| Press |
|
|
Milford Musician Writes from the Heart
Platt explains, “My songs come from life and life experiences. I’m not always in the studio recording or on a stage performing; I’m living my life, and that’s where the songs come from.” Platt has been writing songs since he was 18. The songs come to him - words and music at the same time. Back then, as one might imagine, most of the songs were about romance and were heavily influenced by the rock and folk music movements of the day. But over the years, he said, he’s grown as a songwriter. The songs have a good deal of meaning about real life situations. Six years ago Platt decided to put together a group of musicians to perform his songs. He hand picked Joe Mineri on bass, Joe Nocerino on drums, Harriett Milnes on sax, Eleanor Conger-Milnes on violin; and Karen Klute on piano. “It’s great having a band, because you can write with them in mind”, Platt said. “I have to honor it, because they are great musicians who want to play my music”. What does the band say of Mark? “He’s a perfectionist. He knows the sound he wants and he gets it”. Platt’s group continues to perform at churches and social functions. The group has become popular in its own circle and is often requested to play at arts functions such as First Night New Haven and at area coffee houses. MILFORD CITIZEN Big Day For The Chamber
MILFORD - Timothy Shriver’s visit to Milford Thursday allowed several residents to show their artistic sides. Among them was Mark Platt, a Milford resident, who sang a specially written and dedicated song inspired by the Special Olympians in these games. Platt is the leader of Mark Platt and The Walnut Street Band, which has released several CD’s. Platt said he was “honored to have been asked to perform at the Special Olympics. As an artist, it’s exciting to be a part of something like this.”
By Michael Gannon MILFORD – volunteers for the Milford Fine Arts Council spent Thursday afternoon doing the final setup for tonight’s Performance coffeehouse, which features artists and performers in the intimate setting of the group’s Railroad Avenue south building. “We have musicians, singers, comedy and poetry”, said Eden, the coffeehouse chairwoman. “We want to provide the community with good entertainment for a reasonable price. Tonight’s scheduled performance is Mark Platt. “When we have local musician Mark Platt of Milford, we always have a good turnout. He’s back by popular demand.”
Singer Songwriter Mark Platt to perform at Strawberry Festival
Activities and entertainment will also abound. Mark Platt from New Haven will be performing. A singer, guitar, harmonica player and songwriter, Mark has just completed his first album called “There Go I”. Singing in a group since the age of 15, and playing and writing since he was 18, Mark has many miles of the road and performances to look back on. He has been writing and performing ever since. He feels quite lucky to have the freedom to perform in environments such as this where he finds such pleasure in sharing his experiences through his music. Though he generally performs solo, Mark recorded this album with a group he named The Walnut Street Band after the street in New Haven where he was born. He’s been writing songs for so many years that when asked how long it takes to get enough material together for a whole album, it was made clear that at this stage, that was definitely not a problem. He says he has enough original songs for three strong albums in the near future.  CONNECTICUT NEWS Mark Platt - He Keeps With Life’s Flow –
Influenced by John Lennon, Elvis and Fats Domino, his compositions range from bluesy ballads to up-tempo rockers to spirituals. He’s tremendously talented. His music has the energy and drive of the rock and roll and blues tradition, but the subject matter is more about his spiritual life and mature relationships with other people. Platt had written over 100 songs and spent years on the road, performing across the country from Greenwich Village to California to the mountains of Montana. But now he concentrates on local venues and concerts for charity groups and churches, raising funds for special events and organizations. Described by friends as an easygoing, thoughtful guy, Platt gets away from it all hiking at Sleeping Giant state park and going for walks on the beach. He has a degree in history and literature from the University of Connecticut. |
|
MILFORD – Mark Platt is very comfortable in front of an audience. Give him a guitar, a harmonica and microphone and he’ll tell you what’s going on in his heart!
NEW HAVEN – On Saturday, Zion’s Hill United Methodist Church is going to be one busy place. It’s Strawberry Festival time! 
MILFORD – Those who know songwriter Mark Platt say that while he may not be very good at self-promotion, when it comes to music, he’s definitely at the top of the charts.