I am a singer/songwriter from Brisbane, Australia. I have been performing in and around the Folk Music scene since the early 1990s. I have played in several line-ups including, “Seanachaidh” a Celtic Band with a strong emphasis on Scottish music; “Tapestry”, a duo that performed a mixture of folk and country music; “Celtic Twa”, another duo combining mainly Scottish and Irish folk music; “Senior Moments”, a five-piece band with a little bit o’ swing; “The Hitmen” a band with a 1920s gangster theme and music to suit, "Martine" a duo playing music that ranges from melodic Celtic ballads to Blues and Ragtime.

As well as enjoying playing in these line-ups and others, I like performing as a solo artist, especially when that involves singing my own songs. I have been influenced by writers such as Gordon Lightfoot, Tom Paxton and Aussies, Mike McClellan and John Williamson. Consequently, I try to write songs that tell stories, use imagery to effect and pay attention to the melody.

Songwriters are supposed to write songs about love, I’ve got a few; about travelling, yes got one of those; about the issues of the day; a few of those too. Some of my songs are about places and people significant to me, and oh I’ve even got a couple about food!

Over the years I’ve been involved in a number of recordings. In 1993 I played on Julie McGonigal’s debut album “Mists of Guyra” which included two songs of mine. In 1995 I collaborated on a CD with Julie called “Carried on the Wind”. As a member of “Seanachaidh” in 1997, I was fortunate to be involved in the award-winning, compilation CD “Gathering Thyme”. I launched my solo CD “Laughter in the Clay” in 2007 and in 2008 the duo Celtic Twa produced a six track CD called "A Wee Nippie Sweetie" featuring Scottish and Irish songs. This year, 2009, I was very privileged to have another of my songs recorded by Mary Brettell on her debut CD “With a Little Help from my Friends” (see links page)

I’ve been privileged to play music and share the stage with some of SE Queensland’s best folk performers at Folk Clubs and Festivals including the National Folk Festival. Music forms a large part of my daily life. I’m very fortunate to be playing the songs I like and to be living in a city where the music scene is so vibrant!

Mark Davidson

2009.