Mark Guest Jazz Trio
After raising a family of three, Canadian-born jazz guitarist Mark Guest finds that the “empty nest syndrome”, or what he laughingly calls “post-adulthood”, offers him great freedom to pursue artistic ambitions. The 48-year old Guest recently moved to the Gulf Coast from South Carolina and is now enjoying life as a jazz guitarist. Mark combines his thirty-eight years’ experience as a guitarist with his life-long passion for jazz to create musical moments of inspiration and transcendence.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Collaborating musicians:
Assorted jazz musicians from the Gulf Coast and New Orleans, including Ralph Martin, piano (Sal Salvador, Jimmy Rainey, Louis Bellson); Dave Rebeck, jazz viola (New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars), Jeb Stuart, bass (Stevie Wonder, Doc Severenson, Roberta Flack); Ray Zanders, drums (Clark Terry, Joe Henderson, Al Belleto); Ernie Wells, bass (John Scofield), Buddy Dubourg, piano; and others.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Mark frequently leads a trio featuring Jazz Guitar, Acoustic Bass, and Drums. He is sometimes joined by Hammond organ, piano, saxophone, flugel horn, flute, jazz violin, vocalists, or an additional guitarist.
Your musical influences
Mark credits the strong jazz scene in Toronto, where he was raised, with much of the shaping of his musical tastes. Internationally respected players like Lenny Breau, Ed Bickert, Don Thompson and Terry Clarke were regular staples of the jazz club scene in the 1970’s. Hints of Charlie Christian, Jim Hall, and Joe Pass can be heard in Mark’s fluid, melodic playing.
What equipment do you use?
Gibson L-5 Wes Montgomery through a Clarus amplifier / Raezer's Edge Twin 8 cabinet.
