We must say that Mark was truly into his music and melodies, and his stories about each piece he wrote were very interesting to our audience.   He demonstrated some of the skills he has learned as a teacher and coach  (Japanese, history, girls soccer), and was able to connect well with some high school girls in our audience.  Mark's lyrics were personal and each song clearly told a story worth listening to.  His voice, with a raspy edge, was strong yet controlled for for our small acoustic performance space, but we had no doubt that backed with a band, Mark would have the power to please in a more dynamic rock venue.


Saturday, 08 October 2005
 House Concert:  Mark Wright

Something different this time — With a cache of powerful, passionate songs and an impenetrable, echoing voice that has a tendency to stay in your head, Mark Wright is more than just another local singer/songwriter. 

Wright has dedicated more than half his life to the passion of writing and performing music.  Growing up in Northern Washington in a music-loving family, Wright got serious about music at around age 17 when he became part of a U2 cover band.  “U2 was undoubtedly my biggest influence,” says Wright.  “I love the emotion in all of their songs about hope and the uncertainty of youth.”  Later in life, Wright did time as the drummer, vocalist and lead songwriter for bands such as Cain’s Libido and Gypsy Sandcastle.  Through his involvement with both groups, Wright cemented his commitment to songwriting and performing. 

Wright’s biggest success came after earning a Master’s Degree in Education, when he met up with Drummer David Caron.  Caron and Wright formed the hard rock, power foursome known as Black.  Black went on to release three albums, headline club tours, and sell over 5,000 albums.  After Black, Wright decided to get back to his melodic, U2 roots, and along with Caron formed Middle 8.  Middle 8’s music incorporates the power of Black, it also gives equal time to Wright’s passion for melody and fine lyrics. 

Wright now focuses his time and energy working on his solo career, writing and performing acoustic sets of music with drama and emotion.  His choice is to downplay the frivolity of image, and create songs with depth.  Wright teaches World History and Japanese to high school kids, and coaches high school sports, but his love and passion lives in music.  With honed songwriting skills, recording experience, and a slew of notable performances under his belt, Wright looks forward to a bright future filled with great music.  “There is a lot of good music out there right now, and I’m glad to be a part of it!”  

7:30pm at Brookhaven Lodge.