Mark Knopfler: Continued

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Most recently, Knopfler released a second compilation consisting of all his songs entitled "Private Investigations: The Best of Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler" to present all his music in one large compilation. The anthology offered nearly all the material recorded by Dire Straits in the studio along with Knopfler's impressive body of solo and soundtrack material. In late 2005, Knopfler completed an album of duets with renowned country music singer Emmylou Harris, proving his ability to play music that affects multiple genres.

Mark Knopfler's playing style is very distinct. Though he is left-handed, he plays guitar right-handed uses a finger-picking technique on his preferred guitar, electric, to get more precision, though that particular playing style is typically reserved for acoustic instruments. His instrument of choice is, like many other great guitarists, a Fender Stratocaster, but occasionally he will use a Gibson Les Paul to get a brighter sound. Presently he plays a signature guitar produced by Fender, but is also known to have played a signature Pensa-Suhr MK series.

Knopfler and his bands have sold over 100 million albums over the year, and have performed for audiences that had millions of members. With a degree in English from Leeds University in England, he has also received an honorary music degree from Newcastle University.

DISCOGRAPHY

With Dire Straits

Dire Straits, 1978
Communiquι, 1979
Making Movies, 1980 ExtendedancEPlay, 1983
Brothers in Arms, 1985
On Every Street, 1991

Soundtracks/Film Scores

Local Hero, 1983
Cal, 1984
Comfort and Joy, 1984
The Princess Bride, 1987
Last Exit to Brooklyn, 1989
Metroland, 1998
Wag the Dog, 1998
A Shot at Glory, 2001

Solo Work

Golden Heart, 1996
Sailing to Philadelphia, 2000
The Ragpicker's Dream, 2002
Shangri-La, 2004
One Take Radio Sessions, 2005
The Trawlerman's Song EP, 2005
The Best of Dire Straits & Mark Knopfler: Private Investigations, 2005