Review: Mark Larkins Sings of Flip-Flops, Bare Feet, Good Times on New CD

MARK LARKINS, “Feet In the Sand”

Just in time for beach weather, singer-songwriter Mark Larkins drops a new CD on the local market.
Singing about flip-flops and bare feet, the good-time rock’n’roll of Larkins’ “Feet In the Sand” recalls the earlier efforts of the local entertainer.
And broadens them immensely.
Larkins, who often plays local live shows, has performed in Florida cities like Key West and Key Colony Beach, as well as bars and gatherings across the Tri-Cities.
In 2001, Larkins won the North America Country Music Association International’s awards for
“Male Entertainer of the Year” and “Horizon Award for Male Vocalist of the Year.”
Today, he specializes in what he calls “the sound of summer all year long ...”
And that comes clear on tracks like “Rather Be At the Beach” and the title track of “Feet In the Sand,” recorded in Bristol, Va., at Classic Recording Studios.
The Kingsport-based entertainer performs original songs with instruments ranging from steel pans and ukelele to a nylon string guitar and timbales.
Larkins can be poignant, talking about the trials and triumphs of relationships on songs like “Your Love Won’t Set Me Free” and “Girl So Far From Here.”
He also offers catchy, fast-paced songs like “Can’t Get There From Here” in the vein of classic Jimmy Buffett.
So, hey – whether you’re riding high on South Holston Lake or making a beeline to the beach, catch a wave.
“Feet In the Sand” feels good.
Crank it up.

—Mark Larkins’ CD, “Feet In the Sand” ($10) is available at Matt Smith’s Music, Abingdon; Uncle Sam’s Loan Office, Bristol, Tenn.; Morrell Music, Kingsport; and Sidetrack Tobacco, Bristol, Va.
He will be performing on May 30, 2:30 p.m., at the Sullivan County Relay for Life. E-mail .

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