Mark Henry Ham - Casper

Mark Henry Ham

Casper
​self-released; 2022

4.0 out of 5

By My Nyugen
​

Hailing from Denver, CO, Mark Henry Ham has been in the music business for years now. He has performed for multiple bands and small acoustic groups and incorporates his expertise on vocals, guitar, harmonica and some piano. With his latest offering Casper, Ham is taking what he knows about rock, pop, country, folk and soft rock genres and adding his unique flair to these wide range of songs. 

Casper gets started with “Oh Simone,” where right from the beginning, the band comes in with their warm rock vibes that draws inspiration from the country, pop rock and acoustic umbrellas. The way Ham wheedles his voice makes for great showmanship. He flexes and unflexes his vocal range, making these tracks feel very compelling. I also loved how good the piano sounded here.

The band’s revving feel-good energies comes in once more at the start of “Dreamin About You.” With a very pop-oriented vibe, Ham’s vocals come in with some distortion effects. This made for a dynamic sound right from the start. On the title track “Casper,” the band changes things up for a warm acoustic appeal. There are sounds of the steel lap guitar and piano and acoustic guitar. Here, Ham’s vocals have a country and Americana twang. I enjoyed this more nostalgic and sentimental approach to music-making from the band.

Epic drums and guitars arrive on “Life Is Like A Movie.” Next, Ham’s rich vocals add a moving vibe to the overall sounds. I was reminded of a guy singing while strumming his guitar on a family-friendly show. This uplifting song was packed to the tee with family friendly moments. The saloon-style piano was also a great addition. With some lush background vocals, this adds a somber and ominous vibe to the beginning of “Green Light.” Ham’s vocals come in backed by the harmonica. The bustling and hustling blues enter with a delicious smoky feel.

The band changes things up again with the piano-led ballad “In The Quiet Of The Night.” Ham’s vocals come across sounding very clear. I was loving the peaceful sounds coming from this soothing track.

On “Long Way Home,” the band’s familiar country rock twang returns with this driven and rambunctious song. Female vocals and Ham’s vocals weave together for a compelling duet. The energy was altogether palpable.

​“Be By My Side” proves to be a soaring ballad from the artist. The instrumentals backing Ham felt ethereal and airy. I liked how emotionally flavored Ham's vocals were here. It gave this track a very epic and sprawling feel. The band chooses to close the album with the melodic and pensive “I Wish I Could See Your Smile Once Again.” The lush strings also added a captivating vibe to this touching finale. 

At the focal point of these tracks is Ham’s trailblazing vocals. He is able to manipulate his voice to fit the setting of each track, making no track the same. He takes command from the start and listeners can feel his stage presence from the beginning as he reels you in with great showmanship. Not only that, but the band also comes in, handling all their parts perfectly. The music is at times warm and reflective but definitely a blast from start to finish. Be sure you have a listen today!

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