Carly and Mark are an acoustic folk-pop group from Toronto. Starting out as a duo, childhood friends Carly Blasutti (vocals) and Mark Hart (fingerstyle guitar/vocals) released their first independent recording 'Carly and Mark' in 2005 which was described as “sheer acoustic beauty” by indieheart.com and in 2007 earned Carly and Mark 3 Toronto Independent Music Award nominations including Best Song ("Dreamin' Of"), Best Female Fronted Group, and Best Live Acoustic Group.
Now performing as a quartet with acoustic bass (Bret Higgens) and drums (Joshua Van Tassel), Carly and Mark have just released ‘New City Morning’ - a full length album featuring the new band. The first track ‘New City Morning’ has already been named best folk song of 2008 by Toronto Exclusive Magazine, and has been featured on John Sakamoto's 'Anti-Hit List' in the Toronto Star as well as a top 5 selection by Songwriter Universe Magazine. Their music,
variously described as funky, mellow, intense and fun, draws from the band's diverse interests which include folk, jazz, pop, and blues. With their sophisticated but readily accessible sound, 'Carly and Mark' garner praise from young and old and from fans of all genres.
"There are songs of sweetness and light for the head and heart, but there also songs of grit and groove that make those little hairs on the back of your neck stand up and scream, “give me more of that.”
Doug Gallant - Carlottetown Guardian
“... This wistful leadoff track to their sophomore album perfectly captures the stillness of those rare moments of reflection when, for a few fleeting minutes, life seems both easy and crystal clear.”
John Sakamoto - Toronto Star
“'Morning Light Praying' featured in Songwriter Universe Magazine's top five songs for November.”
Songwriter Universe Magazine
"Morning Light Praying" - Best Folk Song 2008 Toronto Exclusive Magazine
Toronto Elxclusive Magazine
“Nominated for "Best Song", "Best Live", and "Best Female Fronted"”
2007 Toronto Independent Music Awards