Growing up in New York, Mark's musical
journey has taken him around the world
several times, however,  he always returns to
his roots as a singer songwriter of the world
famous Bleecker Street in NYC.  

Since his early years as a Bleecker Street
journeyman, Mark has never strayed from
that recipe of cooking up a stew of honest,
straight from the hip rock n' roll, simmering
with the subtle flavors of blues, r&b, funk,
folk and soul music.

Well known as the front man for the group
Tao Jones whose album “Rorschash Sunset” was
critically acclaimed and achieved
worldwide distribution, Mark now releases
his newest solo project, “Must Be A Pony”.  

At a time when the music industry seems to be
taking a step back, peeling away some of its
newer technology and production sounds,
Mark Newman's organic sounds and textured
storytelling on this self-produced album seem
to fill a musical hunger created a long time
ago. “Must Be A Pony”, brings you back to a time
when records were made by musicians instead
of computer programmers.

“Must Be A Pony”, lays out a feast for the ears
and soul.  The title song featuring guest
musicians Anton Fig and Steve Holley is a story
of a cynical adult's attempt to rediscover the
magic of being an optimistic child.

The song that perhaps sets the strongest mood
for the rest of the album is “Dead Man's Shoes”.
a layered story with twists and turns of a
man who needs to run because he borrowed
money from the wrong people.

A haunting version of the Bee Gee's classic "NY
Mining Disaster" is perhaps more timely now
than when it was written.

There are many other guests featured in this
project including Mark's long time friend,
Sam the Sham who shares both writing and
vocal credits on "Hard In The Rain".

On guitar it's easy to see where Mark gets his
musical seasoning.  His influences might be
considered the “usual suspects”; Eric Clapton,
Duane Allman, Jeff Beck, Albert, BB. & Freddie
King &  Ry Cooder but there is nothing usual
in the way he combines them with his
songwriting influences; Lowell George, John
Hiatt, Frank Zappa, The Beatles and his vocal
influences Greg Allman,  Paul Rodgers, & Paul
Carrack.

A strong rhythm guitarist, Mark is often
mentioned alongside other greats like Steve
Cropper.  When it comes to slide he's stirred
together with Duane Allman & Lowell George.
Mark uses “Must Be A Pony” to exemplify his
mastery of guitar, lap steel mandolin, and
dobro. His versatility in soloing on many
instruments make him one of the most sought
after musicians in the NYC area.

Mark is currently touring the world with
Sam Moore (Sam and Dave) and Sam the Sham.