Mark Kroos plays 2 guitar necks at the same time. Originally from Lansing, MI but currently based in Williamsburg, VA he is one of the only people in the world touring his trade. His primarily instrumental style is characterized by open harmonies, polyphonic textures, incredible tapping technique, and is as entertaining to watch as it is to listen to. Live performances burst with energy and magnetism not typical of solo guitar music. Drawing influence from folk, Celtic, indie, and even punk rock artists as well as other great guitarists such as Michael Hedges, Phil Keaggy, Tommy Emmanuel and Leo Kottke, Mark Kroos has developed his own edge to the acoustic guitar.
In July of 2011 Mark competed in Guitar Player Magazine's 2011 Guitar Superstar Competition in Nashville for host Larry Carlton and renowned judges Muriel Anderson, Reeves Gabrels and Carl Verheyen, taking 1st place out of 5 invited competitors and thousands of others who had submitted online. Mark also picked up sponsorships from Ovation Guitars, D'Addario Strings, Planet Waves Cables and Kyser Capos.
"Mark Kroos plays with a sensitivity to the music and positive energy that is truly refreshing."
Muriel Anderson
1989 International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion
This October Mark released his second full-length instrumental guitar album, Down Along the Lines of Joy which features Mark on both double and single neck guitars. The album is based on the concept that while happiness is a fleeting feeling that comes and goes with outside influence, Joy remains in the heart regardless. A four-note theme which represents Joy occurs on the album several times throughout the album, during the upbeat songs, but also in some of the more somber songs.
Mark’s debut solo album, And Grace Will Lead Me Home was released in January, 2010. Tracks from the album have been licensed for multiple productions on CNN.
"I love this record. Mark's combination of impressive technique and memorable melodies create an absorbing listening experience"
Jeff Danna, Film Composer, Guitarist
In May of 2010, Mark embarked a sparsely-booked road trip, giving up his apartment in Williamsburg to play coffee shops and bars, relying on donations, human kindness and the grace of God. This road trip blossomed into a year-long concert tour filled with performances, clinics, and a multitude of new friends.
While on tour Mark wrote and recorded 4 track vocal EP titled The Sound of Snow, released in January, 2011. Themes from the album include traveling, homelessness, and most importantly, hope. The EP is intended as a thank you to all of Mark’s supporters and is available only for free online download at
www.markkroos.com/store.
Mark Kroos attended Bowling Green State University’s school of music from 2004-2006, majoring in Jazz studies and guitar performance where he studied under Chris Buzzelli and Matthew Ardizzone. He developed a greater understanding of the instrument and improved his technique immensely but also found that his ability was lacking in the jazz idiom and left the music school to tour with his ska/punk band, The Argonauts. When the band stopped playing regularly in 2009, Mark began teaching and picked up the acoustic guitar. A whole lot of writing, practicing and 2 guitar necks later there was the musical madness that is Mark Kroos.
