Mark J is a guitarist, drummer, engineer, producer, & BMI songwriter who has split his time between Nashville, TN & Pittsburgh, PA. Mark J spent years honing performance experience in Rock, Heavy Metal, Jazz, Country, and Eastern-Euro Folk music before earning a degree in Music Technology from Duquesne University.
During his time in Nashville, Mark spent a year as the touring & recording lead guitarist for country artist Derryl Perry, headlining country music festivals across the country, including the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Pasadena Strawberry Festival, Grapevine Main Street Days, and appearing at the Toadlick Music Festival, opening for Colt Ford. He also appeared on Perry’s “Memoirs from the Road,” a full-length LP recorded on Nashville’s historic “Music Row.”
After returning home to Pittsburgh, he quickly gained notoriety as the lead guitarist for the Christian Beck Band, opening for national country headliners Chris Young, Frankie Ballard, and Chase Bryant. Mark J followed that up with dates performing with the multiple award-winning GABBY BARRETT of AMERICAN IDOL, serving as Guitarist and Band/Music Director.
Looking forward, Mark J continues to perform with many artists, while continuing to look for opportunities to further his career both onstage & in the studio.