Mark Ross & the Three-Nineteen
Introducing Mark Ross & the Three-Nineteen, a compelling Americana/Indie/Alternative Rock band led by the talented singer'/songwriter Mark Ross. With heartfelt lyrics, captivating melodies, and a dynamic sound, this group has been making waves in the music scene since its formation in 2019.
The original lineup, featuring backing vocalist Vanessa Ross, drummer Barry Knudson, bass player Mitch Jones, guitar player Brian McCarty, and fiddle player Caroline Priore, burst onto the scene with their debut album "The Unreal Deal" in 2019. This release showcased the band's ability to craft introspective and evocative songs, earning them critical acclaim and a growing fanbase.
However, like many artists, Mark Ross & the Three-Nineteen faced their share of challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Life changes and personal struggles led to a reconfiguration of the band's lineup. Guitarist Brian was replaced by Russ Baldwin, while Caroline decided to take a break from music to focus on her new married life. Mitch, facing significant family circumstances and his own health issues, had to step back temporarily. Meanwhile, Mark and Vanessa made a decision to divorce and part musical ways.
In 2022, the band rose from the ashes with an all-new lineup, solidifying their commitment to their musical journey. Mark Ross took center stage as the vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter, joined by Jeff Mueller on drums, Marc Partridge on lead guitar, and Brian Blechinger on bass. The rejuvenated group released two singles, "Los Highway" and "All for Love," in 2022, signaling their triumphant return and giving fans a taste of what's to come.
Mark Ross & the Three-Nineteen's live performances are not to be missed. Their passionate and energetic shows leave audiences enthralled and craving more. The band's recent appearance at the prestigious Big Turn Music Festival in February 2023 further cemented their reputation as a must-see live act.
While Mark Ross continues to captivate audiences with his solo acoustic shows, both regionally and occasionally in Nashville's songwriter rounds, the collective power of the full band creates a rich and immersive musical experience that showcases the depth and versatility of their Americana, Indie, and Alternative Rock influences.
Drawing inspiration from the likes of Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Gin Blossoms, Dawes, Rob Baird, Turnpike Troubadours, Counting Crows, Bruce Springsteen, Son Volt, Drive by Truckers, and Soul Asylum, Mark Ross & the Three-Nineteen create a sound that blends heartfelt storytelling with infectious melodies, leaving a lasting impact on anyone who listens.
With new material on the horizon set for release in the summer of 2024, Mark Ross & the Three-Nineteen are ready to embark on the next chapter of their musical journey, continuing to captivate audiences and solidify their place in the vibrant tapestry of the Americana and Indie music scene. Stay tuned for more captivating music and be sure to catch their electrifying live performances, listed on their website or Bands in Town online.
The Music
Press Release
ROCKERS MARK ROSS AND THE THREE NINETEEN’S THE UNREAL DEAL SPOTLIGHTS SHARP SONGWRITING
Driving rock influenced equally by Americana, alt-rock fortifies new self-released collection from Minnesota sextet due to hit radio May 1
St. Paul, MN – Mark Ross crafts personal narratives with equal measures rock (“Drive-Thru”) and roll (“Hurricane”). Evidence: Mark Ross and the Three Nineteen’s The Unreal Deal. The seamless new album deftly offers sharp songwriting backed by pulsating rhythm section throughout (the title track). “I was inspired by Americana songwriters like Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson and many of the alternative rock bands from my past,” Ross says. “There also were relationship changes going on in my life and that started to lead into too much drinking and repetition from day to day. The song ‘Drive Thru’ is all about that.”
Earthy narratives define the landscape. “Most of the album's lyrical theme is interpersonal relationship change,” Ross says. “I’m trying to convey feelings of depression with a sense of hope. Most of the songs such as ‘Run’ do not terminate with any final verdict but mostly an option. The song has some hope, like we can pick up and move on. There’s also some vulnerability, nightly drinking, late nights and disagreements – sometimes you discover that things in the past can haunt you and need to be addressed and have some closure.”
Results have already turned heads. “Each song has a good hook and title that anchors the story line like ‘Ghost,’ ‘Drive-Thru’ and ‘Hurricane,” songwriter AJ Schreiber says. “The songs hold onto the listener by bringing things back to that anchor in the chorus. Everything works. There are no false notes or lyric choices that might break the spell of the song. Nice textures.” “’Drive-Thru’ belongs on every cross-country radio station,” echoes the Border Hookups’ Dave Hudson. “Mark Ross’ writing keeps you listening for hidden meanings while losing yourself in rich melodies.” Spin hooky ear worms like “Love Comes Easy” and “She’s Coming Home” for further proof.
Ross looks forward to supporting the stellar new album with more new music and increased touring. “I want to start working on a follow up album – and already have six songs in the works – and break out and do some real touring,” he says. “We hope Covid-19 restrictions ease up and we can start to see live music again. We have been playing as a duo and trio with our fiddle player at times in order to be able to meet capacity limits. We are open to touring that way too.”
Mark Ross & the Three-Nineteen Live
