Album Notes

Mark began playing the banjo at age eight.

By the age of ten, he had garnered numerous awards and accolades, including the Virginia Folk Music Association talent champion for his age category in the Bluegrass and Gospel Divisions, the Virginia State Fair Banjo Champion, and the youngest performer ever to place at the Galax Old Fiddler's Convention, winning Third Place in the Banjo Competition 1n 1990 among a field of over 200 contestants.

Since then, Mark has recorded three albums, performed at numerous festivals, crowned the 1999 Collegiate Talent Performer Champion for the State of Virginia and the East Coast, and was the featured guest of such bluegrass greats as Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Wyatt Rice, and the Virginia Squires.

Mark's current album features 8 original tunes published through Mark Wallace and Chasing Time Publications, Mark Wallace, BMI Nashville.

Appearing on the album are Mark Newton, Cindy West - former member of award-winning band Appalachian Express, and Steve Wilson - former member of Lost & Found and The Country Gentlemen.

The album was featured on the Harold Hensley Bluegrass Show on WSM 650 AM, home of the Grand Ole Opry, and on "Back To The Blue Ridge," National Public Radio's salute to bluegrass and folk music.

Recently, the song "Bluegrass State of Mind" was certified Airplay Gold, having received 50,000 airplay points. "Cleared For Takeoff" is featured in the June 2002 issue of Banjo News Letter, and the album was reviewed in the Spring Issue of SingOut! Magazine. Currently, the ablum is receiving airplay in Holland, France, Germany, England, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and on many radio stations throughout the United States.