Mark McGuinn is a common man with uncommon talents. He owns a poets heart, a philosophers mind, a storytellers silver tongue and the soul of a master songwriter. He knows the world is painted in more subtle shades than black and white and his songs capture the joy, pain, love and innate humanity found in the gray areas. He delves into complex emotional territory with a simplicity that often belies the craft that goes into his compositions. What makes this North Carolina native so special though is his panache for delivering thought-provoking songs with deliriously infectious and catchy melodies. The perfect example is his breakthrough Top 5 country single, "Mrs. Steven Rudy". It was a song that dominated the airwaves and introduced country fans to the distinctive charms of the format's most eclectic new star. When he followed it up with the achingly poignant hit ballad She Doesnt Dance, it became apparent that country music had a new hitmaker with style and substance.
Just as McGuinns career was kicking into overdrive the unthinkable happened. His record label went out of business. Tied up with legal issues, he wasnt able to release music for several years. You cant, however, keep a great songwriter off the charts. So while he took a breather as a performer, he kept his writing chops in tip-top shape by penning the Lonestar hit Unusually Unusual.
When it came time to get back in the studio and record a new album, Marks maverick spirit exerted itself againafter careful consideration he made the decision to launch his own record label, Blue Flamingo Records. He co-found the label with veteran music publisher and songwriter Jim Foster (Meet In The Middle by Diamond Rio, Refried Dreams by Tim McGraw).
McGuinn's latest album, One Man's Crazy, is an organic mix of country, pop, jazz and rock. It expounds upon the sounds found on his debut disc. This album is more me, its similar to the last that in its eclectic, but its much more eclectic than the first recordings, says McGuinn, who co-produced the album and co-wrote all but one of the songs. I got a chance to play guitars, mandolins, and piano. Thats the major difference between this record and previous ones.
The new album is filled with songs of uncommon depth and intelligence two hallmarks of his distinct style. Its a showcase of a writer at the top of his game.
McGuinn was born and raised in Greensboro, NC and attended Appalachian State University where he played soccer while he pursued a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. Mark says his most memorable experiences playing soccer were, Preparing for the season. I loved the little things like perfecting my skills; working out and feeling myself get into shape. Its a lot like the routine that you go through for performing and writing songs.
While it would have been easy to vanish along with his label 4 years ago, Mark McGuinn chose to take his experiences and meld them into his music, composing, performing, and producing a CD as engaging as his debut, but more musically complex and mature. Indeed, it is a reflection of the man and artist he has since become.
