Mark Knopfler usually keeps a low profile in public. Yet, the former Dire Straits frontman never fails to cause a buzz when a live gig or event is on the cards. The same was true in February, when 120 of his guitars were auctioned at Christie’s in London and fetched more than $10 million.
Naturally, Knopfler did not part with all of his precious guitars as many still feature on his brand-new album "One Deep River" and some new guitars as well.
His last album "Down The Road Wherever" was released in 2018, and his last concert was four and a half years ago. Although Knopfler, 74, has been yearning to perform again, he’s in no hurry.
"I'm in a privileged position with the studio and when you own a studio they can't really throw you out," he told dpa in an interview in his British Grove studio in West London.
Knopfler has no shortage of ideas for songs. On the contrary: “I have too many songs, and I had way too many songs. I can't remember how many songs. I can't remember how many songs we recorded. Maybe 25 or 30. I don't know. I really can't remember. But it was certainly too many." About a dozen of those bright ideas turned songs now feature on his tenth album “One Deep River”. And more songs will be released later on an EP.
Knopfler co-produced the LP with Guy Fletcher, his former Dire Straits bandmate and long-time collaborator and friend. "Guy and I can slip in and work and I don't need to have the band sessions. But I have to say the band sessions when I have them...they really are the high point for everybody."
Talking about his studio sessions, the otherwise soft-spoken Knopfler brightens up and his eyes shine: "You do really feel privileged. And you've got the room, you’ve got a man in every corner and it's phenomenal."
Then he stands up all of a sudden and shows off his beloved studio and some of the historic equipment, including an EMI Redd mixing desk like the Beatles once used. He points to the original console that Paul McCartney and Wings once used to record their album "Band On The Run". The tour lasts 10 minutes and Knopfler's passion for music and recording technology is palpable.
Born in Glasgow, Knopfler grew up in Blyth near Newcastle-upon-Tyne which has brought forth music greats like Hank Marvin, Eric Burdon, Sting und AC/DC singer Brian Johnson. The cover of "One Deep River" features the famous arched bridge over the Tyne river.
"I think the feeling of crossing the Tyne has become symbolic to me. I think that the whole idea of leaving provincial England and going to live in London or New York or both, that’s stepping out," says Knopfler, whose childhood as a Geordie - the name for people from Tyneside - has left its mark.
Yet staying was not an option for Knopfler, who now lives in London. "Last night, I saw a couple of friends from Newcastle," he says. "They know every inch of it and every pothole and they’ll never leave. They’re homeboys. And that’s not me."
After such a long time, Knopfler's new music sounds pleasantly familiar. His distinctive guitar playing and warm, gentle baritone voice characteristic of hits like "Sultans Of Swing" or "Brothers In Arms" still resonate. The new songs are light-hearted, almost dulcet and full of melancholy, nostalgia and wanderlust. In "Before My Train Comes" he sings: "That’s my train coming, I can hear the whistle blow'," accompanied by a gentle slide guitar.
In other songs like "Two Pairs Of Hands" and "Ahead Of The Game", Knopfler sings of playing in a band, working in a scrapyard in "Scavenger's Yard" and the 1923 Oregon railway robbery in "Tunnel 13". Knopfler's signature mix of blues, folk, country and rock 'n' roll and a strong Americana influence is audible. The highlights include the ballad "Sweeter Than The Rain" and is reminiscent of the great Johnny Cash.
Knopfler's childhood passion for guitars, sparked by Hank Marvin and his band "The Shadows", is as vibrant as ever. His new album also features brand new instruments. "I found one little guitar in that (Christie’s) lot that ended up being on four or five songs on the new album." Even though he has parted with a considerable part of his huge collection, he will continue collecting guitars.
"The same thing starts happening. It never stops."
