markbunney.com - biography

Jazz-gospel saxophonist, Mark Bunney was born and raised in Leicester, England. From a young age Mark was encouraged to develop his musical talents and at three years of age his Father had already taught him to sing a considerable portion of the hymns and choruses frequently sung at church.

Mark started his first piano lessons at the age of seven, but he didn’t enjoy them and reluctantly did what he was told. As time passed, after a few years on constantly wearing down his mother, they decided enough was enough and Mark’s wish to end his piano lessons was finally granted. On that day he distinctively remembers the sad thought that he had failed and would never be musical, but little did he know that God had an entirely different plan for his life.

Four years passed by until one day at age 15, Mark's ears were struck by the beautiful, sultry tone of the saxophone. From that day, his dream was to become one of the world’s best saxophonists. Mark’s dream is fast becoming reality as his commitment, dedication and passion for playing the saxophone has become the essence and ministry of his life.

A regular and ever increasing practice regime became part of Mark's daily agenda, together with playing alongside other local musicians and taking private lessons. With the help of private instructor and Berklee College of Music alumni professor, Jean Toussaint, Mark’s aspiration to become a world-class saxophonist took a giant leap when, in a 1997 Paris audition, he was granted a scholarship to attend the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA. Filled with new challenges, Mark strove to give Berklee his best, achieving top grades in all his subjects. At Berklee, Mark was also fortunate enough to be under the tutelage of smooth Jazz Recording Artist, Walter Beasley and the legendary saxophonist, Bill Pierce, who were major influences on him. Other notable influences include Gerald Albright, Grover Washington Jr, Everette Harp, Najee and Cannonball Adderley, to name a few.

In 2003, Mark launched his music career with the release of his debut Jazz-Gospel album entitled ‘Coming Soon’. This was the first CD on his brand new UK Jazz-Gospel record label, Quiet Revolution Productions. The CD was a big hit in the UK instrumental gospel market and has also been successful in the USA.

Another blessing that took place for Mark that year was that he met and fell in love with his wife, Ladonna Kezia Bunney (ne Bryan), former member of gospel group, The Syder Sisters. Mark & LaDonna were married in the beautiful island of St. Lucia, in December 2004 and Mark graduated from Berklee College of Music in May 2005 with a magna cum laude Honors degree in Professional Music, specialising in Performance and Music Education.

Mark's ministry has carried him to performance venues around the world including the UK, USA, Sweden, Bermuda, Czech Republic and the Caribbean. He has graced the famous stages of London's Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Arena and Boston's Berklee Performance Center to name a few.

Fast becoming widely known in the gospel arena for his inspirational and dynamic performances, Mark has shared the stage with many of the gospel industry's top artists such as Donnie McClurkin, Byron Cage, Vanessa Williams, TD Jakes, Eddie Long, Kelly Williams, Wintley Phipps, John Stoddart, The Heritage Singers, 7th Element, Neville Peter, Freda Battle, Courtney Fadlin and many more.

In October 2006, Mark launched his 2nd CD project, entitled 'For His Praise'. 'For His Praise' is a compilation of classic gospel favourites with a dynamic and exciting jazz twist. Mark's wife, LaDonna Bunney also released her debut CD single, entitled 'I Must Tell Jesus', both CDs are featured on the Quiet Revolution Productions label.

After touring the USA, Mark and LaDonna arrived back in the UK in December 2006. Mark’s aim is to continue his musical growth for the Lord's service and to help further the Jazz-Gospel industry in Great Britain by establishing other up and coming artists. Mark is also currently building 'Elite Instruction', a unique private apprenticeship for saxophonists who are serious about becoming professional musicians of the highest class.

Mark has been very fortunate to have had many great role models, both musical and non-musical, and pays tribute to each of them. “I count it a blessing to have had a solid family supporting me at every step of the way, friends and mentors through thick and thin, and the opportunity to travel around the world meeting new people and appreciating other views and cultures". Mark attributes all his success and future success to his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and considers himself a living testimony of Philippians 4.13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. His personal message to all is: "No matter how old or young you are, have a dream for your life. Commit it to God and then nurture that dream until it becomes a daily reality, broken down by goals. Do something every day that will get you a step closer. Never ever give up once you’ve committed to your dream no matter what obstacles come your way. Dream big and shoot for the stars, at the very least you’ll land on the moon. And finally, in five, ten, twenty years from now you will look back and take satisfaction in knowing that you did what you were born to do."

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Bill Pierce – Saxophonist & Chair of Woodwind at Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA ”Mark Bunney, like many of today’s dedicated young musicians, posses a highly developed technical command of his instrument. But what separates him from the others is ability to communicate with the audience. What sets Mark apart is “soul’. He plays with an emotional drive that moves the listener. Look out for Mark Bunney. He is a musical force to be reckoned with.”

Jean Toussaint - Saxophonist and Jazz Tutor, London Guildhall University, UK. In reference to Mark: ”Inspiring music played with excellence, a great start to a promising career”

To read more about what others have said about Mark's music please visit www.markbunney.com/guestbook

To see Mark's future and back-dated performance itinerary please visit www.markbunney.com/events



	Jazz-gospel saxophonist, Mark Bunney was born and raised in Leicester, England. From a young age Mark was encouraged to develop his musical talents and at three years of age his Father had already taught him to sing a considerable portion of the hymns and choruses frequently sung at church. Mark started his first piano lessons at the age of seven, but he didn’t enjoy them and reluctantly did what he was told. As time passed, after a few years on constantly wearing down his mother, they decided enough was enough and Mark’s wish to end his piano lessons was finally granted. On that day he distinctively remembers the sad thought that he had failed and would never be musical, but little did he know that God had an entirely different plan for his life. Four years passed by until one day at age 15, Mark's ears were struck by the beautiful, sultry tone of the saxophone. From that day, his dream was to become one of the world’s best saxophonists. Mark’s dream is fast becoming reality as his commitment, dedication and passion for playing the saxophone has become the essence and ministry of his life. A regular and ever increasing practice regime became part of Mark's daily agenda, together with playing alongside other local musicians and taking private lessons. With the help of private instructor and Berklee College of Music alumni professor, Jean Toussaint, Mark’s aspiration to become a world-class saxophonist took a giant leap when, in a 1997 Paris audition, he was granted a scholarship to attend the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA. Filled with new challenges, Mark strove to give Berklee his best, achieving top grades in all his subjects. At Berklee, Mark was also fortunate enough to be under the tutelage of smooth Jazz Recording Artist, Walter Beasley and the legendary saxophonist, Bill Pierce, who were major influences on him. Other notable influences include Gerald Albright, Grover Washington Jr, Everette Harp, Najee and Cannonball Adderley, to name a few. In 2003, Mark launched his music career with the release of his debut Jazz-Gospel album entitled ‘Coming Soon’. This was the first CD on his brand new UK Jazz-Gospel record label, Quiet Revolution Productions. The CD was a big hit in the UK instrumental gospel market and has also been successful in the USA. Another blessing that took place for Mark that year was that he met and fell in love with his wife, Ladonna Kezia Bunney (ne Bryan), former member of gospel group, The Syder Sisters. Mark & LaDonna were married in the beautiful island of St. Lucia, in December 2004 and Mark graduated from Berklee College of Music in May 2005 with a magna cum laude Honors degree in Professional Music, specialising in Performance and Music Education. Mark's ministry has carried him to performance venues around the world including the UK, USA, Sweden, Bermuda, Czech Republic and the Caribbean. He has graced the famous stages of London's Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Arena and Boston's Berklee Performance Center to name a few. Fast becoming widely known in the gospel arena for his inspirational and dynamic performances, Mark has shared the stage with many of the gospel industry's top artists such as Donnie McClurkin, Byron Cage, Vanessa Williams, TD Jakes, Eddie Long, Kelly Williams, Wintley Phipps, John Stoddart, The Heritage Singers, 7th Element, Neville Peter, Freda Battle, Courtney Fadlin and many more. In October 2006, Mark launched his 2nd CD project, entitled 'For His Praise'. 'For His Praise' is a compilation of classic gospel favourites with a dynamic and exciting jazz twist. Mark's wife, LaDonna Bunney also released her debut CD single, entitled 'I Must Tell Jesus', both CDs are featured on the Quiet Revolution Productions label. After touring the USA, Mark and LaDonna arrived back in the UK in December 2006. Mark’s aim is to continue his musical growth for the Lord's service and to help further the Jazz-Gospel industry in Great Britain by establishing other up and coming artists. Mark is also currently building 'Elite Instruction', a unique private apprenticeship for saxophonists who are serious about becoming professional musicians of the highest class. Mark has been very fortunate to have had many great role models, both musical and non-musical, and pays tribute to each of them. “I count it a blessing to have had a solid family supporting me at every step of the way, friends and mentors through thick and thin, and the opportunity to travel around the world meeting new people and appreciating other views and cultures". Mark attributes all his success and future success to his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and considers himself a living testimony of Philippians 4.13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. His personal message to all is: "No matter how old or young you are, have a dream for your life. Commit it to God and then nurture that dream until it becomes a daily reality, broken down by goals. Do something every day that will get you a step closer. Never ever give up once you’ve committed to your dream no matter what obstacles come your way. Dream big and shoot for the stars, at the very least you’ll land on the moon. And finally, in five, ten, twenty years from now you will look back and take satisfaction in knowing that you did what you were born to do." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Pierce – Saxophonist & Chair of Woodwind at Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA ”Mark Bunney, like many of today’s dedicated young musicians, posses a highly developed technical command of his instrument. But what separates him from the others is ability to communicate with the audience. What sets Mark apart is “soul’. He plays with an emotional drive that moves the listener. Look out for Mark Bunney. He is a musical force to be reckoned with.” Jean Toussaint - Saxophonist and Jazz Tutor, London Guildhall University, UK. In reference to Mark: ”Inspiring music played with excellence, a great start to a promising career” To read more about what others have said about Mark's music please visit www.markbunney.com/guestbook To see Mark's future and back-dated performance itinerary please visit www.markbunney.com/events
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