HI JOHN,

I CAN HELP SOMEWHAT WITH THE STORY BEHIND THESE SONGS. THEY ARE FROM QUITE A LONG PERIOD OF TIME.

THE EARLIEST FROM 1974 WHEN THE BAND BROKE UP,AND PROBABLY UNTIL SHORTLY BEFORE MARK PASSED.

WE WROTE SEVERAL SONGS ,INCLUDING WITH CURLY SMITH IN 1974. THAT'S WHERE SOME OF THE SONGS GOT THEIR START.

LATER IN 1982 WHEN WE MOVED BACK TO DETROIT,MARK AND I WROTE AND DEMO'D ABOUT 10 SONGS. ONE OF WHICH WAS "WOMAN IN LOVE". AT ONE POINT WE ALMOST HAD A RECORD DEAL TO RECORD THEM BASED ON A SONG CALLED"IT'S ONLY LOVE",BUT IT DIDN'T WORK OUT.

SOME OF THE OTHER SONGS ARE UNFAMILIAR TO ME,AND WERE PROBABLY WRITTEN AFTER MARK LEFT THE BAND.

ALL IN ALL, I'M SURE THE PROJECT WAS MEANT TO BE RELEASED BY MARK AT SOME POINT,BUT SADLY IT NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE WE LOST HIM.

RAY

Hi Ray

Interesting that you mention "It's Only Love" as I recall an interview where this song was mentioned perhaps around 1986 for inclusion on a new intended Rare Earth album at that time.  

Would the above and "Woman In Love" been intended to come out as Rare Earth songs back then?

What you are hearing here is the first side of 2 from cassette taken from 2" reel upon completion of the vocals and represents closely the instrumentation as it was to be mixed/mastered to the album. Contrary to the belief this was an early recording of the Mark Olson Group, it was actually the last work completed by the band. We were all awaiting advance checks against future sales of the album and unfortunately Mark passed away. The master tapes are locked in a vault likely to never be heard by the public.   The members were as follows; Mark Olson: Vocals, electric grand piano, organ, synthesizers. Carlos Morales: Guitars. David Barretto: Vocals. Liberty Kelly: Bass guitar. George Speranzo: Drums

Our experiences working together live and in the studios were bitter sweet. It is sad that substance abuse and personal demons had such an extreme impact on Mark's life and his performance at times. When he was on he was of the very best singer/songwriter/performers anyone could ever wish to have the opportunity to work with. I feel most fortunate to have known him well as an artist and person. He had a heart of gold and could be awesome to create music with. I personally feel indebted to him for the knowledge I gained from him in the studio and beyond. I am currently finishing a self produced album and I feel without his influence it could not be the same.

We love and miss you, Mark.

Hi UK Dave,

After we recorded a demo at Kingsnake Studios which landed us a major record deal we diligently rehearsed additional songs and wrote new material to be recorded on the full album. One night at rehearsal Mark was disoriented and the whites of his eyes were as yellow as a ripe banana allegedly from his liver shutting down causing ammonia to go to his brain. While hospitalized he had a keyboard brought to his room. On the edge of death he created the musical piece that is the solo intro track on Side One of the Nothing To Fear album. Also, Mark said it was his friend Willie Nelson that suggested the name of the album. I have never worked with any artist that has surpassed Mark as a music artist and person. You are truly missed, Mark.

I'm now recording the rest of my original cd soon and wish to include a couple songs we recorded together written by combinations of Mark Olson, Snuffy Walden, Curly Smith and Bob Seger . I am afraid the rights may be weighted down with legal issues. If anyone can help me locate the publishing rights to "Bring Back The Thrill" and "Ain't Nothing Left To Show" I'd appreciate it. On a future album I wish to include the song Women In Love; at least I know to go to Gil Monette for that one.