The official site for Mark Harrison

Constantly touring and multi-awards-nominated, Mark Harrison has a reputation for being unlike anyone else out there. Mark writes songs about things most people live and think about but don’t hear songs about, and songs that tell stories they haven’t heard before. Proper songs, with catchy melodies and memorable lyrics that you can hear.

With his outstanding tunes, wry observations, striking rhythms and stunning guitar playing, he is widely considered one of the most original and interesting artists around. His highly individual music takes him and his brilliant band to top venues and festivals, attracting acclaim and rave reviews wherever they go.

Described by countless audience members and reviewers as ‘uplifting’ and ‘inspirational’, Mark is a totally original songwriter, a stunning guitarist, and a master storyteller. He has been frequently heard on BBC Radio 2, including on its Pick of the Week show on a playlist containing many of the world’s top pop artists.

Mark and his extraordinary band have a unique sound and style that is very much their own genre, and incorporates elements of classic roots, rock, folk and blues. The music has a timeless style that would sit well right next to the classic artists of the golden era such as The Band and Little Feat. It’s music to sit and listen to and pore over, and it’s music to make you smile, think and get up and dance. You won’t hear anything else quite like it.

Mark’s live shows are known not only for the music but also for his introductions and explanations of the songs, and audiences frequently comment on how big a part these play in their enjoyment of the shows. Delivered in a manner often described as ‘wry’ and ‘dry’, these mark him out even more as a unique artist.

Mark’s songs together present a world view, upsides and downsides of the human condition, common experiences of trying to get by, and fun in the face of adversity. In short, the human spirit. Each song is an event in its own right, like a 3-minute film or novel.

Mark is a thrilling guitarist, with a very distinctive style and sound, and widely considered among the top roots guitarists out there.

An in-demand live performer, Mark and the band tour extensively. They have appeared at such prestigious festivals as Celtic Connections, Bearded Theory, Lakefest and Jazz FM Love Supreme and a host of established blues and folk festivals, and done many very well-received shows at excellent venues such as The Minack Theatre and many other theatres and arts centres.

see dates » see videos »

The Band

Mark’s top-class band features the extraordinary musicianship of

who form a unique and acclaimed rhythm section unlike any other.

With a very flexible set-up, Mark performs with the band, as a duo or solo.

The Albums

Mark has released eight albums, which have been unanimously acclaimed across a wide range of areas of the music world, receiving a very great deal of airplay and highly enthusiastic reviews in the UK, Europe and the US.

Mark’s albums all consist entirely of original songs on all manner of subjects, and top-quality production and musicianship. In addition, they include lyrics booklets and stunning and much-acclaimed artwork by WeareFrank.

MEDIA

Radio sessions have included various for the BBC, one-hour special guest appearances on Jazz FM and sessions for many other well-respected shows. Mark and the band were guests on Cerys Matthews' BBC Radio 2 show, where Mark was interviewed and they played live.

A film of Mark's song Panic Attack was made by a director who works for Ridley Scott's organisation - this film was showcased at the Cannes Film Festival, where it got a great reception. See video.

See Mark being interviewed by Gail Porter on TV here.

Mark has been featured with interviews and articles in a number of influential magazines. Read more »

For press enquiries please contact hello@markharrisonrootsmusic.com

QUOTES

Here are a few of the things that have been said about Mark and his music:

Mark Harrison keeps getting better
(Classic Rock Magazine)

If Top Of The Pops was still around, he might well be on it
(Jazz FM)

Charismatic live performances …… He acutely observes life with wit and considerable compassion, to create memorable songs.
(RnR Magazine)

Between the songs he had everyone laughing their heads off, I’ve never seen that kind of level of interaction from an audience anywhere.
(Blues Is The Truth)

Songs this interesting from an artist this good is what makes the world go round
(Frank Hennessey, BBC Radio)

Fresh as morning sunshine and as sharp as a well-honed razor
(Folkwords)

Singular lyrics …an original take on song writing
(Blues in Britain)

He has a wonderful ability to take unexpected subjects, twist and tune them up with humour, innovation and downright originality
(Cashbox Canada/Elmore Magazine US)

Mark Harrison has been creating something of a stir …. bringing a modern outlook to a traditional style, he is building a loyal and wide fan base.
(Blues Matters magazine)

He often sounds like a cross between Ry Cooder and Little Feat
(Blues & Rhythm magazine)

The roots music genre at its most vibrant and life-enhancing
(Messenger Newspapers)

Perhaps all you need is empathy for other people’s lives. Mark has that
(Folking)

The playing is of the sort of standard that most players take years to fail to achieve…… He is a unique musician, and I really don’t think that there is a musician that can hold a candle to him at this time
(Music News)