Raised in SC, Mark attended Winthrop University where he had a most propitious meeting with Wynton Marsalis, which led him to study under Ellis Marsalis at the University of New Orleans where he earned his Masters in Jazz.
Mark won and received many awards during his time in New Orleans including the 1st and 2nd annual "New Orleans Jazz Kings Competition", the "People to Watch" and the "Best New Jazz Group" awards. He premiered his 2-hour long Jazz suite "A Soul's Journey" with Ellis Marsalis and Wess Anderson, Jr. and has performed for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, W.C. Handy Festival, Jazz Brevard, City Stages, as well as, multiple trips to Europe. One particular highlight for Mark was working with his idol Terence Blanchard on his "Jazz in Film" effort.
Since moving to NY, Mark has become one of the city's hardest working bandleaders. Staying true to his vision, Mark consistently performs his originals and his arrangements. "I'm more interested in discovering and expressing the music in me - like Miles and Monk did... unique artists like Bjork, Dave Matthews and even Dr. Dre."
The National Urban League featured Mark 3 years in a row as bandleader, composer and soloist during their annual EOE Awards Gala; consequently, he played in front of Aretha Franklin, Spike Lee and Avery Brooks to name a few. Mark has had many notable and celebrated musicians perform with him including: Walter Blanding, Jr., Wess Anderson, Wycliffe Gordon, Seamus Blake, John Ellis, Brad Leali, Rodney Green and more.
As a sideman, Mark went on the road with multi-platinum artist Darius Rucker and has played with Hootie & the Blowfish, Edwin McCain and Sister Hazel. Mark has a myriad of guest appearances on everything from a Fox NFL commercial to NY artists Hired Goons, Charley Hustle and Shitake Monkey. Mark is also a prolific composer and has written music for a number of independent film projects including Friendship Hotel and Night and Day.
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