Mark's first band from left to right, Mark Brine (lead guitar), Steve Ning (bass guitar) and Skip Curry (rhythm guitar). Tom Hesse (singer) not pictured here is assumed to be working the camera. The band later evolved to become the Trans-Atlantic Subway.

From left to right Paul "Mac" MacDonald (drums) Steve Ning (bass), Tom Hesse (vocals), Mark Brine (lead) and Skip Curry (rhythm). The band signed with Lightfoot Records in Jamaica Plains, Mass. and recorded one 45 rpm. The A-side was a Kinks-like song called 'Servant of the People' and wound up on a Pebbles garage-rock compilation in 1984. The B-side, 'Winter Snow' has been rerecorded for inclusion in Brine's audio book, "The Carol."

Mark Brine (left) with good friend and Nashville songwriter, Thomas Wright. Mark first met Thomas at 'The Wheel' across the street from the World Famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge. Thomas was also an aspiring songwriter at the time from Chicago. While signed with Door Knob Records in Nashville, Mark recorded 'I'm Not Anyone' written by Wright and the title cut from The Nashville Sessions.

Although intended for LP release in 1981, this collection was issued on cassette only. The concept was to fuse ALL of the elements of American Folk Music (including traditional country, blues, etc.) with lyrical imagery, Norman Rockwell in song. And so the title, Return to Americana. "Sorry … Gone Fishin' (written much earlier in Nashville) became the catalyst for this album and defines its direction. With the current onslaught and total mis-use of the term "Americana Music," this recording pre-dates all and any in the chain. Its 1985, do you know where your Americana Music Association is?

In 1992, New York producer, Tom Pomposello teamed up with Brine and released "New Blue Yodel" Brine's tribute song to Jimmie Rodgers. (Ironically enough, Pomposello's office was located in Manhattan within a five block radius from where Rodgers died). Working with ten sparkling Brine originals with some traditional tunes thrown in, Pomposello, Brine and a wild cast of musicians crafted a rich mix of early century yodeling, smoky blues and folk raconteuring heard only below 14th street.

Over the years, Brine would often send his recordings to Hank Snow. And knowing that Hank was a big Jimmie Rodger’s fan, needless to say, a copy of his tribute song 'New Blue Yodel' was sent. After listening, Hank was so taken back by the recording that he took it to the manager of the Opry to see if he might have Mark appear as his guest Opry which he admitted was not something he ordinarily would do. But he had never heard anything that sounded as much like the late Jimmie Rodgers in his life. And the rest is history.

Mark Brine (right) with producer, Tom Pomposello (left) during a performance at the Abbey of Regina Laudis of 'You Got To Move,' a musical revue/documentary tracing the development of American popular music during the postwar era written and produced by Pomposello. A protegé of Mississippi Fred MacDowell, Pomposello was not only a celebrated blues guitarist and music historian but one of Mark's dearest friends.
Read on …

Cover art from the CD, Real Special Feelin'. It has been one of the greatest honors of Brine's career to have a painting by Thomas William Jones grace the cover of his music. It was Mark's wife, Karen, who first discovered the paintings of Mr. Jones. She fell in love with Packards while Mark was working on finalizng the tracks of the CD, Real Special Feelin'. A collection of her 'favorites' it was all the more fitting (and special) that it should appear on the CD cover. If you don't know who this artist is you should. "If ever there were an antidote to the fast-paced, in-your-face, commercialized culture we live in, it is a Thomas William Jones painting."

CD cover art by Mark Brine. This CD is written for children, but adults will like it as much as kids do. The listener will meet ants (if they could talk) being interviewed on a TV talk show, Fred the Yodelin' Pig on his way to LA, Leapin' Sam Patch and a host of other charactors on Mrs. Alexander's farm.

Linda Joseph is one of the most innovative fiddle players in Nashville. She first teamed up with Brine at The World Famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge. Classically trained, she attended the Preparatory Division of Julliard School of Music in New York City but her talents transcend any one genre. A much sought after player she has appeared on shows with Marty Robbins, The Bobby Springfield Band, George Jones and Merle Haggard. The lady has soul and she always delivers!

On this his third independent release, Brine is joined by some of Nashville's finest musicians, perfectly attuned to the sweet eccentricity of his songs. From an old-fashioned valentine to his wife to a rocking blues tribute to a woman with "a front side that don't quit and a backside that don't fit." for Karrie covers the full specturm of his music. "Some of his songs are sentimental, some of them are preachy, but the best of them quickly get to the heart … and all of them are delivered in an utterly distinctive voice -- a twangy, crusty tenor full of yearning, laughter and unexpected power."

CD artwork. The only song on 'for Karrie' not written by Brine is 'Once A Soldier (Always A Hero)', a tribute to the men and women in the Armed Forces penned by veteran and Texas DJ Eddie Russell. Host of the Country Eastern / Outlaw For Peace radio show, Russell is dedicated to non-mainstream music. And believes Willie Nelson was quite right when he said "If it sounds good … it is good." Russell is also a co-founder of the The Rainbow Smoke Network whose mission is to connect music with radio DJ's around the world in an effort to help bring a better quality of music help bring a better quality of music to global radio. Read on …

Photograph by Bill Coleman ©2004 Amish Photos. Bill Coleman, has spent over 30 years compiling one of the most profound visual documents of the Amish culture of Pennsylvania. In much the same way, songwriter and musician, Mark Brine has made a career out of capturing the essence and spirit of America through song. Songs that take the listener on a journey to a place where life is still precious and significant and death is still a heartbeat that can shatter a soul. So, it is easy to see why, Brine chose to use one of Mr. Coleman's photographs for the cover of his "best of CD."
Read on …

It’s sad how the paths of life just stray
Fathers and sons how they go their separate ways
Yes, I realize its all the Master's plan
He molds you in His hands
You've become a full grown man
But I only hope that one day in your travels
No matter where the road may go
'N how the tale unravels
Yes, somewhere when you stop to look behind
You'll know, I'll always be there
Down the back roads of your mind
-- from the song Back Roads by Mark Brine

Following in his father's guitar case, Keeve's debut solo LP, Gypsy Think Box will be available in July 2006. All of the eleven tracks are written and performed by Keeve.
Check it out …