Desert Waltz was formed in the winter of 2004 by guitarist and composer Mark Harden and then singer Les Weiler. Drawing from their many influences (such as The Eagles and Ani Difranco) they quickly began writing songs and playing open mics, defining their style and refining their goals. The band released their debut CD The Acoustic EP in June of 2004 (now out of print.)

Les Weiler left the group in the summer of 2005. As the primary songwriter, Mark will continue Desert Waltz as a soloist until such time as others may join the dance. The latest album, "With A Single Sentence" was released in July, 2006.

Mark Harden

Mark has been playing guitar for over twenty years and writing songs nearly as long. His first band was formed to play in a junior high school talent show. He has since played both as a soloist and in groups. Most recently he played lead and rhythm guitar and co-wrote songs for the bands Numeralia and Solarium. Mark's major influences are The Eagles, Ani DiFranco, Jeff Buckley, Fleetwood Mac, and Foo Fighters.

Mark is also an accomplished recording engineer and is the owner of Long Ago Studio, a digital ProTools recording studio based out of his home in Austin, Texas. His engineering is influenced by the work of Daniel Lanois, A Perfect Circle, Butch Vig and Brian Eno. Mark recorded, engineered and mixed Desert Waltz's work to date.

Here are samples of Mark's guitar work:

"Sunday" by Desert Waltz @ 2006