Mark Played in "The Path" A tragically ill-timed and unfashionable goth-prog band in the 1990's. Later he played in "Duende" A "Bistro-Flamenco" Duo with Keith Hastings. An occasional member of "The Sitting Ducks" and guest Guitarist on "The Akibas" "Cows on Donkey Hill" CD. He is a fanatical devotee of both acoustic and electric guitar, an occasional mandolin player and owns a number of ethnic instruments including a Cautro from Puerto Rica and a number of First Nation flutes.
Mike started playing violin at the age of 6, reaching Grade 8 Distinction by the time he was 15. Being classically trained, he has featured in a number of ensembles and orchestras who have played the Albert Hall and The Purcell Room (South Bank) amongst other venues. Having lead both Town and County Youth Orchestras in the past, Mike now plays in Crowthorne Symphony Orchestra. He is also a member of Ambient / Neo-Classical outfit Olan Mill.
We were previously called "The Undercover Men" before we found out there were bands called "Undercover" "The Undercovers" (..."New Originals") etc etc.. Other ideas were MMM, The 3M and Mark and the Mikeanics.
We then changed our name to "Heart of Oak" but found out it was the name of the Royal Navy's anthem, then to "OakHeart" but in August Bacardi produced a Rum called "Oakheart" (very clever IMHO) so afraid of corporate trouble from on high we settled upon "Oakhart". "Hart" is the name for an adult deer so we felt it reflected a suitably English woodland theme... Lets hope were are OK there. The name has been registered on the international band name register at least!