Album Notes

Influences and Bio Stuff!

Mark Blake (a.k.a. MB~Bluz) started playing guitar as a teen in Central Ohio and fell instantly in love. His first band had been an 80's hard rock band covering everything from Heart, Pat Benatar to ZZ Top, Scorpions, Rick Derringer and MSG. Brother Matt held the bass position. They fought the rock band's fight long enough to record an album, only to have tours and gigs constantly cancelled by member changes. At this time he knew he would have to front a band to play at the caliber he wanted to play. Growing into new styles, the Blake Bros. Blues Band was born. Handling front spot Mark's blues voice emerged, raw and powerful, to mirror his guitar style. Albert Collins, Freddy King, B.B. King, Mark May, Larry McCray and Gary Moore all had a major part in his style. After moving to Cedar Rapids, Ia and playing solo for 3 years and recording a killer CD entitled "Ready to Go", The MB~Bluz Band emerged. A wicked 3 piece band of veterans from jazz, soul, funk and the blues. This was the combo Mark had dream of for 20 years!!! Well rounded and ready to party! MB~Bluz Band is enjoying love and respect from blues clubs and festivals as well as radio airplay in MO, and Kansas and Iowa. With the next project to break national they are forging a name in the bluz! "The Midwest's Most Dangerous Bluz Band!"

Mark's influences are pretty wide spread. As a child, his first influence was his Grandmother. She had been crippled from age 62 and would sit out on the porch in Ireland, West Virginia, up on the mountain and sing southern gospel tunes. "If I close my eyes I can sit hear her sing 'Amazing Grace'. Till this day it still gives me goose bumps. It's not that she was a great singer-it was her soul you heard wailing out what was deep inside her heart for the world to hear." Mark states. Lessons he draws from today. "I think about grandma and how she would feel this tune and just let it rip. In my blues life it works if someone can feel it."

Bluegrass was also played with great conviction up on the mountain 5 miles from the hard road. Great aunt Sara was 3-time state fiddle champ of West Virginia, not too shabby considering the competition. Porch players and churchgoers really showed them the soul of performing for a reason, whether it be for passing time or worship they always went all out. Real soul!

"As a bluzman can't leave out some important influences such as the women I have love and lost. As I live my life there have been ups and downs, loves and losses-that's the blues, working out the pain and reveling in the joy. Joy being my two sons who influence everything I do, especially on stage. They have taught me anyone can influence my life in many ways. I talk about it a song with soulful heart as I learned as a kid. Looking at and spending time with my young children, I remember times on the mountain and the magic of the music. I'm grateful for the teachers big and small (thanks Logan and Hunter) that keep my playing sharp and soulful. Music is about life. I have had great opportunities for living a full and eventful life that comes out when I play. Blues soothes the soul and helps us through the day. Thanks for letting me share it." Mark