him. Jack then replaced Hal when Hal left (or was fired?) during the recording of Brothers in Arms.

The lead guitar on Brothers in Arms (the song) is one of my favorites also.

[Steevarino]

Dennis, Mark, and all,

Thanks for the posts! I heard Mark Knopfler had a new album coming out soon, but I didn't know it was released already. Gonna buy it tonight or tomorrow! What a fine tribute to a great builder from a great performer. I have been a full-blown MK fan since the first Dire Straits album, bought every album, and seen every live perfomance I could make it to as I have followed him through his interesting and diverse career. I do believe this man's music has somehow enriched my life an appreciable amount!

I also had the pleasure of meeting John Monteleone a few years back at a festival in Bakersfield, CA. What a great guy! At the time, I was sort of nervous about meeting him, for some reason or another, but he spent quite a bit of time at the booth I had there, and we hit it off. I think we have even talked a time or two on the phone after that.

I never dreamed we'd be discussing Mark Knopfler here on the Cafe. What a great place this is!!!

[Santiago]

Jeff. Thanks for the details. It was a while ago.

[Rob Gerety]

Great stuff. Love MK.