Walkin' Cane Mark

American blues/r&b singer/harmonica player/band leader/entertainer
The basics

Quick Facts

IntroAmerican blues/r&b singer/harmonica player/band leader/entertainer
PlacesUnited States of America
isSinger Entertainer
Work fieldEntertainment Music
Gender
Male
Birth26 August 1967, Phoenix
Age57 years
The details

Biography

Walkin' Cane Mark (born August 26, 1967) is an American blues vocalist, harmonica player and recording artist, based in Phoenix, Arizona, United States.

Career timeline

(1986) Walkin’ Cane Mark started singing with Phoenix blues bands at 19 years old. (1989) Mark started his professional career at the ripe age of 22 fronting blues and r&b band “Cold Shott & The Hurricane Horns”, band leader/bass player Ted Kowal wanted a front man that had the live stage presents and wildness of legendary blue-eyed soul man Wayne Cochran. Ironically this was later also noticed by C.C. Rider alumni and WC Mark was invited as a special guest at two of Wayne Cochran & The CC Riders reunions (2001 & 2003 Hollywood and Miami Florida). (1994) the start of W C Mark’s solo career and the formation of “Walkin’ Cane Mark & A Shot In The Dark”. (1995) Mark was signed to the independent record label JAEN Records (usually recording with his touring band at the time). (1996) the 1996 “No Rest For The Wicked” album and tour using featuring ex members of the Parliament Funkadelic (P-Funk) horn section. (1997-2001) Mark teams up with blues/r&b shouter Nappy Brown for several tours of Europe with "The Nappy Brown/ Walkin’ Cane Mark Blues Show”. (2001-2010)Mark performed as a side man (harmonica) and semi-retirement. (2011) Walkin’ Cane Mark was back recording his first full length album in 11 years "Tryin' To Make You Understand" (just discovered title song co-written with blues legend Junior Wells in ‘95). (2012 – Present) The launch of www.walkincanemark.com. Cane begins work with under new manager Christopher Slattery and renowned roots/blues advocate Betsie Brown Blind Raccoon. "Tryin' To Make You Understand – REMASTERED” released recording nationally & internationally spending more than four weeks in the #1 "Classic Blues Chart" position. (Forthcoming) JAEN catalog re masters release project (including unreleased tracks) and various live appearances.

At this time Walkin' Cane Mark is recovering from another car accident and has postponed most appearances. "They can cripple up my body but my can't keep my golden throat from HOWLIN! - WCMark 11/07/16

Origin

Willie Dixon dubbed Mark, "Walkin' Cane Mark" in 1988 when he was forced to walk with a cane after an injury. It was also Mr. Dixon who first recognized Mark's passion for blues and soul music. Dixon gave Cane “Gravedigger Blues" for his first CD. Walkin' Cane Mark was taught his first harmonica licks by renowned band leader R.D. Olson, then went on to refine his technique under the tutelage of Chicago harp legends Snooky Pryor & Junior Wells. Today Mark plays in a “Mississippi Saxophone” style much like Snooky Pryor,(starting songs with a honking harmonica intro thus directing the backing band in the formation and feel of the song). Mark is also well known for mixing a classic "Memphis Soul" sound with his vocal delivery and larger than life stage presence. He is also known to be one of the youngest players that uses older post WWII style of blues (such as Sunny Boy #1 & Snooky Pryor) harmonica playing. Walkin’ Cane Mark is considered one of the most charismatic live personalities performing today. (Source: “Walkin' Cane Mark’s Blues” by Jarrett Hendricks)

Endorsements

Shaker Harmonica Microphones, RedPlate Amps, Lee Oskar Harmonicas Preferred Player, Ziggies Music Phoenix

Discography

Albums

Album titleRecord labelAccreditationYear of release
Out Of ControlMad Man Records(featured duet with Chico Chism) *as lead vocal with Cold Shott & The Hurricane Horns1990
The GravediggerJAEN Records CR 95-1003Walkin' Cane Mark1995
No Rest For The WickedJAEN Records CR 96-2007Walkin' Cane Mark (featured duet with Lazy Lester)1996
Live In Finland(unreleased)Walkin' Cane Mark1998
(I’m) Big –N- TastyJAEN Records CR CR99-30012Walkin' Cane Mark (with Guitar Shorty)1999
The Walkin Cane Mark Blues Band - Live & Lowdown At Monroe's(unreleased)Walkin' Cane Mark2001
Live Bootleg At Monroe'sEnable RecordsWalkin' Cane Mark with His Disciple of Soul Horns2012
Tryin' To Make You Understand - REMASTEREDEnable Records 1001Walkin' Cane Mark2015
The JAEN Sessions 1993-1999 (compilation album with unreleased live bonus tracks from 1999 Pori Jazz Festival)Enable Records 1020Walkin' Cane Markfourthcoming
Cane Is On The Prowl!Enable RecordsWalkin' Cane Markrecording

Guest & Compilation Albums

Albums

Album titleRecord labelAccreditationYear of release
That's All RightJAEN CR95 1006(Harmonica on "Wake Up Marry" and "45 Walking Blues" (also album producer)1995
Desert Blues Vol 1CDGB Records(various artists)1997
Forbidden PleasuresJAEN Records CR99-10013(lead vocal on "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Jelly Jam")1997
Live at the June Bug FestivalShaker Music(various artists)1999
The JAEN Sessions 1993-1999 (compilation album with unreleased live bonus tracks from 1999 Pori Jazz Festival)Enable RecordsWalkin' Cane Markfourthcoming
Blues Around the World vol.#1 (Tomiko Dixon & Friends) (two tracks "Gravedigger Blues" & "Back Door Man")Grand Blues Music(various artists)2016

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