Mercy’s Mark was founded in 2003 by Garry Jones. Garry has over 27 years of experience in the gospel music. Garry has toured with Grammy Award Winning Ricky Skaggs and worked with various artists in the Christian Music Industry. He is most recognized as the pianist, arranger, co-owner and producer for the talented gospel groups Gold City and Signature Sound Quartet. During his tenure, Gold City was awarded "Group of the Year" six consecutive years and Signature Sound Quartet was awarded "Horizon Group of the Year" for 2003. Garry was honored to be featured pianist for the "Old Friends Quartet" which included Gospel Legends Jake Hess and George Younce and was featured on the "Homecoming Friends Tour" with Bill Gaither.
Garry has also produced award winning songs such as "Midnight Cry", "If God Be For Us", "For God So Loved", "Stand By Me" and the Dove Award winning "There Rose A Lamb". Garry has received an abundance of awards, been nominated for numerous Dove Awards, received rave reviews in Charisma magazine and inducted into the Alabama Hall of Fame. His television appearances have included The 700 Club, Acts Network, Trinity Broadcasting Network, Odyssey Channel, The Grand Ole Opry, John Hagee Ministries, and Charles Stanley’s In Touch Ministries.
Mercy's Mark is certainly one of the most exciting groups to come along in a while. What is the drive that keeps you guys so full of energy and fresh on stage each night? Is this something that comes natural with everyone, or do you really have to work at it?
It’s the love of the music and for the people we sing to. We don’t always have the same energy when traveling long miles. It’s during those times we rely on our sense of purpose and making a difference in someone’s life.
You recently hired new Lead singer Scott Allen to the group. Tell us a little bit about him. What does he bring to the group?
Scott is a gifted singer and devoted Christian man. He brings to MM a little different musical direction that has been very positive. Most everyone is comparing his vocal approach to singers who have bridged the gap between Southern Gospel and CCM. People like Michael English, Guy Penrod, etc. It gives the group a broader approach to style and sound.
Speaking of recently, you guys also went to Norway, to minister over there. I heard that you needed some noise canceling headphones for the trip. Fill us in on what that was like.
Norway was great. We had an awesome time over there and the people were just incredible. They are seven hours ahead of our time zone so on the flight over you better get as much sleep as possible. (Notice I said, if possible.) I’ll put it this way. The next time I WILL have a pair of those Bose Noise Canceling Headphones. Most of the people on the plane are unaware of your sleeping needs and have a lot to talk about…at full volume.
I think that Mercy's Mark has the perfect situation for performing on stage. You guys have totally adapted to singing with tracks, and yet when Garry goes to the piano, you still have that ability to become very intimate with the audience. How do you use that ability in your concerts and services?
It works very well when we sing the traditional quartet songs which the fans still want to hear. Most everyone still loves the convention style of piano playing with no tracks and just four vocals. However, I think it’s most effective when we are ministering to the people. The piano gives us the freedom to flow in the direction that we feel is needed. We may only want to sing a verse or one chorus of a particular song during a special moment depending on what people need to hear at that time.
What's the weirdest hobby that any and all of you guys have while traveling down the road on the big bus?
Hmmm. I can’t think of anything that would be considered something weird….maybe just weird somethings, or someone. Ha! Ha! Just kidding. I hope the guys don’t read this.
If tomorrow, Mercy's Mark had sang your last song, what would each of you be doing to keep food on the table?
Good question. We all have other business interest and don’t totally rely on MM for our living. I suppose everyone would continue working within those interests.
What did all of you guys do BEFORE you hit the road performing?
I have been involved with our industry for all of my adult life touring and or producing. Brent Mitchell was in the insurance business and Scott Allen was a construction contractor. Christian Davis was still in school. He started singing professionally very young.
Traveling full time singing the Gospel is a wonderful ministry with a lot of blessings, but leaving your families at home must be very hard. Many of our readers may not know just what sacrifices you guys make to keep presenting the Gospel every night. Would you mind sharing some of the sacrifices that you and other singers must make in order to do what you love to do?
They are many. Most people truly never see that side of things. Maybe one day I’ll write a book on the subject. Traveling as much as we do can be very difficult. especially when the bus doesn’t feel good and breaks down in the middle of the night or even worse, the wintertime. Missing the quality time at home is at the very top of the list though, more on the part of our families than us. I think our wives and children are the true heroes.
Our readers have inquiring minds. What's up the road for Mercy's Mark?
I hope not a wreck! Just kidding. At the end of the day whatever God desires of us. We will continue to sing and create music that will hopefully change lives until if and when he leads us in new paths.
Visit Mercy's Mark online at http://www.mercysmark.com
ARTILCE UPDATE
Open Letter From Garry Jones - Nov 14, 2007
First of all I would like to thank all the friends and supporters of Mercy’s Mark and those who have contacted me. There has been a lot of speculation about the future of Mercy’s Mark and honestly due to circumstances beyond my control the group has been temporarily unable to fulfill our scheduled commitments for the remainder of 2007. In the last few days I have been presented with many exciting possibilities for the future of Mercy’s Mark and am prayfully weighing each one. I ask that you would please continue to pray for the future of this group and I will keep you informed as things develop.
God bless you and thank you again.
Garry Jones
Mercy’s Mark
For contacting Garry Jones and Mercy’s Mark please visit http://www.mercysmark.com
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 11/01/2007
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Comments: 7
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Thanks for a great interview with a wonderful group. I wish God's blessings on them all.
God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
Nice interview. Any word on a release date for the next major album from these guys?
Aaron Swain
Aaron Swain
My Blog: http://www.swainsmusings.com
What an interesting article! I know that Mercy’s Mark is going places. Garry has a gift of putting vocals together and creating a sound that is very unique. These guys are extremely talented and blessed. With the addition of Scott Allen at lead, this group has it all! I heard them a few weeks ago and they were phenomenal. The entertainment value they have in their show is at one end hilarious, yet also very deep and touching. Not only can they sing like very few can, but their stage presence and chemistry truly showed how in tune they were with each other and with the Holy Spirit. I wish nothing but the best for you guys!
Mercy's Mark was already my favorite group, but now I am very excited to have Scott on board with them. I've heard them several times with Scott at the lead position and I love their sound together. I can't wait to hear the adjustments and fine-tuning they will be making as they travel on down the road together! Scott is extremely talented, as are all of the gentlemen, and am confident that this group is being used to reach new people for the Lord as well as to encourage and support their brothers and sisters!
Diana Brantley
http://sgconcerts.com (latest posts: From my Personal Archives - 1/30/12; Gospel Singing Competition (info) - 1/27/12; Triumphant Quartet - 1/26/12; Booth Brothers & Soul’d Out - 1/24)
http://www.youtube.com/dinanaSN
I think the blend of the guys voices is phenomenal and I never tire of hearing them sing. Garry Jones is a fabulous pianist and I would like to hear him play more than he does in a regular concert. I think all of them have great talent and they are all so very nice. Loved the interview.
Mercy's Mark is the real deal. I have enjoyed watching this group develop and see that there is a desire to be what this industry needs more of - people singing with purpose.
Tony Watson
Crimson River Ministries
http://www.crimsonriverministries.com
First Baptist Church of Winona, TX
http://www.firstbaptistwinona.org
Congrats Scott God has blessed and will continue to bless.Now if your golf game was as good as your singing ,life would b e a breeze.LOL !!
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