reviews & comments


PRISON MINISTRY


Askham Grange Prison, York

Wow - what can I say? Mark was fantastic!

Mark and his band recently performed a 'Music to Soothe the Soul' evening for us at Askham Grange prison through the Catalyst project; a project aimed to help women with personal development and encourage self confidence and self belief.

The music was fantastic, a great mix of Mark's own music and recent chart music. The music was interspersed with Mark speaking about his life experiences; how they have shaped how he deals with things, his beliefs and how he has used music to overcome difficulties.

From funny anecdotes to poignant moments, he hit the nail on the head with how to reach his audience. The women left the evening inspired and content, not to mention lining up to leave brilliant feedback for Mark and the whole band!

The whole evening was a great success and we can't wait to get Mark and the band back for another evening of Music and inspiration!!!

Donna Smiley, Catalyst Project Fieldworker, Askham Grange Prison, York

 

  • You are truly an inspiration! The way you talk in parables helps people to understand the meaning of what you're saying. I hope you go on to help many more in need of soul uplift. You and your band are great. Things that you've said I will carry with me forever. God bless you all.
  • After having an abusive step-father I felt I would never amount to anything. So, I really understood where you were coming from. It was good to hear your story and that you came through a bad experience and shared your life with God.
  • Wow, I really enjoyed tonight! You're an inspiration!
  • It was so 'wicked' - keep on singing. Hope to see you all again.
  • Constructive & personal. Excellent atmosphere.
  • You were proper sound! Good vibes, good crack, come back again soon.
  • A really enjoyable night - thank you.
  • Brilliant evening - come back soon.
  • Really enjoyed your performance. It's good how you dealt with your pain through your music.
  • Brilliant. Thank you for sharing your story.
  • Have you brought a CD out? I would buy it!
  • Really enjoyed the evening. The music was fantastic.

Residents feedback, Askham Grange Prison, York

 

MP FREE (EP)


Now, not a lot comes free these days, so here’s something that you can download for absolutely nothing from the web. Mark has paid his dues by playing a number of bands over the years, probably most successfully in the rock outfit Damarius. This 4 track EP had me wondering straight away if he was a James Blunt tribute artist. The vocal quality of Mark is so much like that of the popular mainstream artist, that a comparison is obvious.
The songs, too, are in a similar style, but don’t let detract you from an interesting debut. ‘Back Where I Belong’, is about surrendering and coming back to God, and contains some nice rhythms throughout. ‘Some Place New ’ is a smooth, laid back number, that took a couple of plays but finally grew on me. Of the other two songs, ‘Out There’ is the best for me. It’s simple piano backing gives it an air of prayerfulness and intimacy, while ‘Whole’ chugs along, telling about how you must find your place in the world and find happiness through the Lord. The recording quality is first class, so I would encourage you to find the website and do yourself a favour.
8/10
Never For Nothing, Ezine

I've been checking out your tunes - I'm seriously impressed.
Tom Warner, guitar: Elviin UK Tour, Eyes Wide Open

Real 'grab-you-by-the-throat and make you listen to them' tracks! 'Back Where I Belong' is definitely something I'd buy if I heard it on the radio. Nice work!
Mark Gilroy, singer/songwriter