 It was Common Ground that first attracted he attention of the legendary Tom Paxton and ultimately lead to Mark's move to Nashville, TN in 1990.The year 2000 brought Elliott back to a solo career and a successful new CD, "My Great Escape", featuring a duet with Tom Paxton ("Stars in Their Eyes").Described as an easy blend of folk and country with pop and jazz,
the album was an Americana Chart's top 70 CD and its songs were played on commercial and public radio programs across the United States and abroad.