Mark Zane was born and raised in the small rust belt city of Utica, NY and now calls its larger neighbor to the west, Syracuse, home. The struggle of life in old industrial cities can be heard in some of the songs that appear on Mark's debut 2008 CD titled, American Hunger, which features an exciting blend of folk, rock, and even a little country thrown into these 12 original songs. American Hunger was nominated for a 2009 SAMMY award in the Americana category. His second CD, Walk it Off, was released in March 2012, and is a collection of twelve, original songs recorded by Steve Sopchak at The Square Studio in Marcellus, NY. This album combines folk, rock, blues, and country styles. Many of the musicians who perform live with Mark as part of the Mark Zane Band appear on his this CD.
His third CD, Upstate Uprising, was released in January 2019, and contains ten original songs. His latest CD, Acoustic Truths & Electric Lies, was released in November 2021, and contains 11 originals songs.
Mark has written 126 songs, and performs at least 40 of these live. Along with writing and performing music, Mark is also a Professor of Sociology at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse whose songs often incorporate sociological themes and concepts. In the tradition of Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Warren Zevon, Steve Earle and others, Mark's original songs analyze American life through a sympathetic, yet sometimes, critical eye. He also writes and performs autobiographically inspired songs about love and aspirations, and everyday occurrences, as well as throws in periodic cover songs from some of his favorite artists.
Mark performs as a solo artist, and with his band, which includes bassist Bill Chernoff, saxophonist Marty Kleiber, percussionist Bob Shkaine, plus appearances by vocalist Joseanne Esper in Central and Western New York cafes, bars, churches, and colleges, as well as private functions.
Additional information can be found at: www.facebook.com/MarkZaneMusic
