Mark Newman – “Tulsa” [Song Review]

Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mark Newman contributed his song, “Tulsa,” to the latest album, Live 2025, released by the jam blues outfit The Blues Project.

Talking about the song, co-written with Walter Roberti, Newman says, “We never learned about Tulsa in school. Racism is still alive and well. The difference is that now these terrible tragedies are recorded on cell phones and people can be held accountable.”

Mark Newman has worked with artists such as John Oates (Hall & Oates), Jim McCarty (The Yardbirds), Willy DeVille (Mink DeVille), Sam The Sham, Bobby Whitlock (Derek and the Dominos), and Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), and has shared the stage with Sting, Elvis Costello, and Travis Tritt.

Newman’s album, Empirical Truth, won The Long Island Blues Society’s Best Album Award, and represented the NY area in competition at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Earlier records include 2006’s Must Be a Pony, 2010’s Walls of Jericho, and 2015’s Brussels – a live acoustic-driven EP.

Mark Newman, photo courtesy Mark Newman

“Tulsa” rolls out on a grimy drum shuffle topped by a sleazy, bluesy, drawling guitar, topped by Newman’s evocative, slippery blues vocals. It’s a voice vaguely reminiscent of Duane Allman, revealing earthy, melancholic timbres. There’s a swampy, swaying motion to the melody that evokes the anguish of the human condition.

“Tulsa” reveals the soul of oozing blues, at once labyrinthine, sidling, coasting, and deliciously treacly.

Run Time: 4:35
Release Date: August 22, 2025
Record Label: Globe Records o/b/o The Blues Project