Canadian-born Mark Guest was raised on Toronto Island at a time when the Toronto jazz scene was very hot. The Island has been a hothouse for artists of all sorts for several decades, and it was in this environment that Mark began his guitaristic explorations. While largely self-taught, Mark has studied with noted musical luminaries such as Toronto guitarists Lenny Breau, Lorne Lofsky, and New Orleans guitarists Phil DeGruy, and Hank Mackie.
In 2001, Mark moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast with his wife DeNeice, whose career in remote sensing led her to Stennis Space Center. "I was initially dubious about the move," Mark said, "but we learned Bay St. Louis was listed as one of the hot arts communities in the country. Plus, New Orleans was less than an hour away which made the move easier."
Mark helped develop jazz venues and played regularly along the Coast and in the New Orleans area. “Jazz was enjoying a renaissance on the Gulf Coast. Many New Orleans people kept second homes on the coast and they enjoyed hearing quality music,†remembers Guest. The hurricane that decimated the Mississippi Gulf Coast also destroyed the Guest’s home. “Hurricane Katrina hit my community very hard…Homes and businesses were destroyed all along the beach and several blocks inland. We felt we had no choice but to move,†said the guitarist.
Relocated in Asheville, North Carolina, Mark is gigging regularly. A studio CD is expected out shortly. Mark endorses and happily plays the wonderful Ribbecke Halfing guitar.