A California native, Mark grew up in Whittier and Newport Beach and began studying the violin at the age of four. Soon after he studied classical piano for eight years before pursuing the guitar full time. "I think seeing Live Aid on television really cemented my passion for rock music…the raw power and mystique of so many great acts and the positivity of the event captivated me as an eleven year old and ever since then I've known that I wanted to be a musician". After playing in various blues, rock, and experimental bands, Mark formed Solomon Grundy with drummer Mike Manzer. "The beginning stages of the group were very experimental and we learned a lot about playing together". Mark eventually studied jazz theory and composition for three years before attending the University of California, Irvine, to graduate Magna Cum Laude and earn a bachelor of music degree in classical guitar and baroque lute. His musical influences range from Bob Marley and Paco de Lucia to James Brown and Bach; Radiohead, Bowie, and The Police to Wayne Shorter, Gismonti, and Stravinsky. "I see no boundaries in musical styles…classification is only a means to find a disc you want in the local record store. Everything else should be up for grabs."