World Parkinson's
Awareness Day
Performed by
Wooten, Murphy & Clark
What the critics are saying
When Too Smooth's Jeff Clark first cobbled together tunes for a possible rock opera 50-plus years ago, I was privileged to hear demos. They were tantalizingly good, and the concept was a yearning spin on the story of a young man in his prime facing mortality. That A MAN OF FORTUNE has finally come to fruition all this time later to fruition all this time later, and what was an anthemic, melodic and tragic tapestry about a ’70s rock star has been delivered in a fresh, contemporary and compulsively listenable fashion. It’s a great and stylistically diverse work, particularly in the context that an ailing but still vibrant Clark received tuneful help from close musical pals like Brian Wooten (Too Smooth, Trace Adkins) and Darin Murphy (Todd Rundgren, Christopher Cross). The real-life journey of Clark and his vision is maybe as great a triumph as the opera itself.
-- Rick Koster, The Day, author of Texas Music
Introducing a musical rock opera that’s multiple decades in the making – a dream finally lived, and with absolute precision, passion and purpose untied at the helm. Renowned creative musicians Wooten, Murphy & Clark release this year their highly-anticipated rock opera A Man Of Fortune – a timelessly evocative and alluring listen, jam-packed with hits and reflective moments...
-- Rebecca Cullen , Stereo Stickman, Wales, United Kingdom
A MAN OF FORTUNE
A Man of Fortune is a rock opera about a famous musician, Max Million, at the peak of his career and stardom. The opening scene takes place in the hotel cafe where Max meets Lisa, an event coordinator. Mutually attracted, they plan to meet after the show that night. During the performance, Max makes eye contact with Lisa who is close to the stage. The connection and chemistry between them is clearly evident. During his final bow, he collapses from what appears to be road fatigue, and is rushed to the hospital, but finds himself there longer than expected.
Initially no one seems to know exactly what's wrong, but it is obvious there are serious complications. He makes use of this idle time by writing, focusing lyrics with intense concern for mankind and humanity. Max utilizes his position of success to give advice and personal philosophy knowing the public will listen. The inevitable comes. He is told that he hasn't much time to live and yet he never gives up.
Whatever last messages and fantasies he has, he constantly writes and dreams about Lisa. Max laments about unreachable goals, like being a father.
As death closes in, the inner turmoil and sentiment of one always associated with glamour and notoriety becomes an emotional performance of a giving and soft-hearted soul.
Meet the creators of
A Man of Fortune and delve
into their musical backgrounds
that shape the rock opera's narrative.
MEET THE PLAYERS
BRIAN WOOTEN
Brian Wooten is a world class musician, known for his incredible guitar mastery and contributions to the music industry. He is particularly recognized for his work as the lead guitarist for well known country music artist Trace Adkins.
Wooten's musical journey began in the 1970s, when he was a part of the Texas rock band Too Smooth. During his years with the band, Wooten honed his craft and developed a unique style that would set him apart as a brilliant guitarist. Brian has captivated audiences with his unique guitar solos and rhythmic accompaniments. His versatile playing style encompasses various genres, including country, rock and blues.
Wooten's footprint in the music industry goes well beyond his work with Trace Adkins and Too Smooth. His tenure with Christian rock band White Heart helped vault their popularity to the top of Christian Rock Music. He has also collaborated with numerous other artists and bands, showcasing his remarkable talent and passion for music.
Besides his prowess as a premeire guitarist, he also is a prolific writer, producer and recording engineer. Too Smooth, in the 1970s, played a significant role in shaping his musical journey. With his exceptional skills and versatile playing style, he continues to make an impact on the music industry.
DARIN MURPHY
Darin Murphy has been performing for over three decades, from dive
bars in Houston to the Broadway stage in New York and all points in
between. He has released several studio albums on his own and
with his sister Trish Murphy, and has appeared on records by other
artists such as Fastball, Cotton Mather, Janis Martin and Patricia
Vonne. He has also produced recordings for Patricia Vonne, Robert
Laroche and Craig Marshall.
On the live music stage, Darin recently toured as music director and
singer for Todd Rundgren and Christopher Cross, performing the
music of The Beatles.
Back home in Austin, in addition to performing his own music, Darin
is the lead singer and guitarist in the Talking Heads tribute band
HeartByrne. As a drummer, he regularly plays and sings in
Skyrocket (featuring his sister Trish), Cotton Mather and The
Pepperland Players. Previously, he has played drums for the likes of
Bob Schneider, Soulhat, Damn the Torpedoes, Jesse Dayton, Ezra
Charles, Jeff Clark, Bubble Puppy and many others.
Darin’s vocal and acting chops won him a job on Broadway, working
with Yoko Ono and director Don Scardino in the 2005 musical
“LENNON”. He is also an award winning screen actor, with roles in
several films, including Off The Record, My Ranger and a starring
role in Empty Nester’s Handbook, now streaming on several formats.
Darin Murphy has been performing for over three decades, from dive
bars in Houston to the Broadway stage in New York and all points in
between. He has released several studio albums on his own and
with his sister Trish Murphy, and has appeared on records by other
artists such as Fastball, Cotton Mather, Janis Martin and Patricia
Vonne. He has also produced recordings for Patricia Vonne, Robert
Laroche and Craig Marshall.
On the live music stage, Darin recently toured as music director and
singer for Todd Rundgren and Christopher Cross, performing the
music of The Beatles.
Back home in Austin, in addition to performing his own music, Darin
is the lead singer and guitarist in the Talking Heads tribute band
HeartByrne. As a drummer, he regularly plays and sings in
Skyrocket (featuring his sister Trish), Cotton Mather and The
Pepperland Players. Previously, he has played drums for the likes of
Bob Schneider, Soulhat, Damn the Torpedoes, Jesse Dayton, Ezra
Charles, Jeff Clark, Bubble Puppy and many others.
Darin’s vocal and acting chops won him a job on Broadway, working
with Yoko Ono and director Don Scardino in the 2005 musical
“LENNON”. He is also an award winning screen actor, with roles in
several films, including Off The Record, My Ranger and a starring
role in Empty Nester’s Handbook, now streaming on several formats.
About Us
JEFF CLARK
Jeff Clark has been performing with bands since the 7th Grade, with the highlight of his career playing with the iconic Austin band, Too Smooth from 1974 to1980. He was a songwriter, vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist for Too Smooth, featuring all original music from its inception. They were a concert headliner and opening act for many major artists, making the Armadillo World Headquarters home base for Too Smooth.
Before the onset of Parkinson’s Disease in 2013, Jeff was joined for multiple reunion shows with Brian Wooten, Danny Swinney and Tom Holden, the original Too Smooth members. At his swan song performance in September of 2015, he was also joined by Christopher Cross, Eric Johnson, Van Wilks, Tommy Taylor, Mark Miller, Chris Skiles, Danny Swinney, Greg Stegall, Tom Holden, Cole Newbury, Jimmy Umstaddt, Darin Murphy and Randall Maxwell.
Too Smooth released an album in the mid-seventies, and Jeff released a solo album in 2012, "Just Visiting".
The rock opera, A Man of Fortune was written from 1974 to 1983 and has been smoldering on the back burner for decades. The musical has now come to fruition with the talents of multiple long-time friends and musicians.
SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL WHO WORKED TO BRING THIS PROJECT TO LIGHT
SPECIAL THANKS
Our Families
Our Friends and Fans
413 Fitness - Kristi Richards
Dr. Elizabeth Peckham
Davis Phinney Foundation
Michael J Fox Foundation
Drums: John Spittle
Bass: Brian Wooten, Danny Swinney, Michael Medina
Vocals: Darin Murphy, Trish Murphy, Jeff Clark,
Brian Wooten & Sid Hagan
Guitars: Brian Wooten
Percussion: Michael Medina
Keys: Brent McCollough, Dennis Patton
Castanets: Patricia Vonne
Mastering: Sid Hagan
Produced, Engineered & Mixed by Brian Wooten
The Music Room Studio - Melissa, Texas
Leg of Lamp Studio - Austin, Texas
Photographers: Guy “Rusty” Eastburn , Matt Lankes,
Billy Blackman & David Reyes
Cover Art: Sheryl Houser
TS Facebook Page Host and Mgmt: Jerry Worrell
Script Consultant: Kirk Clendinning
Legal team: Gwen Seale, Mike Tolleson
Website Design & Mgmt, Video Shorts Producer
Information contact: Dean Schanbaum
All songs, lyrics & music by Jeff Clark
All Music ©2024 Pen Pal Music
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