A native of Mobile Alabama, Mark comes from a musical family. As a teenager Mark would earn a reputation around Mobile as a gifted musician. At the age of 14 Mark would perform with a number of local bands and would become a much sought after drummer. Mark’s reputation as an arranger would grow as well.

In 1988, Mark would enter Jackson State University, in Jackson Mississippi, to pursue a degree in music education. It was there Mark would study with renowned drummer Alvin Fielder and arranging with Paul Adams. Mark’s reputation as a prolific jazz drummer would also follow him to Jackson Mississippi performing with various artist including Ron Myers, Russell Thomas and Grammy nominated blues singer Dorothy Moore.

In 1995, Mark received Bachelors in Music Education and would briefly teach in the Milwaukee Public School system, in Milwaukee Wisconsin. While in Milwaukee, Mark would perform with organist Melvin Rhyne and guitarist Mantee Ellis. It was during this time Mark would begin an ongoing friendship with legendary be bop pianist Barry Harris.

In 1996, Mark would move to Baton Rouge Louisiana and would immediately perform and record with clarinetist and educator Alvin Batiste.

In April 1997, Mark would begin performing with Wessell “Warmdaddy” Anderson, lead alto saxophonist with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra.

In 1998, Mark recorded with alto saxophonist Darryl Reeves on his debut cd entitled “Viewpoints”. Mark also wrote two songs on this cd.

In 2000 Mark would record his own cd entitled “Printilla”. Mark currently lives in Dallas Texas where he performs regularly with musicians such as Fred Sanders, Marchel Ivery, Shelley Carrol, and of course, Chemistry.

You can learn more about Mark and his original music at:  http://www.indigenouscorner.com/.

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