A Banbury classical guitarist releases album after finding his true calling

Banbury classical guitarist Mark Hussey, who has a PhD in Biochemistry from Oxford University, has released his second album, Laid Back, after realising his true talent for music.

Mark, who will be performing at the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford Upon Avon on April 25, said: “I’ve been living in Banbury since I graduated from Oxford University in 2006 completing a PhD in Biochemistry.

“After a short stint as a scientist I figured out that my future was really one in the business of making music.

“After demonstrating some of my skills playing guitar on various online platforms I was invited to perform a series of solo classical concerts after an agent scouted me.

“From that day onwards I haven’t looked back and travelled around the world as a performer. In my spare time I make guitar demonstration videos online and offer further playing tips and music on my website.”

The album has already received rave reviews with classical guitar magazine describing it as ‘utterly charming’ and Chris Dean, of the famous Syd Lawrence Orchestra, declaring Mark’s music as the ‘perfect sound’.

Mark said: “I wanted to make such an album to reflect something like the relaxing experience of listening to my playing in the live setting hence the name Laid Back and the unusual choice of album cover.

“I wanted the artwork to be original and not too serious and a bit more inviting. I commissioned a talented artist Nick Gowman who made a cartoon of a live show.

“To be fair the cover has had mixed reactions. As a performer you never quite relax when the record button is pressed.

“There is no substitute for making a live show but this recording is a good effort and I’m rather pleased with it.”

He added: “The album was a follow up to the critically acclaimed concerto I wrote for the guitar called Concierto de los Sueños which was described by Acoustic Magazine as ‘simply stunning.’”

Despite his success Mark has his eyes firmly on the future with a follow up album on the horizon.

He said: “I’m very excited to start working on a third and perhaps even fourth album by the end of the year of contemporary solo guitar playing, much of which can already be heard on my YouTube channel.

He added: “My hope is locals will show their support by taking the time to listen to the music and in return get a beautiful and relaxing experience from my music.

“Even better if this album inspired others, both young and old, to pick up the guitar and give it a go.”

To follow Mark visit www.markhussey.com.