Danny Marks
Toronto-born musician, broadcaster, and storyteller Danny Marks releases his new double-sided single “One Way Ticket Home” b/w “Please Mister Conductor”, out now through Cabbagetunes Records. The release unites Marks’ authentic voice and masterful guitar work in a celebration of homecoming, resilience, and the spirit of the Blues.
A lifelong pillar of Canadian music, Marks began playing guitar at age 11, later co-founding Edward Bear, who opened for Paul Butterfield, Led Zeppelin, The Byrds, Badfinger and Humble Pie. His collaborations include Bo Diddley, Rita Coolidge, and Rick James, and his award-winning solo career spans acclaimed albums like 'Guitarchaeology' and 'Cities in Blue'. Since 1997, Danny has hosted BLUZ FM on JAZZ FM91, cementing his reputation as a trusted voice of Blues culture.
Winner of the 'Blues with a Feeling' Lifetime Achievement Award, Marks’ career continues to bridge the gap between legacy and innovation. His recent singles “Man on the Radio” and “I'm Ready” reflect his growth as a songwriter and guitarist with an unmistakable sense of storytelling and tone.
The A-side, “One Way Ticket Home”, was born from a personal chapter of resilience following a devastating house fire. In its soaring chorus, Marks sings ‘Home is where the heart is” capturing a universal truth about belonging, recovery, and the pull of familiar ground. It’s a pledge of hope set to a driving Americana rhythm, shaped by a twelve-string Rickenbacker that channels the classic spirit of the Traveling Wilburys.
The B-side, “Please Mister Conductor”, turns up the heat with raw, unfiltered Blues energy. Based on a true story of jumping aboard a train to Hamilton to sing with Lori Yates, Marks transforms the tale into a soulful plea – “Please Mister Conductor, won't you let me ride your train.” The song carries humor, humility, and redemption all in one groove.
Reflecting on the songs, Marks says, “I got down to the station a little bit late and jumped on board without proper fare. Blues is truth. Every song is a story, and these two are pages from my life.” Truth-telling is the heart of Marks’ songwriting: real experiences turned into musical allegories that anyone can feel.
Marks adds, “’One Way Ticket Home’ is more of a pledge than a plea. It’s about gratitude, about returning to what matters. Music has always been my home.” With his trademark warmth, Marks delivers performances that feel both intimate and timeless.
Both tracks feature an all-star lineup: Alec Fraser Jr. on bass, Jonathan Goldsmith on piano, Robert Piltch on guitar, Barry Keane and Chuck D Keeping on drums, and Gene Hardy on saxophone. The songs were produced by Marks and Fraser Jr., mixed and mastered by Jeff Wolpert, with the memory of Peter J. Moore honored throughout the project.
The recording brings together Country Rock and Blues in a modern yet classic fusion. From the twang of the A-side to the grit of the B-side, Marks’ guitar tone anchors the emotional journey. Each side stands strong on its own, but together they form a portrait of an artist deeply in tune with his craft and community.
“One Way Ticket Home” and “Please Mister Conductor” mark a new chapter for a Canadian icon whose storytelling continues to define authenticity in music. As radio DJs and fans prepare to 'flip the record', both sides promise connection, comfort, and the kind of musical honesty only Danny Marks can deliver.
Website - dannym.com