Mark Johnson

Mark is an authentic American original. Primarily known as the inventor of the Clawgrass style of banjo (which some call the "thurd style" after the clawhammer and Scruggs three-finger styles), Mark is both a top drawer player and a respected composer of contemporary acoustic music. In 2012 he received the third annual Steve Martin Award for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass Music.

IT'S CLAWGRASS!
Mark's unique style doesn't really fit into a strict category. It's very bluegrass but has overtones of traditional folk, progressive acoustic, new-grass and old-timey all mixed into one. It's authentic. It's unique. It's Clawgrass!

Banjo(s):
Deering Clawgrass
Deering Clawgrass No. 2
Deering Ivanhoe Openback