reviews & comments



THE DEAF INSTITUTE, Manchester
Mark played a laid back acoustic set at The Deaf Institute, Manchester, which proved to be just perfect for the evening. Performing high quality original songs, his natural musical talent combined with relaxed, friendly interaction with the audience provided a great atmosphere for everyone there. We're looking forward to having him back soon!
EMILY HOON, Creative and Communications Co-ordinator, Hope Church Manchester

Mark's acoustic performance works really well, showing his diversity & skill. He played a wonderful set for us in Kendal with just voice, acoustic guitar and a bit of piano. The sound filled the building and everyone who was there wanted more. Give this guy a gig!
MARK HOUSTON, Co-ordinator for Ethiopia Fund-raiser gig, Kendal

Mark is a professional performer whose songs stir emotions and challenge thinking. His songs are clearly written out of his heart and are delivered with true passion. Along with this he is a really nice guy!
ALI CROMPTON, Youth Worker, Beverley Open Doors Community Project & Beverley LAT Community Champion

ASKHAM BRYAN 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.

Askham Grange Prison, York

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, 2008

 

  • 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, 2008

 

YOU TH EVENTS

 

 

MUSIC REVIEWS

SING (EP)

"Beautifully arranged, played and sung, this is an impressive release."
8/10
Cross Rhythms magazine, 2012

"Impressive songwriting. Its James Blunt meets Damien Rice."
I Love Christian Music magazine, 2011

MP FREE (EP)


Don't be thinking this is some dodgy quality mush because it's being given away - this is well recorded, articulate music. Stylistically it shouts out James Blunt as a musical comparison so I guess you should steer clear if James Blunt scares you! Lyrically the songs are very personal, covering subjects such as learning to move on with God rather than mourning for the past in the bouncy "Whole", and waiting for God's will in terms of finding a wife in the reflective "Out There". Even if this weren't free it would be worth listening to, and because it is free you have nothing to lose by heading over to www.markpiercemusic.com.
8/10
Cross Rhthms magazine (abridged), 2008
www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Mark_Pierce/MPFree/48878/

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