Mark Bunney Coming Soon CD

Jazz-gospel saxophonist, Mark Bunney was born and raised in Leicester, England. From a young age Mark was encouraged to develop his musical talents and at 3 years of age his Father had already taught him to sing a considerable portion of the hymns and chorus' frequently sung at their church.At 7 years Mark started his first piano lessons. The young Mark had a difficult time taking to the piano and at 11 years refused to take any more lessons. On that day he distinctively remembers the sad thought that he had failed and would never have a life in music; little did he know God had an entirely different plan for his life. Four non-musical years passed by and one nonchalant day in 1992 at age 15 his ears were struck by the beautiful tones of the saxophone. Soon after, he convinced his mother to purchase him an alto saxophone from the local music shop. Since that day Mark's commitment, dedication and passion for playing the saxophone has become a part of the essence of his very being.A regular and ever increasing practice regime became part of Mark's daily duty and this was supplemented by playing with other local musicians/bands and taking private lessons. With the help of Private Instructor and Berklee Alumni, professor Jean Toussaint, in 1997 Mark's now aspiring dream to become among the worlds best saxophonists took a giant leap when he was granted a scholarship in a Paris audition to attend the world renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA. Filled with new challenges Mark strove to give Berklee his best, achieving top grades in all his subjects. Whilst at Berklee Mark soaked up a wide range of musical influences, Gerald Albright, Joshua Redman, Charlie Parker are some of his favorite saxophonists. Mark was also fortunate to study with the likes of smooth Jazz Recording Artist, Walter Beasley and the legendary saxophonist, Bill Pierce. Mark frequently plays on the gospel circuit, and has shared the stage with Kelly Williams, John Stoddart, The Heritage Singers, his friends and American jazz-gospel saxophonist peers, Courtney Fadlin and Elan Trotman, to name but a few. Mark has also had the honour of giving solo performances at the Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Arena in London, and the Berklee Performance Center in Boston. For Mark's upcoming performance dates and locations visit Mark's website.. www.markbunney.com To further develop his musicianship and personal development, whilst at Berklee, Mark chose to embark on two degrees, one in Music Education and the other in Music Therapy. "My love for performance will always be a natural part of me, and with such a great opportunity I wanted to develop further skills that would not only compliment my personality but would also enable me to be a positive Black role model to the young, and a source of inspiration to those less fortunate than me, all through music". Being the two longest majors at the college, Mark will be the first male to graduate with those two degrees from the college. It has always been an aspiration of Mark's to write music and make CD's. What seemed like a major blow when Mark's US visa expired at the end of 2002 actually turned out to be just the opportunity he needed, 'a true blessing in disguise'. "Coming Soon", Mark's inspirational debut jazz-gospel album is now finally set for release in July 2003 on his new independent record label, Quiet Revolution Productions. Featuring some of the most eloquent musicians from both sides of the Atlantic, the album includes covers like "We Fall Down" and "God and God Alone", as well as original compositions, the album promises to be every bit as energetic as his live performance. Being a Christian Mark attributes all his success and future success to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Mark is the living testimony of Philippians 4.13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Mark has been very fortunate to have had many great role models musical and non-musical, and pays tribute to each of them. "I