It’s A Long Way Home
From Casper

AN ALBUM BY MARK HENRY HAM
Stories of home.
People we carry with us.
Twelve original songs at the crossroads of Americana, country, and rock. Acoustic storytelling, melodic hooks, and a community of Colorado musicians bring Casper to life.
BEHIND THE RECORD
From the title track’s small-town reflections to the pull of home, love, and memory, Casper brings Mark’s songwriting together with the character and musicianship of the players who helped shape it.
“I would like to thank all the extremely talented musicians who played on this project. I could not have done it without you. You are all the best — friends for life.”— Mark Henry Ham
THE SONGS
Listen to each song, explore the lyrics,
or read Mark’s original song notes.
Listen links open SoundCloud; lyrics open Genius. Song notes are PDF files.
IN THE PRESS
“Mark Henry Ham is a masterful lyricist and musician”
Rachel Townsend / The Spotted Cat
WATCH & LISTEN
Music videos and a live performance.
From Casper
The title track
From Casper
With On The Flip Side
THE PEOPLE BEHIND CASPER
Musicians, collaborators, and friends.
Mark Henry Ham (MHH) – Lead, Harmony, and Background Vocals, Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Harmonica, Keyboard String and Horn Sounds, Piano on "In The Quiet Of The Night" and "Be By My Side"
Mark Henry Ham is a Colorado-based singer-songwriter whose music blends rock, country, and Americana with a focus on melody, harmony, and feel. His songs are rooted in storytelling and brought to life through expressive vocals and dynamic arrangements, whether performed acoustically or with a full band.
Robert (Rob) Ham (RH) – Lyricist
Robert is a playwright and business community leader living in the Denver metro area. He is honored to have contributed even a little bit to the success of this album And forever proud of his big bro Mark for keeping the dreams alive.
Michael Alan Sandoval – Recording Engineer, Lead/Rhythm Guitars, Bass, Drum Programming, Keyboard String Sounds
Michael is a producer, engineer and musician living in Denver, CO. Michael began his music career is Southern California performing, touring and producing records. He now resides at Avalanche Recording Studios in Northglenn.
Scott "Shack" Hackler – Piano and Organ
Scott has toured the United States extensively as a solo artist and as an accompanist. He has also worked as a studio musician, doing session work (piano, keyboards, bass guitar, and background vocals) on albums for numerous artists. In 2010, he graduated with High Distinction from Concordia University Saint Paul with a BA in Music Theory and Composition. Since moving to Colorado in 2012, Shack has performed regularly in the Denver metro area and around the state, both as a solo artist and as a member of numerous area bands. In January, 2019, Shack was a finalist in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. In 2018, he was the Solo/Duo Champion of the Colorado Blues Challenge. He has also won several Colorado Blues Society Members Choice Holley Awards, including best keyboards for 2017 and 2018, and best solo/duo performer for 2018.
Ernie Martinez – Pedal Steel Guitar on "Casper", Dobro Guitar on "Just Like Before"
An extremely versatile musician, Ernie plays just about every instrument that has strings, and more. He has played on over 150 albums as a studio musician in both Colorado and Nashville, including those of Tom Paxton, John McEuen, Jimmy Ibbotsen and many more. He is in demand as an album producer, song-arranger, and co-writer. He plays regularly with Runaway Express, Jon Chandler & the Slingers/Wichitones, Dakota Blonde, Timothy P. Irvin and the Stocking Stuffers, Reckless Abandon, Last Sheets on the Roll, Dustin Divine and the Real Deal, Junction 5-12. After many years as a finalist for the International Western Music Association Instrumentalist of the Year, he won in 2018! And was nominated again in 2019.
Anna Leavitt - Cello on "Life Is Like A Movie", "You", and "I Wish I Could See Your Smile Once Again"
Anna has a Masters Degree in Cello Performance from the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music and has toured the USA, Bermuda, and the Bahamas with the Continental Orchestra as well as concerts in Switzerland and France. She keeps busy as principal cellist with the Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra, and manages a string quartet: Cloud 9, which is known state-wide for playing rock covers. Besides teaching lessons and cello classes at Swallow Hill Music, Anna maintains a home cello studio. She is much sought-after for recording sessions and her ability to improvise.
FROM THE STUDIO TO THE SLEEVE
WITH LOVE & GRATITUDE
This album is dedicated to my dad Ralph Henry Ham who taught me to never give up and live life passionately. I miss him every day.
And to my wife Lorrie Ham who has supported me through it all and been my number one fan. I love you sweetheart.
Produced by Mark Henry Ham and Michael Alan Sandoval
MAKE CASPER PART OF YOUR COLLECTION
Explore purchase options or get in touch with Mark about a CD.
Thank you for supporting original music.
BEYOND THE RECORD
For artist concerts, press, and album inquiries.
Contact Mark Henry Ham ↗LOOKING FOR THE BAND?
Private parties, corporate events, weddings, and clubs.
Visit Mark Ham Band ↗
