markmcdonaldblues.com
Mark McDonald took his first music lesson when he was 5 years old and played woodwind instruments throughout Grade and High School. He bought his first guitar when he was 14 , an electric Silvertone Les Paul Copy ordered from the Sears and Roebuck Catalogue, and delivered to the small Kansas town where he grew up. That started a lifelong relationship with the guitar.
Throughout a very interesting and adventuresome life, a guitar was always there. Mark has worked as a fireman on the railroad, has been a professional pilot and aviation businessman, as well as a real estate broker. But over the years one overriding passion has always been at the forefront of his thoughts, that of music and making it in the most articulate, soulful, and passionate way attainable.
His biggest influences were Delta Blues, Chicago Blues, and Southern Rock/Blues. The originals like Robert Johnson, Bukka White, Muddy Waters, Blind Willie Johnson, and Son House made a big impression on him. Second generation guys like John Hammond, Duane and Greg Allman, also played a big role in the music that he loved and in the evolution of his own sound.
But you can't grow up in the middle of the country in the 1950's and 60's without hearing your fair share of good ole' American Roots music. Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Chet Atkins, were always there, on the radio, at the dances and clubs, and on the turntables. Mark has taken the best of that music and incorporated it into his repertoire.
Mark is devoted to being the best that he can be and is always striving to improve and expand his capabilities. He has either studied personally or played with David "Honeyboy" Edwards, Lousiana Red, Robert Belfour, Jorma Kaukonen, Carey Bell, Lurrie Bell, Paul Geremia, Terry "Harmonica" Bean, Steve James, Bob Brozman, John Cephas, Phil Wiggins, Drink Small, Warner Williams, Walker T. Ryan, David Jacob Strain, Keith Allen, and Geoff Achison over the years.
Mark's debut album, Great Long Time was recorded live in the studio and is an attempt to recreate some of the feel of the original 78 recordings of twenties and thirties. Mark brings a new intensity to some of the classic songs of Robert Johnson, Bill Broonzy, Jimmy Witherspoon and Charles Brown. His original songs are fresh and always soulful. I think you will agree that Great Long Time comes with alot of heart and a sweet tone.
