I'm a singer songwriter in the Americana genre. My start was in the coffee houses of Toronto some thirty years ago. Those folk beginnings we're followed by a ten year run as front man and writer for Toronto roots rockers The Bel-Vistas. The last decade or so has been spent raising a family and pursuing music as a solo artist.
I toil away in my home studio now and am involved in recording and producing for others. My latest album is titled "Long Story Short" and represents my first time efforts to engineer an entire project on my own. I'm currently working on a quieter acoustic record and hope to have it out in late 2011, weather permitting.
Influences are many but the ones who set the bar high for me include Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, John Hiatt, Van Morrison and the always cool Nick Lowe.
My repertoire consists of original songs that span the length of my career as well as plenty of covers in the classic rock, pop, folk, blues, and country styles. For the most part I perform as a solo acoustic act and when all stars align I have a most wonderful band I call "The Confessors" who make me look good.
Some Highlights:
- songs published by Sony Music
- recording artist with Eureka Records
- album release in Europe with Blue Rose Records
- radio play across Canada, the U.S., and Europe
- video play on MuchMusic, CMT Canada and Europe
- extensive live experience, including cross Canada touring
- opening act for The Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo and Tom Cochrane
Discography:
- "The Bel-Vistas" - self titled EP - released 1990 – independent
- "Somewhere Along The Line" - The Bel-Vistas - released 1992 - Eureka/Capitol Records
- "Pretty Ugly" - The Bel-Vistas - released 1994 - Blue Rose Records - independent
- "Wherever I Go" - Mark Ripp - released 1997 – independent
- "Minor Miracle" - Mark Ripp & The Confessors - released 2002 – independent
- "Long Story Short" - Mark Ripp & The Confessors - released 2010 - independent