mark northfield is a classically trained pianist, arranger and songwriter. He grew up in Norfolk, England and moved to London in 1999 to pursue his music career. A fluent improviser, he regularly works as an accompanist for ballet and contemporary dance classes in vocational colleges.

Ascendant is a collaboration with eight singers from various genres. The arrangements are dark and lush, referencing the bleak atmospherics of 4AD acts such as This Mortal Coil and Dead Can Dance, as well as the romantic stylings of Kate Bush, Rufus Wainwright and The Divine Comedy. Ghostly fragments of themes contained on the album link the songs together into a near continuous whole.

The lyrics reflect the subdued nature of the music and deal with themes of memory, time, loss and mystery. From the pastoral Englishness of Waiting For Green to the surreal theatrical satire of Sleeping Beauty and the soaring melancholy of Weight, poise and restraint prevail. The closing trio of major key songs gradually lift the listener away from the tension, finishing with the serene (if resigned) contemporary classical duet Luco and a restating of the theme that began the album.

Substantive recordings was set up by mark northfield in 2008 and Ascendant is the first release for the label. The album cover art is taken from a painting entitled 'Lightly Attached' by Tamara Dubnyckyj and is reproduced with permission.

The physical CD is available from Rough Trade (UK) and CD Baby (US). It is also available as a digital download from emusic, CD Baby, iTunes and others.

	WAITING FOR GREEN		Alternative Pop Rock
	ZERO		Alternative Pop Rock
	WEIGHT		Classical
	LUCO		Classical
	DECIDEDLY DUMB		Alternative Pop Rock
	THE CALM		Alternative Pop Rock
	SLEEPING BEAUTY		Alternative Pop Rock

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Marc Ceccotti	9/22/2010 5:07:08 PM I approve all compliments of my friends here under... You have a big talent and your musics are a real pleasure to listen. Please keep up these magnificent inspirations. Marc
indic mist	1/20/2009 10:31:57 PM wow u r a genius at composition.... keep making beautiful music.... cheers!!!!!!!!!
Nigels	1/19/2009 5:21:51 PM Mark I am writing to pay homage to your wonderful compositions. I have a couple of your tracks on my station New A`& Contemporary, they bring brilliance with depth and subtlety to the play list. Thank you
SILVERWOODSTUDIO	9/28/2008 4:42:15 PM very interesting lyrics -fine musicianship!!! thanx Rob
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