Mark Crenshaw, from Birmingham, AL, started playing music with his first acoustic guitar at age 13. After buying that first guitar, music raplidly became a full time obsession. He soon started his first band at 14, and started to play acoustic shows at age 15. After graduating high school at Vestavia, AL, Mark moved to Auburn, AL to attend school. Well, school was never the first priority, but he met many musicians there that both influenced and educated him in the business of music. Mark finally found the niche he was looking for in the ever growing genre of groove and jam bands. These bands provided the opportunity to improvise during performance, allowing for real artistic development. Although he became less enchanted with the endless solos/jams in that genre of music, Mark took the variety of grooves, roots, and artistic excitement into all of his furture projects. Throughout the next secveral years, Mark had the privlege of working with many established artist, inclunding as Vassar Clements, Taylor Hicks, Merle Saunders, Clarence Carter, Bruce Hampton, Galactic, Moe, Drivin' 'N' Cryin', Tams, The Drifters, and many others.
After graduating from Auburn University, Crenshaw moved to the west coast in hopes of working in the bustling recording industry. Gaining extensive skills both as an session player and audio engineer, Mark learned the technical side of the music business. After being employed in the industry in Phoenix, L.A, and Atlanta, he returned home to Birmingham.
Two years after returning home, he was ready to return to serious playing. Drawing on his previous experiences and all influences, he blended his styles together, containing the sound of vintage blues, groove, psychedelic, outlaw country, jazz, and classic rock. Forming the Fender Bender Band, Mark enjoyed solid success, playing mostly covers and some original material. Wanting to expand his sound further, Mark created the Crazy Chester Band with drummer Scott Collier (formerly of Brother Cane), longtime bassist Joe Massone, and acoustic partner Ethan Gardiner in 2008. He also returned to his acoustic roots that year, forming a full-bodied duo with bassist/vocalist Jim Whitt (formerly of Lost In The Mail.) The Crazy Chester Band contains all of the elements Crenshaw was looking for; virtuosity, creativity, diversity, and non-stop energy