CURE FOR PAIN: THE MARK SANDMAN STORY

Mark Sandman, the charismatic singer, bassist, writer, composer and founder of one of the most original bands of the 1990s, Morphine, died in the summer of 1999, during a concert in Italy. The sultry and unique sound of his music brought Morphine cult status in the United States and Europe and left and indelible print in the history of rock. This music documentary investigates Mark Sandman's place in the world of American pop music but also probes Sandman's personal history, a subject he never spoke about in public. The loss of his two brothers is said to have been a decisive moment in his musical development, and is a subject that also sheds new light on the trio that were Morphine.

MEMBERS OF MORPHINE AND JEREMY LYONS

Once again Play-Doc is offering live music to complement its programme of films. For the presentation of the documentary "Cure for Pain: The Mark Sandman Story", Play-Doc 2012 is hosting a concert to pay tribute to Morphine, one of the most original and impressive bands of the 90´s.

Formed by Mark Sandman and Dana Colley in Massachussets in 1989, Morphine erupted onto the scene at the time that grunge was in the ascendant with a combination of instruments that was completely original: a two-string bass guitar played with a slide, a baritone sax and drums. This unusual and simple line-up created a unique and sensual sound that quickly earned for Morphine a cult status in the United States and in Europe, leaving an indelible mark on the history of rock. The mixture of blues, rock and jazz gave rise to a new style of music, which the band themselves labelled "low rock".

Morphine had many hits with songs such as "Cure for Pain", "Early to Bed", "Buena" or the hectic rhythm of "Honey White", gathering non-stop plaudits from the critics. In 1999, and only a little after the recording of their fourth album "Like Swimming", the charismatic leader, vocalist, bass player and composer, Mark Sandman tragically died during a concert in Italy, leaving the world of music badly shaken by his death.

Members of Morphine and Jeremy Lyons are paying homage to the legacy of Morphine re-interpreting its great themes as well as presenting new songs with sounds closer to psychodelic rock and Mississipi Delta blues. Made up of original members: Dana Colley (baritone sax) and Jerome Deupree (drums), they now present for us their new musical endeavour accompanied by Jeremy Lyons (voice, two-string bass guitar with slide).