Lucius
Gray ( click to listen)Listen and review original songs
All songs © Mark Brinkman Songs-BMI
Lucius
Gray ( click to listen)
This Old Hammer (click to review lyrics)
Man oh man!!! Mike Evans has done it again! This is one killer bluegrass tune. This one will go fast. This tune will absolutely knock yer hat in the creek! Way to go Mike!!
Devil's Road (click to review lyrics)
This tune chronicles the story of the old chain gang days and a cruel warden that had the prisoners break rocks and build a road that went nowhere in the middle of a Carolina swampland. Set in Brunswick County this has the medium drive to make some band a hit song!
The Legend of Jonas Willingham ( click on title to review lyrics)
Intriguing song written by Mike Evans. Mike is a fan of the "darkside" of bluegrass. Sometimes you just can't beat a good ghost song. This one sure fits the bill. Modal and drivin'! This GREAT song has now been cut by the wonderful Lonesome River Band. Can't wait to hear the cut and THANKS SAMMY!!!
Listen to The Legend of Jonas Willingham
Sure Sounds Like Lonesome to Me
Every bluegrass band has to have a "lonesome song". Here is a tongue in cheek song that is upbeat and bring a smile to everyone's face. Give is a listen. Upbeat with good solid drive.
Listen to Sure Sounds Like Lonesome To Me
Danville Prison Grave
(click on title to review lyrics)
Who can resist a bluegrass tune that has Prison, jealous rage, and dying in it. This song will make someone an excellent addition to their project. Co-written by Mike Evans and Brink Brinkman it has all the elements of a hit bluegrass tune.
Listen to Danville Prison Grave
Six Little Blue Eyes (click on title to review lyrics)
Divorce is a devastating thing, especially on the children. This tune came to me after a friend went through a divorce. It is told through the husband's eyes. The tune plays out from the night before he has to leave until he pulls away and sees his children. Six little blue eyes sitting in a row. Very sad but very real in today's world.
Listen to Six Little Blue Eyes
Bluestone Mountain (click title to review lyrics)
This song is a haunting song set in the era of the Civil War. A tragic story of Cora Jones and her little boy Jacob. Living alone on the side of Bluestone Mountain Jacob wanders into the maze of caves. Cora searches for Jacob but neither are ever heard from again. If you turn your ear toward Bluestone Mountain you might even today hear Cora crying. Medium tempo.
Try & Catch the Wind ( click on title to review lyrics)
This is an "in your face" bluegrass song. I always pictured this one sung by a female bluegrasser. Cranked up and with plenty of "drive". Bluegrass with all the hair on it :)
Listen to Try & Catch The Wind
The Ghost of Silas Jordan (Click title to review lyrics)
Set in the 1880's between Franklin and Caney Spring Tennessee, this song tells the story of a wrongful death of Silas Jordan. Silas was accused of killing Becky Taylor. The folks take the law into their own hands only to find out through an anonymous note that they had killed an innocent man. The valley to this day is haunted and folks say it is just the "ghost of Silas Jordan coming home". Medium tempo.
Listen to The Ghost of Silas Jordan
Alone In The Still of The Night (click on title to review lyrics)
Driving bluesy tune. The tune can be heard on the "For The Long Haul" CD recorded by Valerie Smith. However, the song was adapted for the "trucker" project. The demo reflects the original lyrics.
Listen to Alone In The Still Of The Night
When The Heavenly Hills Come Calling For Me ( Click on title to view lyrics)
A gospel tune written in the "Stanley" traditional style. This one came to me all at once while driving in the hills of Southern Ohio. Written in 3/4 time it is an uplifting song that can be done as a duet or trio. Very popular among jam session already.
Listen to When The Heavenly Hills Come Calling For Me
Give Them Time (click on title to review lyrics)
This tune was co-written by Glen Adkins and Brink Brinkman. A lot of truth to this song. Very pretty tune. Slow ballad.
My Caroline In Carolina (click on the title to review lyrics)
This song is co-written by West Virginia tunesmith Mike Evans along with Mark "Brink" Brinkman. This one has that good slow drive along with a melody that sounds traditional but fits right it with more progressive bluegrass as well. An excellent feat indeed to have a tune that flexible. Song of good love lost when the singer leaves Carolina. Medium w/ drive.
Listen to My Caroline In Carolina
Before Your First Tear Hits The Ground (click on title to review lyrics)
Brink Brinkman's band, Common Ground, has performed this song on a regular basis and is always a crowd favorite. Somewhat of a progressive tune that maintains the bluegrass roots. We find that it makes a fine jam tune as well. Medium drive on this one.
Listen to Before Your First Tear Hits The Ground
I've Traveled Down This Lonesome Road Before (click on title to review lyrics)
This tune was penned by Mike Evans and it straight drivin' bluegrass through and through. I just doesn't get much better than this. Cue it up and drive it on down the road :)
Listen to I've Traveled Down This Lonesome Road Before
Lonesome Mountain (click on title to review lyrics)
It seems in bluegrass songs someone tends to die. This tune is no exception. Tune tells the story of a great flash flood that took the life of the man's wife. They live on Lonesome Mountain. In the end he realizes how "Lonesome Mountain" got its name.
The Kaymoor Mine ( Click on title to view lyrics)
The Kaymoor Mine is an old abandoned mine found in the New River Gorge are of West Virginia. My family visited this mine and I could only imagine what it would have been like to work in that mine every day. This song is upbeat and driving or can be done in a bluesy style. Either way it has quickly become a jam favorite requested by people that are familiar with the tune.
Mirrors Don't Lie (click title to review lyrics)
I think George Jones could do this one :) It is more of a country song but is well liked by most bluegrassers too. There was a song years ago by the same title but this one takes a totally different melody and spin. 3/4 time.
Logan's Crossroad (click title to review lyrics)
This tune written by Mike Evans is a classic civil war tune. We are hoping like crazy that Charlie Waller will record this one!!!!
The Great Divide (click title to review lyrics)
This is a fine progressive tune. Americana or bluegrass it has that acoustic edge that would be great for many bands that are out there 'on the edge' . Give it a listen and see what you think :)
April Snow (click on title to review lyrics)
Straight ahead bluegrass is the highlight here. This would make and excellent female lead tune. Story of a girl that goes back to her roots and the simple life. Written by Brink Brinkman the tune is already a favorite of Bluegrass Ramble DJ Rich Baker. Thanks for playing this one on the "Ramble" !!
Son of a Miner (click on title to review lyrics)
The story of mining is one that has been handed down through generations. This song follows mining through several generations. These families have sure earned respect from so many. A hard, honest life with dire consequences of a dangerous career. This song lays it out there.
Tennessee Backroads (click on title to review lyrics)
This song just begs to be recorded by a top band. Rhonda Vincent came close to recording this fine tune but it is back on the "block" and ready to become a hit for a top bluegrass band!
I Can't Bear The Thought of Losing You (click on title to review lyrics)
This tune has been recorded now by Larry Stephenson. THANKS LARRY!! We can't wait to hear the cut on his new project from Pinecastle called Clinch Mountain Mystery.
Listen to I Can't Bear The Thought Of Losing You
Grandpa's Table Grace ( Click on title to review lyrics)
Growing up in a farming State many close relatives owed farms. We would spend many days and weekends working on my Great Uncle Albert's farm. He was like another Grandpa to me and I can remember many things of those days vividly. One was the smell of his cigars. The other is that every evening he would stand at the end of the dinner table with the family gathered around and said the "grace". This song brings his simple prayer to life again. Over the years I've found that this is a very universal situation and why this song hits "home" for many people. Ballad. Slow and pretty melody. Gospel/Secular.
Listen to Grandpa's Table Grace
The Littlest Guardian Angel (click on title to review lyrics)
Get out the tissues before listening to this one. A story from the heart of Brink Brinkman and a dedication to his daughter Lindsey Jean. This one is what music is all about. Straight from the soul. May this song be a blessing to everyone.
Listen to The Littlest Guardian Angel
Welcome Home (click on title to review lyrics)
A modern version of the "prodigal son" this song brings the Bible story into modern times but carries the same message of salvation from the Lord. Welcome Home!
Twin Mountain Lovers (click on title to review lyrics)
A fantastic story song from the pen of Mike Evans. This song has now been cut by Wildfire mandolin and singer extraodinaire Darrell Webb. for his upcoming solo project. GREAT JOB DARRELL!!! Thanks and great luck with your upcoming release!!!
Listen to Twin Mountain Lovers
My Heart Loves You More (click on title to review lyrics)
Give this one a listen.....just a fine bluegrass tune!!!
Listen to My Heart Loves You More