Danny Marks Returns With Soul-Stirring New Single “I’m Ready”
Few names carry the weight of Danny Marks in the Canadian blues and roots scene. From his early days as a founding member of Edward Bear, opening for the likes of Led Zeppelin and Humble Pie, to his decades as a torchbearer of the blues with BLUZ FM and beyond, Marks has remained a perennial force—a man whose time comes again and again. Now, with the release of his latest single, “I’m Ready,” Marks steps forward with a classic soul ballad—one that simmers with slow-burning intensity and speaks to the restless waiting, the longing, and ultimately, the readiness to seize the moment.
“It’s been a long time, and I want you to know that I’m ready…”
The opening line of I’m Ready” says it all. Marks delivers this song with the wisdom of a road-worn storyteller, channeling a lifetime of experiences into a track that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. The song’s lyrics capture the passage of time, the frustration of waiting, and the unwavering belief that no matter how long it takes, your moment will come—as long as you’re ready to take it.
“Then you’re ready, you can come go with me / We can make it, oh yes we can…”
The slow groove and soulful delivery recall the greats—Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Bobby “Blue” Bland—while Marks’s signature guitar work glows like embers in a midnight fire, warm, rich, and full of lived-in soul.
Danny Marks is no stranger to reinvention. Signed to Capitol Records at just 18 with Edward Bear, he quickly made his mark before stepping into a career that saw him work with legends like Bo Diddley, Rita Coolidge, and The Drifters. He built his reputation on the Toronto club scene, became a familiar voice on CBC Radio, and spent the past 25 years hosting BLUZ FM on JAZZ FM91—educating, entertaining, and keeping the blues flame alive.
Marks has seen the music industry change, but the soul of the blues remains the same. In “I’m Ready,” he adds another timeless entry to his catalog—one that nods to the past but walks boldly into the future.
With “I’m Ready,” Danny Marks extends an invitation. It’s not just about his own journey—it’s about all of us. Whether you’ve been waiting on a dream, a breakthrough, or just a sign that it’s time to move forward, Marks offers a musical hand to hold.
“Are you with me now? Do you feel like I do? Then you’re ready… you’re ready too.”
Hi Danny! Good to see you again! How’s the start of the year been for you?
We’re deeply concerned about where the world is going and holding onto hope for a better future. I’m optimistic and grateful for the continued work and friendships we’ve cultivated. The idea is to make a positive change from within and without. This song, I’m Ready, sums it up.
“I’m Ready” feels like a deeply personal statement. What inspired you to write this song, and what does it mean to you at this stage in your career?
I’m Ready first came to be when we were given an opportunity to have downtime at Jack Richardson’s Nimbus Nine Studio in 1978, thanks to engineer Jim Frank. We recorded a 2020 remake with Peter J Moore, the “Scientist of Sound,” and gave the finishing touches thanks to Jeff Wolpert who is the best in the business today. In the final hour, I added Eclectic Sitar.
Your guitar work on I’m Ready is beautifully understated but full of emotion. Can you tell us about the recording process and how you shaped the song’s sound?
Many talented hands shaped this recording along with the ones mentioned above, brilliant Bassist Alec Fraser anchored the session, Barry Keane Jr is the wise and wonderful drummer, Jonathan Goldsmith the genius of Hammond Organ and Piano, and Robert Piltch is among the finest guitarists on this earth. Arranger Asher Ettinger came up with some cool touches, and wonderful Wendy Irvine provided vocals and guidance to the overall as did my partner Achala Cabral who helped the final mix along. As to the Electric Sitar, that was a eureka moment, overdubbed in one quick pass here at the home studio for a natural feel. In fact, most of the recording of I’m Ready including my lead vocal, is “live off the floor”. Jeff and Jonathan’s profound mix gives the space to surround the music.
You’ve played with some incredible artists over the years, from being in Edward Bear, to playing on the bills with Led Zeppelin and Bo Diddley. What were they like? Anyone stand out for you from a personal experience?
Bo Diddley was beautiful and down to earth, Robert Plant was arrogant a bit as expected, Jim McGuinn was kind, Steve Marriot was friendly, Rita Coolidge was loving, Tiny Tim and Ronnie Hawkins were great teachers. All had auras. There is something in the touch of greatness. It may be just a threshold you step over. But once you’ve achieved, it never leaves you.
You’ve kept the blues alive for years through your work on BLUZ FM. How does this single fit within the broader blues tradition, and where do you see blues music heading in the future?
Early on, I was thrilled by Louis Armstrong and later Elvis. Meeting Lonnie Johnson changed my life. BB King lived for love. Blues, like most music, was once regional; now it belongs to the world. It’s a political world we live in today more than ever. As much as I’m Ready owes to the Soul Music tradition, it’s authentic to my personal experience and expression. In the time I have left, it will be good to give back for all the greatness I’ve seen and love to carry on. I’m Ready!