Mark started writing worship songs 9 years ago ,with very much a passion for Jesus ,he was inspired by Pete Nash a singer / songwriter ,who led worship at Parkside Church in Malvern . Mark was encouraged to start playing guitar in the worship band ,and over a period of time started leading worship and writing new worship songs

Mark Started writing his own worship songs when he was at Parkside Church ,he approached Mike Haliday , a friend and worship leader who helped develop the new songs such as The Great Creator and Your in Control , they were used in the worship , in Sunday morning services .Mike played Saxophone on one or two tracks on the Glory Days c.d. In the early days Mark just played guitar , he had a young lady called Charlie Jeffries doing vocals , Mike Haliday keyboards , Danny Haliday drums , Sam Jones bass .Later changes had to take place Mark started Connexion ,the worship band that started meeting at Malvern Pentacostal hall every monday , the early line up included Libby Coyle on Drums ,( Mark heard she used to play the drums , so he went out and purchased a drum kit , for the band to use ).Matt Nash ,who came as a singer , was encouraged to pick up a bass guitar . Mark told him , to follow in his dad`s footsteps and play an instrument 9 Mark bought a bass guitar , and amp , and encouraged Matt to learn to play , and that was the beginning of his bass playing .Jan Bradford did some backing vocals , with Sarah Tummy and the band was formed !

Connexion the Worship Band

  Mark`s  former band Connexion was developing to a degree that bookings were starting to happen , when Mark was offered a good job in Cornwall .so it was time to move on . the line up included Mark [guitars and vocals ] Matt Nash [ bass guitar ] Mark Midwinter [drums and percussion]Sarah Tummy [vocals ] Bethany Fuller [vocals] Stuart Darby [guitars]Rachael Marshall [ Violin and Vocals ] and guest appearances on Lead Guitar Mark Keene.

Sarah Tummy one of the vocalists in the band  , has proved to be a very accomplished singer , and  song writer . Both at Parkside and Malvern Pentacostal Churches .Sarah as just recorded her debut c.d. with Colin Owen , so watch out for her songs  

Mark ever since leaving school was a retailer in the fruit trade ,running businesses both for himself and other employers , working many hours,starting at 3oclock every morning to go to market , to buy produce , even before working all day in the shops . But now since rellocating to Cornwall , the oppotunity as arisen to change career direction , now working in the restaurant and caterring business , working evenings at his brother Carl`s Guinevere  restaurant quality time as become available to spend constructive time on his music ministry .ie writing new songs , recording , rehearsals , relationship building etc  

Since finding St.Keverne church so many positive things have happened ,new relationships, new doors are opening in all aspects of Mark`s music ministry , God is really blessing !

Encouragement a vital ingredient !

Mark would like to thank Godfrey Birtil , who prayed `Breakout` over Mark`s music ministry when visiting  Parkside church a few years ago . Godfrey Birtill , Christian Worship leader who wrote the the famous `Outrageous Grace ` He led worship at Parkside church a few years ago , and prayed `BREAKOUT` for Mark`s Music Ministry , God really is honouring the prayer ! Mark also played along side him when Going For Gold event was staged in Malvern .

Encouragement is a vital ingredient towards any heart felt passion , and over the last couple of years ,Mark would like to thank many people , friends , new and old who have given words of encouragement , but most of all thankyou to our Lord who spurs us all on with many visions of his Kingdom .Thank you

Mark has had words of encouragement from Sir Cliff Richard , his mother after first hearing the song Glory Days , she sent a copy to him to listen to and a few weeks later a reply was received --.quote ``i hope Mark will continue to write creative and inspiring Christian songs!`

In December 2004 Mark was invited to B.B.C.Radio Cornwall to take part in a 20minute interview with Naomi Rowe , to feature the new c.d `Waiting for the Glory Days ` on the Dawn Chorus Christian Sunday morning show .

The Celebration Band invited Mark to join them ,they needed a guitarist , playing dates all over the South West of Cornwall . Kingsway Childrens Ministry support the ministry of the band led by Rod and Val Pierce .last year Mark organised an evening of Worship in the beautiful grounds of Guinevere , It was a brilliant summers evening , and the band including a dozen or so musicians and singers , from various churches in the area ,played a list of worship songs ,including some of Mark`s songs .a good time was enjoyed by all .

Mark was introduced to Scott at church , and was encouraged to listen to his c.d. he had produced and written himself , a friendship developed , music being the common denominator .Since then Scott has played lead guitar on th Glory Days c.d. Formed a band called Re-Start with Mark and his father in law Chris Jones ,recorded a one off c.d. Called `New Beginnings `,played in the celebration band also and now is developing a family based band called Un-Chained.   

Mark was signed by  an American  Christian creative record group called Incubator Records , but sadly it didn`t work out ! Mark came out of his contract within the 6 months clause , due to uncertainty of time scales and plans .
Christian Bands Interview

 

Featured Artist - Mark Grove  (The Interview)
  

Editors Introduction
Whether you listen to Mark Grove or his band Re-Start there is an unmistakable energy and as his profile says he sounds like Phil Collins - he really does.  That chorus guitar and distinctive sound is so obvious in the song 'Glory Days'.  My own personal favourite 'I want to be Faithful' has that total 80's feel with saxophone lead and catchy rhythm. There is plenty of range too, just as in the inimitable style of Phil Collins himself.  'You hold the Key' highlights the distinctness of Marks voice.

We invite you to read Marks interview and sit back and enjoy his music while you do so.

It's great to have you on ChristianBands Mark, keep writing the songs from your heart onto the Lord.  You've blessed us.

Go to Mark Grove's Site on CB  (you can hear all of his uploaded songs, buy his album and can contact him). 
 

The Interview

 
Location: Manaccan, Cornwall, UK


What type of band or artist are you: 
Mark: Either solo worship and praise leader, or a Christian rock worship band when Re-Start are playing together .

Tell us a brief history of your musical career to date: 
Mark:  I've been playing guitar since my school days , in various bands , over the last five years , I've written songs that I've used in various worship bands.  The latest 'Re-Start' with my mates Scott and Chris.

Who are your musical and non musical influences: 
Mark: I have a lot of influences, with many different styles of music, but I guess Phil Collins, Genesis and R.E.M. spring to mind.

What are your ultimate dreams and goals: 
Mark: I just love worshipping God, and at the end of the day, he creates all our destinies, but I would just like to see my songs used for his Glory .

So who writes your songs and what are they about: 
Mark: I have written all my earlier solo recordings , but now since I moved down to Cornwall, have started writing with Scott and Chris, we all have different ideas for new songs.

What is your opinion of the Christian music scene today: 
Mark: Well you've only got to listen to the songs on this website.  I think God is really moving with this amazing vehicle namely Christian music .

How do you promote your concerts and shows: 
Mark: Generally we advertise Gigs we have done, around the churches in the area and/or word of mouth, and have had good support .

Describe your show visually and musically: 
Mark: I hope I could describe our shows as God centred, at the end of the day, its good to see people just enjoying worship in a way that pleases our Lord , the attention being Jesus ,the music should be a offering from the heart.

What do you think about downloading music online: 
Mark:  I wasn't really sure at first, but I can honestly say now, that after seeing new doors open in my ministry, it can only be positive.

What is your outlook on the record industry today: 
Mark: You've only got to see how good ChristianBands website is, to realise that there is a large demand for our type of music, so hopefully we will see more in the industry created.

What is your claim to fame: 
Mark: When i first started writing Christian music, my mother sent Sir Cliff Richard a copy of my demo , I just laughed and said he probably receives 1000`s , He will never reply, but to my surprise he sent me back a very encouraging letter.  Thankyou for your encouragement !  Sir Cliff

Tell us a story about a typical day in your life: 
Mark: I am very blessed since changing my job two years ago.  I got up out of bed at about 8.00am had breakfast, took my dog for a walk.  Then drove over to Mullion, arrived at 10am started working on a new track, at the recording studio with Chris Jones, 4 hours later, returned home, cooked Tea, then spent a couple of hours on the internet, then I drove out to St . Keverne for a church House group.  It's my night off, usually Tues -Sat  evenings I work at a restaurant called GUINEVERE as a Manager.

What inspires you to do what you do: 
Mark: My life has had many ups and downs, but I've always kept my faith in God alive, he is my inspiration.

What advice would you give to fellow bands and artists: 
Mark: Whatever life has in store, I've always found that encouragement is a precious thing to any one, so just keep writing new songs to our God.

What are some of your pet peeves: 
Mark: Oh yes there's the time when you think you've recorded a perfect take, and the recording switch hasn't been turned on or the P.A. lead has not made contact, affecting the sound.

How does music affect you and the world around you: 
Mark: I cant stop working on new ideas for songs , I'll be driving hope from work with a song on my mind , and its always the way there's never a pen and paper about when you need to write your ideas down .

What is new in the recording of your music: 
Mark: Just different ideas that we work on has a band there's nothing really different, we just experiment and see what we can come up with.  

What are the biggest obstacles for bands and artists today: 
Mark: Not enough media coverage encouragement, and exposure.  There are so many good bands, that you never hear about

Tell us about your next shows and why we should be there: 
Mark: Hopefully in the spring we've got one or two open air gigs lined up , if you're interested in our songs on ChristianBands website, we'll share them live .

Have you got an album and if yes how can we buy it: 
Mark: Re-start have a new c.d. called new beginnings . and also my solo c.d. called `Waiting for the glory days` is available in the internet shop or check out the websites detailed on my profile.

Finally is there anything you would like to say that has not already been said: 
Mark: God bless you all , and may his blessings continue to touch the heart's of all our friends and relatives.  Mark Grove


 
 

Psalms - "Sing Unto the Lord a New Song"
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