Most four year olds think of manageable things limited to their immediate environment - such as naps, macaroni and cheese, small animals and Disney films. Mark Waterman was different. He wanted to entertain. Not just for his family or neighbors, however, but for millions. Three decades later, he still holds onto that dream as he prepares to record his first album of original songs on Illegible Records.

"This new album is a tribute to my soul" says Waterman " and passion gone astray." The singer - songwriter began putting together pieces for the CD over the last couple of years on his acoustic guitar after being absent from music for a while. His earlier attempts at home recording produced experimental and ambient noodling on equipment that satisfied him for a period before he returned to his roots on acoustic guitar compositions.

Don't confuse Mark with another folk musician just because he has an acoustic instrument. Combining flamenco fingerstyle picking with rockabilly roots, the singer croons in the fashion of the most enduring of fifties influences as he stays within an intimate moment that suggests that he is only performing for you. "I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't what I heard when he finally played for me," recalls Eric Blades, Illegible Records president as he recounts the evening Waterman first came to his house to preview the material. "It was simple yet striking and elegant at the same time" Blades continues "I play guitar and I couldn't do that - and he made it look so easy. I didn't know whether to sign him, hug him or punch him." But sign him he did, but only after consulting with seasoned guitarist and Illegible ally Pat Zelenka, who had introduced the two and encouraged the pairing of label and artist. "Mark is a beautiful player," adds Zelenka, a successful independent musician who is also serving as the album's producer "I know he will make a really nice record for Illegible Records and I'm excited about that." Mark Waterman has high hopes for how his music will be interpreted describing it as "crying out for a mother's touch," he says "a caring hand. A consuming hunger for real beauty and brook hopping peace and serenity." Ultimately, he also strives for a strong product and a solid way to present his craft. "I'm very impressed with the professional attitude," remarks Waterman "Illegible Records honors itself as a tight knit family. Warm and caring." Look for Mark Waterman Late Summer/Fall 2009.