Mark Chapman

About

“Catch ‘em now while they’re on the way to the top because it won’t take ‘em too long to get there!” – Steve Green; Snorty Horse Saloon.

The Mark Chapman Band formed in the summer of 2006 and is based out of Southwest Missouri. Their goal is simple; utilize outstanding musicianship, incredible song writing, and an original sound/show to the fullest extent in order to share a unique musical experience with the masses. Categorizing Mark Chapman Band has been challenging but could be best described as “high energy, alternative/pop country”. Comparable bands might include Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley and Cross Canadian Ragweed.

Mark Chapman Band is anchored by Nashville Recording Artist and founding member Mark Chapman. Mark’s incredible song writing ability provided him the opportunity to write for several reputable Nashville publishing companies including Fat n’ Brite Music (Montgomery Gentry), Cool Cove Music (Tim McGraw), RPM Music Group / Windswept Songs of the Pacific (Lonestar, Faith Hill) among others. Mark has also worked with respected Nashville producer Joe Scaife (Alabama, Billy Ray Cyrus, Shania Twain, Gretchen Wilson) as well as top music executives like former MCA President - Tony Brown (George Strait, Reba McEntire), Dreamworks President Jim Stroud (Toby Keith, Daryl Worley, Clay Walker), former President of A&R Sony Nashville – Blake Chancey (Dixie Chicks), former President of Arista Nashville Tim Dubois (Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson), President of A&R RCA Nashville – Renae Bell, and more. Mark is noted for his unmistakably melodic and down-home lyrical styling’s as well as his tasteful acoustic guitar playing. Even with a successful Nashville song writing career in tow, the entertainer and performer in Mark kept gravitating him to the stage and live performance. This desire is what brought Mark back to his home town in order to pursue his live music and solo career dreams.

When Mark came home it didn’t take long for his friends and the area’s most successful musicians to fall in line. Mark had grown up singing with his brothers and so Mark’s brother Greg Chapman became a willing accomplice to help fill out the harmony vocals as well as pitching in on lead quite frequently himself. Notable guitarist, Bill Bruce soon followed. A 4 time ASCAP award winner himself, Bill has also appeared in Guitar World and Guitar Player and Recording magazines. Bill has written and recorded with Guy Babylon (Elton John) and has either recorded with or toured with Kenny Aranoff (John Mellencamp), Tim Skold (KMFDM, Marylin Manson) and Mickey Gilley to name a few. In his days in California, Bill studied with other accomplished musicians Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big), Albert Lee, Marty Friedman, Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson) among others. Bill is a diverse musician, producer and writer and is a major contributor and component of the Mark Chapman Band. To fill out the band, Mark brought in drummer Bart Kelley (Star Search winner / Sony Recording artist Jake Simpson, SLB, Mr. Scary, Missing Lincoln) and Bassist extraordinaire, Brad Nelson (El Buho, Mike Gordon (Phish), members of Bela fleck and the Flecktones, Col. Bruce Hampton and Jeff Sipe (Aquarium rescue unit, Jonas Hellborg)).

While performing in the Midwest, Mark Chapman Band has been honored to share the stage with many respected and wonderful artists which include; Eli Young Band, Ryan James Band, Montgomery Gentry, David Allen Coe, Gretchen Wilson, Lonestar, Ricky Skaggs, Gibson/Miller, Lari White, Chuck Cannon, Tod Scearney, The Bellamy Brothers, John Berry, Asleep At The Wheel, Black Oak Arkansas, Billie Dean, Steve Fox, Jimmy Stewart, Aranda, Mama Sweet, The Mother Truckers, Ricky Van Shelton, Candy Coburn, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Little Feat among others.

Mark Chapman and Mark Chapman Band have written, recorded and sold thousands of copies of both their CD’s entitled “Who Knew” and “Mark Chapman Band LIVE at the Snorty Horse Saloon”. As an independent release “Who Knew” has received extensive radio play throughout the 4 state region and garnered acclaim from several notable country music magazines including Canadian Country Weekly Magazine. Their CD “Mark Chapman Band LIVE at the Snorty Horse Saloon” was just released in January 2008 and has already generated a lot of buzz in the industry and MCB has had the fortunate problem of having some difficulties keeping the CD in stock for sales at live shows. “Mark Chapman Band LIVE at the Snorty Horse Saloon” was also recently featured on 100.5 The Wolf on their “The Roadhouse” program.

Some kind things people have had to say about the recordings are “…modern country at its best.” – Angela Henry (Community Free Press), “…the CD has a lot of pop appeal.” – Michael Brothers (Springfield News-Leader), “…several selections on the album go outside country parameters…makes for a pretty interesting listen.” – Larry Delaney (Country Music News).

Mark Chapman Band has hit the road and look to bring their music to the people of the Midwest using a grass-roots approach in order to better connect with their core audience and meet new friends. It is only a matter of time before their infectious songs, lyrical stories and energetic show propels them to great heights and so to “Catch ‘em now while they’re on the way to the top …” will certainly not disappoint.

Personnel

Mark Chapman: Lead vocals / Harmony Vocals / Acoustic Guitar / Keys
Greg Chapman: Harmony Vocals / Acoustic guitar / Lead Vocals / Mandolin
Jeff Chapman: Electric guitar / Harmony Vocals
Bill Bruce: Lead guitar
Randall Wildman: Bass guitar / Harmony Vocals
John Anderson: Drums

What to Expect

Set/Song/Sequence List:
Set list

Sample Live Song List

Mark Chapman Band Original Music

Outlaw Country
Fly
Back In The Day
Home
I’m With You
You’re Gonna Have That
Walkin’ Away
Moonlight Ride
Alabama Sunday Afternoon
Creeks
Easy
Who Knew
Starin’ At The Sun
Southwest Missouri
Day In The Life Of Love
Gone
Tan
Good Place To Start
Dad Like Mine
Anyone But You
Beautiful Thing
Love Finds You
Burn 'Em Down

Mark Chapman Band Cover Music

Devil Went Down To Georgia (Charlie Daniels Band)
Boys Of Summer (Eagles)
Fightin’ For (Cross Canadian Ragweed)
4th Of July (Shooter Jennings)
Summer Of ’69 (Bryan Adams)
Folsom Prison Blues (Johnny Cash)
Dixieland Delight (Alabama)
Sweet Child Of Mine (Guns n Roses)
I Won’t Back Down (Tom Petty)

...and many many more.

Experience