I’ve met so many artists who wave a banner of free speech like a martini at a high-brow cocktail party. Mark Zeus truly flies the flag of artistic freedom for all songwriters. He’s not afraid to say in song what so many of us are thinking anyway. He writes about those discrete ponderings we all have, setting them in motion and giving them a tangible dwelling outside the abstract. Using band members from his Houston collection and the bevy of professionals in Chicago, Mark Zeus has captured an array of these anthems of free speech in his offering “THUNDERBOLTZ.” Zeus brings to life the haunting paranormal possibilities in “Ghosts of Galveston,” uses a familiar ditty to get an environmental message across in “Poof!,” and pays homage to women in his own special way with “Big Hair.” The CD carries the name “THUNDERBOLTZ” as does Zeus’ pair of bands which are comprised of not less than eighteen members who come and go as the venue dictates. Splitting time between Texas and Illinois, Zeus has become comfortable as a Texan, moving there in 2000, but returning to Chicago regularly to perform. This, Zeus’ second CD, is expertly produced and the instrumentation was an exciting exercise in diversity. Zeus admits desiring to “blend folk, ethnic and rock rhythms into a diverse foundation for songs whose lyrics speak to experiences and issues of the Greater American culture.” By George, he’s done it! Then whoop your hair up and enjoy the groove. Also available is Zeus’ debut CD, “FINE WINE” which captures the quintessential Zeus, lyrics abound with an unequaled delivery. The 2004 single release contains the June Carter classic “Ring Of Fire” done only as Zeus can do, and the original “Cried Enough” which showcases Zeus’ vast talents in arguably his best song ever. Get some Zeus of your own today, starting at $5.99!