A major figure in the 1960s Greenwich Village folk music scene, Mark Spoelstra became well-known for his topical songwriting as well as his stunning 12-string guitar playing. He performed in coffeehouses as a duo with Bob Dylan for several years, and was signed to Elektra Records at a time when the label’s roster boasted such legends as Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton, Tom Rush, and Fred Neil. Held in high esteem by his contemporaries, Mark’s tunes were covered by the likes of Janis Joplin, Harry Belafonte, and Kathy and Carol, and used on the soundtrack for the cult film Electra Glide in Blue.

After decades out of the limelight spent raising a family, Mark has resurfaced at last with a new CD, Out of My Hands, an excellent selection of his distinctive blend of folk music, acoustic blues, original gospel numbers, and sizzling guitar instrumentals. Additionally, his two Elektra albums will be made available for the first time on CD by Collector’s Choice Music at the end of the month. Fans will be glad to know that Mark has now retired from day jobs and is back to writing songs full-time: expect plenty of new tunes, plus plenty of great older ones, too.