Mark Stoffel was born in Munich, Germany. In 1979, as a teenager he was given mandolin for Christmas. Stoffel fell in love with bluegrass music through radio and attending concerts by touring American musicians. He built up experience in folk, rock and bluegrass bands into a lifelong artistic pursuit
In 2001, Stoffel and his family moved to Southern Illinois in the United States. He became a U.S. citizen in 2016.
After playing in local acts in Illinois, Stoffel joined Chris Jones’ band Night Drivers in 2009.
Stoffel’s stylish mandolin performances can be heard on numerous recordings, including his first solo release, One-O-Five, and a series of Chris Jones and the Night Drivers projects, including Run Away Tonight (2015), Made To Move (2017) and The Choosing Road (2019).
“Mark is one of the most musical mandolin players I’ve ever played with,” says Jones. “Mandolin players are really impressed with his playing everywhere we go.”
In May 2023, Mark Stoffel released a new composition called “Curious Times” inspired by the uncertain atmosphere of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Stoffel aimed to capture the somber vibe of that period in his music. After two years, he had the opportunity to record the song at Crossroads Studios in North Carolina. Stoffel collaborated with acclaimed artists such as Gina Furtado, Niall Murphy, Chris Luquette, Ross Sermons, and Tony Creasman on this track.
“Curious Times” is divided into three parts, each with its own melody and rhythm that are interconnected. The song cleverly incorporates various time signatures and tones, creating a musical play on the title. Stoffel describes the composition as somber yet upbeat, intertwining elements of Bluegrass and Celtic music. He expresses his satisfaction with the final result and hopes that listeners will enjoy it.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
Hi Mark, You may not remember me (probably not). My name is Domenic. I once picked up a few bucks standing in front of a P.A. at The Gray Horse Saloon in Bay Port/ Patchogue? N.Y. (Long Island). You were playing Mandolin in support of a very talented artist,. I am sorry, I do not remember his name. That is shameful. He was good, You all were. It was a very talented group of musicians, It was an amazing. and a very enjoyable night of music. I remember you played Edelweiss. I still can close my eyes and be taken back .
. We’d spent some time together, during a sound check and on break, (talking & smoking, my cigarettes, mostly because you felt, (and correctly), ten dollar + a pack was way too much), and in your need to repay the cost of nicotine you gave me a copy of your album one – o – five.. Dude, I got the better deal. Your album has brought me great joy. It has become such a part of my life. It is almost always in the rotation. I have listened to one – o – five a lot. I don’t know exactly when that was, ( I remember it was summer) I am thinking 2011-2012 However long , all these years your music has played through my speakers and I Thank you, I hope you are doing well.
Domenic ( By the way I quite smoking shorty after this life event. 1/7/13 was my last drag!!!)
Updated biography and photos.