Mark "Brink" Brinkman has been around music all his life. He began playing classical piano at the age of four. Like so many kids of the 60's he was heavily influenced by the folk and rock groups of the era. He took up guitar and played everything from Kingston Trio stuff to Doobie Brothers to Jethro Tull. Brink could never have prepared for the change his life would take in 1974 when he attended Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Festival at Bean Blossom Indiana. It was there he heard groups such at Bill Monroe & the Bluegrass Boys, Lester Flatt & the Nashville Grass, Jimmy Martin among others. It was a life changing experience that continues to influence him today as he continues to write Bluegrass, Americana, Country and Acoustic .
About the same time Brink began writing songs. Folks songs for acoustic guitar mainly. He performed these songs at many local clubs around Madison, WI while attending college there. Over the next 25+ years he has continued to write music and perform around the country. As Brink says, "writing music is like breathing, something I just have to do to live. I can't see ever getting away from the process of creating music from a blank page. It is such an honor, both rewarding and humbling, to know that artists would want to record my original songs. "
Brink continues to write as well as "pick". A multi-instrumentalist he plays piano, banjo, guitar and mandolin along with several other instruments, playing with several bluegrass bands in the central Ohio area. He also plays with a church "Praise Band". The Praise Team performs several "Brink" originals in the praise and worship style. "God has given me the talent to play and create music. It all comes from Him. Every song is a gift and I try not to take any of it for granted."
Brink has had many successes over the years including invitations to the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Songwriting Showcase. He has served as a "mentor" at the IBMA mentor sessions at the yearly trade show. Brink has been a finalist in the prestigious Merlefest Chris Austin Songwriting Contest placing 2nd in bluegrass category in 2002 and most recently a 2nd in the bluegrass category and a 3rd in gospel category at the 2003 contest.
He has had his songs recorded by notables such as Don Rigsby, Valerie Smith, Dwight McCall, The Booher Family Band, Terry Watters, Common Ground and the Twin Springs Bluegrass Band among others. You can check out information on these recordings on the "Brinksong's Recordings" page. You can also check out demos of several of Brinksongs at the "Original Songs" webpage. The page includes not only songs by Brink but several other excellent writers. Give them a listen and enjoy :)
"I have such a passion for the music! I love story songs and songs with a message. The creative process is such a gift and I try to write what is in my heart and give back to the folks that might listen to the songs. I want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone that has recorded one of my songs. I appreciate it very much! Thanks for visiting my website and I hope you will consider a "Brinksong" in any future recordings. God bless you all!"