Mark Hermann
NEWS   I'll be out of commission here for a bit, while I get my finger fixed.
I began my musical career in the 70's, playing trumpet and guitar, and singing. This site contains mostly that act, which has kept me out of the big time all these years. I played full-time professionally for eight years, until I realized I preferred my meals .... you know, .... daily.
Do you play live?
It beats playing dead.
I play live several times a month at an open mic in Yorba Linda, California. It's hosted by Scott Smith and held at Java Joe's in Yorba Linda every Tuesday night. No cover. No minimum.

I also play at coffee houses and enlightened cereal bars in and around Orange County. Dates are listed in the Upcoming Shows sidebar on this page.
How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
One gets to hear a lot more musicians who are really bad, so one appreciates more the ones who are really good, don't one?
Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
No. I would use a pen.
Actually, I harbor no more dreams of stardom, fame, fortune, or even career. But a full tip jar is always nice.

These days my music is just to keep me sane. My kids like my stuff, and that's plenty.
Your influences?
My own favorite has always been Leo Kottke, with a lot more added over the years, like Dan Crary, Ed Gerhard, Tommy Emmanuel, Erik Mongrain, Preston Reed, Andy McKee, Michael Hedges, Don Ross, and on and on.... But I always gave up trying to be like them when my fingers started to bleed. Most of the singer/songwriter/troubadour/balladeer guys have been my biggest style influences, though: Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver, Jackson Browne, Dan Fogelberg, Paul Simon, Stan Rogers, James Taylor, Steven Bishop, Harry Chapin ... guys like that.
Equipment used:
My 12-string is a Guild G-312, which I bought new in 1978. It has the original, factory-installed Barcus-Berry Hot Dots mounted in the bridge. I run it through an L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic DI. Later I added a Guild D-55 6-string to the arsenal. I'm fooling around on autoharp and a new mandolin I got for Christmas from my family. Once in a while my daughter lets me play her Strat!
Anything else...?
If you didn't like this site, you probably won't like these either:
A live performance.

More of that performance.
The end of that performance.

But you might like this one:
Where's Mary
The trio I'm playing in nowadays.

And this site: The Omadhauns
This is the celtic group I played in for several years.

And this site: Mo' Phat Tuesday is a collection of the players from that open mic I was telling you about a little higher up on this page.

These are the websites of some of those players. I'm sure you will like them.

Acoustic Conversation

Brendan Beach

And here's an excellent forum about Guild guitars! Let's Talk Guild


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I stole it from Sergio Mendes and Brazil 66, and butchered it. It was an experiment to see if I could lay down each track separately in Audacity. I managed, but there's a lot more to learn. Thanks for listening!
A SoundClick Top 50 song
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Instrumental from the Late Night Noodling Sessions.
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A song by my friend, Ken "Scratch" Smith. It's for those who sacrifice to protect the freedom we have to give thanks.
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Guitar instrumental. Recorded live at Borders, Yorba Linda, CA, September 20, 2008.
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Yeah, it starts slow, but stick with it. It's another simple, stirring old hymn. Known sometimes as 'Tis a Gift to be Simple', or just 'the Shaker Hymn'.
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Classic Dylan, probably known best as it was recorded by The Byrds. Recorded live by me at Borders, Yorba Linda, CA, September 20, 2008.
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Sixties British Duo Medley of four songs by Chad & Jeremy and Peter & Gordon. Recorded live at Borders, Yorba Linda, CA, September 20, 2008.
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Based on a true story of the adoption of a retired race horse.
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A loyal crew salvages their ship. Recorded at the open mic at the Main Street Restaurant, Yorba Linda, CA - 07/17/06.
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Written by Jackson Browne. This was influenced by the Jennifer Warnes recording. Recorded Live at Borders Books in Brea, California - 11/12/05
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Written by Paul Simon. Recorded Live at Borders Books in Brea, California - 11/12/05
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Written by Dan Fogelberg. Recorded Live at Borders Books in Brea, California - 11/12/05
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By Tom T. Hall. Influenced by Leo Kottke's recording. Recorded Live at Borders Books in Brea, California - 11/12/05
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Medley of two songs, recorded live at Borders Books, Brea, CA - 11/12/05
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By Gordon Lightfoot. Recorded live at Borders Books in Brea, CA - 11/12/05
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Written by Bruce Hornsby. Recorded live at Borders Books in Costa Mesa, CA - June, 2006
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This was a hit in Canada in the 70's by their famous and beloved singer/songwriter: Valdy.
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Shanghai Red was a sailors bar in San Pedro, California. It was a popular hangout for merchant marine seamen before and during WWII.
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Sounding good as always. "Like a Lover" is a wonderful addition to your rep. Fantastic job on "Mamasita" . Your vocal was required "under the gun" and, whoa, did you deliver! You're still the definitive on "Shanghai Red". As ever, thanks for using my stuff.

YHS, DCH
play hi-fi  commenting Mary Ellen Carter
I still love this song. Thank you for introducing me to it. Hope to play it for you one day.
"Anjie" is just fantastic Mark. I need a Mark CD!

West
play hi-fi  commenting Anjie
Very nice work Mark.
play hi-fi  commenting Anjie
How do you do it? You remain my hero... Scratch
Mark,

I checked out you other two covers from your September 08 performance. Really great. I would have liked to hear it live.

Danley
Mark,

Great job on "Little Martha". Very much like Leo Kottke. Really like the 12 string there.

Danley
I could listen to you all day my friend, some days, I have. You are an inspiration to me....please keep up the fabulous work.

Jim
play hi-fi  commenting Part of the Plan
Hi Mark,

Finally made it back to sample some of your 12string acoustic tunes, like this one, guitar sounds sweet, very easy to listen to you sing this as well. Would have been fun to sing some harmony with you on this one! I play 12string on a few of my tunes but not enough, it needs to be fixed. Is that a martin you play, I pick a kickoff of martin, I have a Sigma.
Take care and keep on strummin! wink ;)
~strummergurl~
You're my hero... Your voice and that Guild are meant to be together. More... More... Scratch sends
Mark,

Really liked your version of "Helplessly Hoping" (CSN) Reading your Bio, your favorite artists line right up with mine. Will be listening to more of your tunes!!!

Dan (Danley)
None of us have guilds, but hey, we're ok. Loved your Dan Fogelberg
Mark,
We just got home from sitting in on your open mic session down in Irvine.
Had a GREAT TIME! Thanks for playing the impromptu request. Joanne loved it. I don't know if I'll get up to Yorba Lina, but anytime you're between Tustin and Mission Viejo, you can bet. we'll be there.
Mark,
Good stuff, very clean, articulate and musical. Nice mic work on the 312!
Hope I can catch you in action one day!
Hi, Sounds great, love the Dylan covers.
Kurt
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