“From start to finish, this is a knock out collection of songs that may well have been a long time coming, but is all the richer for it.”
— Americana UK 9/10
“This is an incredible collaborative effort from Germino, his producers and his band. The 14 track collection sees Germino at his very best.”
— Maverick Magazine 8/10
“The stop-time greatness of Mark Germino’s long-anticipated new album is a wondrous gift from the music cosmos.”
“At the risk of stating the blindingly obvious with Mark Germino, his lyrics throughout this album are absolutely stunning… Well this album may have been a long time coming for Mark Germino fans, or just lovers of good music, but it certainly delivers on all fronts.”
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:: AMERICANA UK :: The stop-time greatness of Mark Germino’s long-anticipated new album is a wondrous gift from the music cosmos. The North Carolina native is well-known as someone who marches to his own drumbeat, making albums when the spirit calls him and taking off for the woods when it doesn’t. MIDNIGHT CARNIVAL’s initial impetus arrived on his front door when several musicians showed up and convinced him it was time to head for the studio. Likely realizing a good idea when it comes calling, that’s exactly what he and his talented crew did: make a beeline for Southern Ground on Nashville’s Music Row and start working. These are songs that feel like they are meant to be, a heady mix of lyrical poetry and musical inspiration. Like almost all of Germino’s albums, there is a rollicking sound of unabashed frolic on some of the selections, and a deep-seated revelation of gravitas on others, and the way the two extremes bounce off each other is something that very few artists are capable of capturing. But this is someone who has always seen things unknown to others. Also an accomplished poet, the Southern man has skirted the boundaries of the obvious since the mid-Eighties when he first started recording, and has never really looked back. There isn’t a subject he is afraid of tackling, and if the music business ever dries up completely there’s a good chance Mark Germino could hang out a shingle as a counselor to those in need of help. For now, though, there is little doubt these fourteen songs will be discovered by all who are looking at modern life and seeking someone who is extending a hand for getting unscathed to the other side. Open 24 hours.
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:: GET READY TO ROCK :: Mark Germino has released several major label albums being signed to RCA and Zoo Entertainment (BMG) and his songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill and Kenny Chesney amongst others. Germino is joined on this album by bassist Tom Comet, drummer Rick Lonow (Burrito Brothers), guitarist Kenny Vaughan and Michael Webb on accordion, piano, mandolin & organ. Poco’s Rusty Young guest on pedal steel on ‘Carolina In The Morning’. This album has been a long time coming as his previous album was released back in 2006. Musically it is a good mix of Americana, folk and country, with songs like ‘Peace Train’ (loving the solo switch from accordion to guitar on this one) and ‘Ettress Rolls On’ recalling the Hooters, especially given the prominence of the accordion in the mix. His background as a poet can be heard on ‘The Greatest Song Ever Written’. Possibly not, but still a damn fine tune! It may have taken awhile to get to this point for Mark Germino to release his latest album but it has been worth it. Fourteen songs, plenty of variety from foot tappers through to melancholy ballads and wonderful playing from all those involved.
***1/2 - Jason Ritchie /Get Ready To Rock (UK)
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:: NORTHERN SKY :: Originally from North Carolina, the Nashville-based singer songwriter and one time poet Mark Germino (or Germs) returns with a dozen or so new songs on Midnight Carnival, an album produced by Michael Webb, Kenny Vaughan and Brandon Bell, each of who bring to the project their combined musical credentials, having between them worked with the likes of Lucinda Williams, Zac Brown and Poco, in fact Poco’s founder member Rusty Young appears here playing pedal steel on “Carolina in the Morning”. Germino’s cracked voice suits these songs and gives them a sense of informed maturity, you don’t ever doubt that these stories have been experienced and these shoes have been lived in. The notion of Rembrandt being God’s favourite painter, rather than Michelangelo or Raphael, as revealed in “Blessed Are the Ones”, is testament to the poetry that lingers in Germino’s lyrics. The talking lyric on “The Greatest Song Ever Written” is as engaging as the songs delivered by Sam Baker, while “Finest American Waltz” stands out as a notable highlight, mainly due to its notable references and the allure of 1971.
–Northern Sky
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:: THE ROCKING MAGPIE :: If there’s one song that sums up our attitude to what we do and why we do it, it’s this song……. Rex Bob Lowenstein by Mark Germino
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:: GOLDMINE MAGAZINE :: "Most importantly, the songs excel on their own, an even blend of cajun country and beautiful balladry, all spawned from a personal perspective. Of the latter, “Blessed Are the Ones,” “Finest American Waltz,” “Carolina in the Morning”and “My Oh My” are especially affecting, but in truth, there’s not a false note found throughout. So even though Germino’s output has been erratic at best, his music still holds to a higher standard and indeed, ongoing admiration.”
– Lee Zimmerman, Goldmine Magazine
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:: MAVERICK MAGAZINE :: Maverick Magazine gives Germino an 8 out of 10 rating. Germino, known for his gravelly, earthy voice and poetic lyrics, returns with new album ‘Midnight Carnival’ which was recorded at Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Studio. The record has that fairground feel to it, it’s upbeat and positive for the most par, his lyrics - the strongest part of the record - bring his characters to life. The production which features an accordion quite heavily, at times sounds busy. That being said the lineup is stacked with talented musicians, who all deserve to show off their skill on this record. Peace Train is a stand out on this album, partly due to it’s quirky but catchy melody in the chorus. The phrasing of the title line sticks out in your mind. Meanwhile, My Oh My takes the tempo down a notch and we hear a more vulnerable side to Germino’s songwriting. He further switches it up for the spoken-word narrative of The Greatest Song Ever Written - a songwriters journey in Music City, the production is beautiful on this too. This is an incredible collaborative effort from Germino, his producers and his band. The 14 track collection sees Germino at his very best.
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“Germino is a poet at heart… Armed with a gravelly voice, and working within an acoustic setting, he falls somewhere between John Prine and Steve Earle; Germino’s songs are also similar to both of these artists in the way he can weave a yarn, bringing characters to life through his biting wit and uncompromising sincerity.”
–All Music Guide
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"Looking forward to hearing this. Mark Germino is without a doubt the most underrated artist of his generation. He's a true poet with a story to tell ."
- Chris Atter
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" It seems like these days, the best we can hope for in a new album is a couple of memorable songs and a line or two worth remembering. I've listened through 'Midnight Carnival' twice since it arrived this morning and every song is like a great short story with memorable lines and unforgettable characters that you can't wait to revisit again. Welcome Back! Don't wait so long for the next one! "
– Syd Rodocker