Mark is a guitarist with several years of performing, and recording to his credit. He recently the opportunity as an invitee to participate in the 2017 NAMM show in Anaheim California supporting the Boom Bass Cabinets or BBC product line for Bass Cabinets. The developer now offering guitar cabinets as well. Mark perfomed with Geno and the Spirit of Jazz as an opening act for Byron Cage and the 4Korners Band at Bethesda Blues and Jazz. He also played guitar for the local group Music Konnect at Blues Alley in Washington D.C. Also, he has assisted on guiatar at Life Bridge Community Church featuring Stanley Spottswood and son this year. In addition, he continues to support local artist as a studio musician and arranger. Mark is currently focusing on performing as a guitarist for hire locally, and for short duration touring duty. And he is still at the helm of Cosine and Elements of Cosine.
He is very excited about his first solo project which consist of 2-3 songs for his EP. The instrumental music reflects his perception of our fast paced society, and has hints of his gritty urban roots expressed thru his soaring guitar riffs. He also plays the keyboards and bass on most of the songs. This EP is certainly not one to be missed. Look for his completed project sometime soon.
For local artist looking for a guitarist with smooth lyrical riffs, and a subtle rock "growl" to your project then he is just what you need to make your record or performance sparkle. It is his belief that there are so many jazz and blues guitarist in the Washington DC area today that just about every band you see can provide that. He seeks innovation. His son once told him "you have an uncomprimising sound dad", and all he could do was smile. Because that is just what he is striving for to have his on voice as an artist.
Obviously, Mark can play a variety of styles, but his preference is influenced by such greats as Carlos Santana, and Jeff Beck, and countless other innovative guitarist. Mark recently said "I still get calls to do jazz. And I am cool with that. But it's just a little to laid back for my personal preference." So, whatever your needs are, Smooth Jazz, Blues, R&B, Jazz, Gospel or Rock give him a call.
Mark composed his first record during the years when he was performing with Coque Inc . The song “People, Let’s Communicate” was featured on Petty Green’s television show in Washington, D.C. and received significant airplay on some local radio stations such as WHUR, and WKYS in Washington DC. He was also asked to record on three LP’s with the nationally known group “Backlash.”
One of the songs recorded by “Backlash” was “Soft and Easy”, The song was used for WHUR’s “Quiet Storm”, and other radio stations on the east, and west coast. When you listen to the song you can hear Wes Montgomery's influence in Mr. Brooks' technique. The smooth transition from funky, and fiery electric riffs to mellow and soothing acoustic guitar are unique and distinct.
His First solo project was “First Flight”. However, before he could settle in with his new ensemble Mark was scouted out of his group to perform with Mr. Eddie Kendrick’s with his group “Golden Touch”. As you might have guessed this was the same Eddie Kendrick’s of the famous singing group “The Temptations”. Mark worked with Mr. Terry Scott Keyboardist, and guitarist for the group “The Aggressions". Mr Scott was assiting in arranging for the band, and Mr. Brooks was asked to take over since he was relocating to Los Angeles, California. Unfortunately a short time after Mr. Kendricks passed away, and the project was never completed.
Shortly after that Mark became a single parent and decided to take a sabbatical from music for a while to spend time raising his son.
However, he is now back on the scene and available to work with local groups an independent artist to produce and arrange and perform on their projects. His primary focus right now is completing his current CD. Cosine Band, and Elements of Cosine is on Hiatus. Mark produced a CD in 2001 and 2002 and is currently working on a new CD. Look forward to seeing him around town.
One of Mark's originals songs recorded is entitled “Looking Glass”. This song was awarded a semi-finalist ranking in the third annual Songwriter’s Association of Washington (SAW) contest. It is featured on the Elements of Cosine (EOC) CD. Mr. Brooks was offered a record contract to record the song some time ago thru SAW. However, he wanted to present the song on his own album under his own direction in his own hometown of Washington DC.
