The Dark Sinatras

Mark White: Guitar, Vocals, Drums, Piano, Vibes
Eduard Laubinger: Drums, Piano,Trumpet, Vibes
Paul Turner: Bass Guitar

The Dark Sinatras' unique sound, sometimes ominous and sinister, sometimes tinged with ethnic theatre, was originally forged in the cold, unforgiving clime of Russia's punk clubs and watering holes where songwriter, guitarist and singer Mark White played for around 17 years, Mark met Eduard Laubinger, a Kazakhstani gypsy drummer, at a free jazz recording session at Mosfilm Studios in Moscow in 2006 and their first collaboration; Godnose, was born.

Featuring several other Russian musicians, the Godnose project lasted until 2008. During this time Mark also undertook several other projects in the role of artist/producer including the recording of Tuvan Throat Singers in an endeavour to explore different soundscapes. Also during this time Mark collaborated with independent film maker Yaroslav Dobronravov which resulted in a number of independent films including a video for a new idea; The Dark Sinatras.

After his return to England, Mark was having some tracks mixed at Hook End Manor by sound engineers Bradley Spence and Charley Russell, when he was introduced to bass maestro Paul Turner of Jamiroquai. Paul had just completed some session work with Annie Lennox and relished the idea of completing a power trio.

A jam session followed and an exciting sound was forged, prompting a week-long recording session, once more at Hook End Manor.
The resulting recordings are a highly inflammable mix of new songs and a rearrangement of some of Mark's earlier compositions. Paul's hard funk sound meshes perfectly with Edward, and the trio take older compositions into uncharted waters.

A live studio recording, "Sick Society", with engineer Alex Beitzke at the console, is the result of the band's efforts. The whole experience was recorded for posterity in a mere week.

As the album was mixed, a number of special guests added colour and texture to it; Tallulah Rendall adds vocals on three tracks and Nigel Kennedy also plays violin to some alternate arrangements of three songs. These are available on an EP soon to be published by DefectoscopeSounds (including the song Sins of Ignorance which was recorded exclusively by Mark and Ed from scratch in one day).

A series of live appearances is now underway offering the rock world a chance to experience the drama and power of The Dark Sinatras at first hand.