THE WILKINS From The Allman Brothers to The Coors and The Rankin’s, family centered groups have been an exciting part of the pop music landscape. Blending timeless elements of acoustic folk, pop, rock and a touch of Celtic music with their magical three part harmonies, veteran rocker Mark Wilkins (of Photograph fame), folk musician Jan Wilkins, and their son Julian Wilkins continue this “all in the family tradition” with their debut album, No Expiry Date. It is no mistake the Ontario Independent Music Awards nominated The Wilkins one of the best folk artist of 2008. No Expiry Date showcases their award winning variety of musical styles. The high spirited, lyrically clever “Love is Gone,” which began life some years ago as a country song Mark wrote, transforms easily to a beautifully harmonic acoustic stomp with a Celtic tinge. “Love is Gone” is featured on the Busta Compilation CD released in Italy by Midfinger Records (October 2008), and is also featured on the GOA Chillout Zone Compilation CD released in India (December 2008) by W.O.A. International Records. The lively, up-tempo pop/rocker “You Can’t Tell Me” features poignant yet hopeful lyrics that were inspired by the harsh realities of Mark’s father trying to maintain his dignity in the face of Progressive aphasia. Jan’s own father has also passed away, but he’s there in spirit on the lush, piano driven ballad “Just a Memory,” inspired by moments from her childhood when she and her family would gather and sing around the pump organ. “Whatever You Want,” which begins with a haunting orchestral introduction written and scored by Julian, becomes a powerful pop/rocker reflecting on how eager we are to blindly believe whatever the mainstream media tells us. Mark Wilkins, is known among the rock and roll scene for his past involvement in the Ontario based band, Photograph. Discovered by Tom Cochran of Red Rider, the band signed to Capitol Records, going on to produce such hits as “Last Dance” and “Blow Away.” Photograph toured with numerous national acts including April Wine and Blue Rodeo in addition to working with future legendary U2 producer Daniel Lanois. All this experience Mark brings to his family and current passion—The Wilkins. In 2003 Mark and Jan, best known for her work with choirs and folk groups from Moncton, New Brunswick to Vancouver, B.C., teamed up to release the album Seasons. The collaboration would later extend to include their son, Julian, an avid pianist and veteran thespian, and dawn the family name, The Wilkins. In current live performances The Wilkins feature Mark Wilkins (bass, guitars, lead vocals), Jan Wilkins (acoustic guitar, lead vocals), Julian Wilkins (piano, synths, lead vocals), Mike Rose (bass guitar), Geoff Hales (lead guitar), and Duncan Holt (drums and percussion). 2008 Highlights for the Wilkins Couldn’t Do Better is featured on the Compilation CD Sounds Like Café Volume 23 released in Australia, September 2008 by Foghorn Records. Semi-finalist awarded from the UK Songwriting Contest to Mark Wilkins and Debra Campbell for Apologies Unspoken….6 out of 7