Born and raised in the Texas Panhandle city of Amarillo, Mark is a self-taught musician.  “I grew up listening to all types of music and just picked up a love for it and that led me to start playing and writing music. It’s such a privilege to get to play on  It’s Been a Long Time Comin’ because this project really pulled on me from the inside to do my best”.

Mark’s relationship with his older brother, Greg, brought together a band they formed in the early 1980’s named The Hot Checks, a folky-type blend of rockabilly and blues, Texas Panhandle style.  After searching for years for life’s true meaning and purpose, Mark found it in 1983 when he accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  He didn’t waste any time getting involved in the church music department to play his guitar and has continued to do so since that time. “One night during a revival meeting in 1990, this seasoned evangelist came over to those of us who were playing in the band.  He encouraged us to never quit playing music but to keep playing because we were going to affect a lot of lives with our music. Little did he know that I had gone to church that night ready to play and then “hang my harp on the willow”. He then laid his hands on me and he uttered a prayer that the expression of my heart would come forth through my hands. I always thought that was somehow prophetic and was certainly encouraged not to quit”.

Up to this point of the journey, Mark has opened for original rap artist, Stephen Wiley and shared the stage with recording artist Ken Holloway  and has appeared on the following recordings:  Lift High the Lord/A Praise Service,  Amarillo Christian Center; This Was The Night, Scott Caldwell; It’s Been a Long Time Comin’, David Scott and Life Support and The Hot Checks demos.

Being able to play the guitar is a gift from God for the purpose of doing God’s will and Mark’s expedition is to continue in that flow. 

I was born in Amarillo, Texas in 1973.  At about the age of 5, I started playing the drums.  My mom had an old set of Ludwigs and some old Beatles records so I started playing along on the drums.  Most of my influences on the drums were not Christian bands but they were good drummers.  One any drummer wanted to play like was Neil Peart, others were Peter Criss, Tommy Lee, Eric Carr, Eric Singer, Tico Torres, and many others.  Then my dad brought me home some records and said to listen to these Christian bands.  In those days Petra was as hard rock as it got, but he gave me some music to listen to and it changed me.  Those influences were Stryper, Whiteheart, Rez Band, Bloodgood, and several harder Christian rock bands.  I was a drummer for many years and then our youth pastor came up to me about 5 years ago and wanted me to play bass for the youth group band.  I told him, “I am not a bass player, I am a drummer!”  He told me that he had a drummer; he needed a bass player so that was how I got started.  So I sold my drums and bought a bass.  To learn, I was listening to anything that you could here the bass in.  The Supertones, Paul McCartney, Stryper again were some of the styles I listened to.  Also some Kirk Franklin and other styles to get a wide variety to try to give it everything I could. I have a lot of fun playing and I praise GOD for the ability to do something with the talent HE gave me.

By-the-way, I just bought a set of Tama drums and I'm playing drums again!

Julie, my wife, and I have three sons. Bodey and Bryar, the twins, are learning guitar and bass. Branson, the youngest, is becoming a drummer.

Well, I was born in Amarillo, TX in 1993. I got my first guitar when I was seven and have been playing and improving ever since. When I was eleven, I noticed we didn't have a drummer in my Sunday School Class. I knew a little bit of drums, so I asked if I could fill in for the drum position. Nathan Buller, my Youth Pastor, has helped me out tremendously on drums. Last year, my Uncle Jason, taught me how to play Bass, and that got me to where I am today. Some of my musical influences include Rush, The Beatles, Falling Up,  Hawk Nelson and Disciple. I am just so thankful that God has blessed me with a talent that I can give Him glory for every day. I am thankful that my Pappy lets me play in his band (when I get my homework done!) Although, I am only 14, some of my greatest memories are playing guitar and Bass with my Pappy!

Kasey@davscott.com