Playlist & Biography

Recently, we had the opportunity to be in the audience for one of Mark's hot acoustic "one-man band" concerts. Then afterwards, we had the privilege of meeting the artist to find out why his performances are so good and how he does it.

REVIEWER: What got you started in show business ?

MARK: I took some guitar lessons as a kid and by high school I was "jamming" with friends. We formed a group and started winning "battle of the bands" contests on the local club scene. It just kept getting better and better from there. I'm hooked.

REVIEWER: Have you been in the same band ever since then ?

MARK: No, are you kidding? If I had, we'd be the Rolling Stones by now. Let's see, I was in Matrix, Jayden Stone, Hit and Run, Roxalot, Stoneman's Cavalry, Rubber Soul, Mother Hubbard and Tongue-N-Groove. And possibly a few more that I can't remember. Sorry, you guys.

REVIEWER: Were you the acoustic guitarist in all those bands ?

MARK: Actually, no I only started out that way. I've always been a lead vocalist and also played various percussion instruments, keyboards and bass in those groups. It wasn't until the past few years that I've gotten back to my first love; the acoustic guitar.

REVIEWER: What brought about that change ?

MARK: Well, a few years ago I drove a motorhome across the country and spent several months out west. All I had with me was my acoustic and a Native American flute. I got more in tune with nature, and it was an epiphany for me. When I came back to Florida, I knew I was meant to be an acoustic guitarist all along.

Mark McGourley brings his natural passion for music, "state of the art" equipment, and years of experience as an entertainer into every performance he delivers. His extensive playlist of nearly 200 songs spans from the "oldies" of the 50's through today's best hits and covers all genres of Pop, Rock, Folk and Country music. And he's always quick to do anyone's favorite request. He requires no background music in his one-man shows, so what you see is what you get, "live" music in person. Playing his guitar left-handed adds an interesting visual to the performance, but it is Mark's wonderful rapport with all varieties of people and his experience as an entertainer that truly captivates all of his audiences.

REVIEWER: Wow, that's so cool ! So, what did you do about it ?

MARK: I started a vocal acoustic-guitar duo and we called it "Tongue-N-Groove". For the past few years we've been playing at countless venues around Tampa Bay, along the suncoast beaches, the Ybor City strip, and Church Street in Orlando. We've earned a reputation for our energetic shows, which focus on upbeat rhythms that are tightly layered with smooth vocal harmonies.

REVIEWER: So why are you doing solo shows now ?

MARK: Growth is good. In order to grow you have to change. I'm just making some changes to better myself so that I can explore all of my potentials. I feel I have so much to offer now and a lot more inside of me. Part of that epiphany was learning self-reliance. I've become confident with myself and my own style.

REVIEWER: I noticed that you don't use any drum machine or programmed music, so how do you get such a full sound on stage all by yourself ?

MARK: Well, I discovered that I have feet, so I invented and perfected ways to play percussion instruments while singing and playing guitar. Sorry, I can't give away all my secrets, not until the patents are finalized. Besides, people don't believe until they see it anyhow, so they'll just have to come check out the show !!!

REVIEWER: What keeps you going in the music world ?

MARK: I just love music. I always have, ever since I was a kid. I can still remember riding in the family station- wagon with my five brothers and sisters trying to make me stop singing to every song on the car radio. I became known as the kid who knew the words to every song. And all these years later, I still love music.

For over fifteen years, Mark has performed as a vocalist and multi-talented musician in numerous bands. Now, he brings his natural talents and years of stage experience into his own show, which centers around the soothing, silky texture of his voice combined with the solid accompaniment of his versatile acoustic guitar rhythms and finger-style picking abilities. - He truly is a "one-man band." --- Music News Monthly