About Ha'penny Bridge's new studio CD, At Fiddlers Green, (2012) featuring nine original songs, Chico News and Review Editor Robert Speer writes: I like this album a lot... I’ve listened to it so often already that I can’t get some of its tunes out of my head, which is a real credit to Mark, who wrote all the songs but one, and to his band, which plays and sings them with affection and skill. Good music begins with good songs, and Mark has an Irish poet’s feel for lyrics and story telling and a California musician’s ability to wrap them in sweet melodies. It doesn’t hurt that Ha’penny Bridge is composed of some fine players and singers, including the lovely Molly McNally Paul joining Mark on lead vocals, Vita Segalla on fiddle, Jewel Cardinet on mandolin, Tom Haber on bass, Bo Bowen on flute and whistles, Curtis Paul on drums and Zach Cowan on congas. Some of the songs, like the title tune, are rollicking, and others, like the gorgeous “Holy Ground,” are elegiac. There are love songs (“I Went Out Walking”) and political love songs (“The Running Man”) and even a cowboy Celtic song (“The Blue Winds of Summer”). Give these tunes a couple of listens, and you’ll be humming them in your dreams, guaranteed."
About Ha’penny Bridge's first studio CD album of original songs, The Awakening(2008), "The Awakening is true to (its) musical roots in sound, structure and lyrics," and "comfort food for Celtophiles...in the key of Van Morrison or Mary Black." Chico News and Review
"Local favorite Ha'penny Bridge brings a powerful stage presence and provides killer harmonies...Songs on the sophomore effort [the new CD] At Fiddlers Green showcase how much the band has grown since [Mark] Mckinnon formed Ha'penny Bridge in 2006." Chico Enterprise-Record
"Ha’penny Bridge is a vocal force to reckon with... emotionally charged and lovely…segueing from McKinnon’s rocking Celtic originals into traditional tunes and back… one of a number of impressive “tricks” that Ha’penny Bridge has up its magical sleeve.” Chico News and Review
"It's great to see one of Chico's best bands representing and kicking ass." Bob Littel, Producer, Sierra Nevada Brewery Big Room
"One of Chico's best bands who always puts on a great show." Steve O'Bryan, "Celtic Radio," KZFR Chico Community Radio
"A great band with beautiful original songs...a great mix of harmonies and music...they're a regular favorite at the (KVMR Celtic) Festival." Annie O'Dea Hestbeck, KVMR Nevada City Community Radio
I love Ha'penny Bridge and I'm amazed how they just keep getting better every time I see them! Their new songs on their next CD blow me away!" Steve Scarbrough, "It's Just Jazz," KZFR Chico Community Radio
"Thank you for a magical night of incredible music." Mandy Sherman, Music Director, Chico Nut Festival, California Dream Week Festival