MARK FRANCO

(Fretted and Fretless Bass, Vocals)

“To be introduced to UPF music was one reason I joined the live band, but most of all it is the message that we are presenting to a far reaching audience; strong and meaningful songs using progressive fusion as the platform for the music. We all have concerns with regards to the planet and I am so wanting to help get messages like this in front of a bigger stage.”

Over the years Mark Franco has been influenced by many players, both rock and jazz, however he always strives to create his own distinctive sound.

While young, Mark was influenced by the music his older brother and friends were listening to during his early teenage years. Soon, he discovered the music of progressive rock band, YES and by the time he was 16 years old his entire world had changed musically. He no longer wanted to play the guitar but found a strong passion in becoming a bassist like Chris Squire from YES.

From then onwards Mark continued to discover legendary and influential bands such as King Crimson, Gentle Giant, E.L.P, Jethro Tull, Genesis, Return to Forever and being a bass player. And of course, Rush, just to name a few. By the time he was in his twenties he then discovered and was captivated by the fretless playing of Jaco Pastorius and Bunny Brunel.

Mark went on to play in an original progressive rock band ‘Arcane’ featuring Mark Trueack in the mid 80’s with his older brother and going on to various cover and original bands over the years; notably being a member in the instrumental band ‘Sound’ along with Joe Toscano and Matthew Atherton, who he has now joined up with again in the band UPF.