“Mark has played with me on and off since just about the very beginning of my solo career. 17 years now! He's one of those great musicians who can be very supportive of the melody when he's backing you up, but when it's time for him to solo he can take over and shine with his own artistry. Definitely creative, and yes we've written some of my favorite songs together, "All Night Long" and "Butter".” – Boney James

With a long standing relationship with Boney James and a history of performing and writing with some of the top tier names in the music industry, Mark Stephens has proven that a sideman can have staying power and be in high demand. 

Pianist/keyboardist Mark Stephens was born and raised in Monterey, California and moved to Los Angeles when he was 20, to “start being a musician.”  He started playing piano when he was seven and took lessons, but also played in a gospel/church environment by the time he was ten.  “It was really good experience.  A lot of emotional music.”  Before settling on the piano, Mark also played trombone in high school but had to give it up in order to play piano in college.  “Several schools wanted me to come play for them but as a trombone player.  I had to tell them hey, I’ll come to your school, but only if I can play piano.”  After school, Mark started playing around the local clubs around L.A. in some of the club bands that allowed him to get his feet wet and introduced him to other musicians. 

Influenced by the music his older brothers were listening to and an uncle who also played piano and had an affinity toward jazz, Mark decided this is where his passion was.  He was greatly influenced musically by Bill Evans, Steely Dan, and gospel artist Andrae Crouch.  Studying and emulating these masters paid off and allowed Mark to play with so many notable artists, such as George Duke, Michael Lington, Gerald Albright, George Howard, Chaka Khan, Sheena Easton, Josh Groban, and as noted before, a long standing run with Boney James.  “I’ve known Boney even before he had the nickname Boney!  I knew him around L.A. because we had done some local club thing.  Then I was touring in Japan with Chaka Khan at the Blue Note and played like six nights.  Boney was in town with either Bobby Caldwell or Randy Crawford and came down to the club.   He said he had a little deal going with his own thing and asked if he could give me a call and maybe I could play in his band.  I said sure.  That started it all and it’s been great.”  In addition to playing, Mark has also been writing with a lot of artists.  He has written with Boney James and most recently for Everette Harp’s new CD.

In addition to writing for others, Mark is hoping to finish and release his own project.  It features Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Take 6, and has a few songs produced by Boney James.  The project began two years ago but was interrupted by a lengthy tour with Josh Groban, but now Mark is ready to get his own artistry out there.  It promises to showcase his jazz, pop, and gospel sides which Mark says is one of the reasons he’s been successful for so long.  “Being well-rounded, having a good attitude and being able to read music are the main things that have kept me going and that I would advise up and coming musicians.”

Outside of his focus on music, Mark spends time with his wife of five years and his two stepsons, ages 9 and 12, both of whom are taking piano lessons.  Mark is also an avid Lakers fan, and enjoys getting out to games and playing basketball with his kids.

So, whether you are at a jazz, pop, or maybe even a gospel performance, or listening to a CD, be sure check the credits.  You might just see the name Mark Stephens as either a performer or writer.  For more information on Mark and to listen to some of his own music from his solo project, go to www.myspace.com/markstephensmusic.