Mark Lettieri

Biography

Mark Lettieri is a highly acclaimed American guitarist, composer, and producer, celebrated for his dynamic work in jazz fusion, funk, and instrumental music. Born in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1983, Lettieri began playing guitar at age 12, drawing early inspiration from legends like Jimi Hendrix and Joe Satriani. He honed his skills through formal jazz lessons and self-guided study, playing along with recordings and performing in local bands. After studying marketing at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, Lettieri immersed himself in the Dallas-Fort Worth music scene, where his versatility allowed him to thrive in genres ranging from R&B and gospel to country and rock.

Lettieri’s professional breakthrough came in 2008 when he joined the jazz fusion collective Snarky Puppy, contributing as a guitarist, arranger, and composer. His tenure with the group has resulted in five Grammy Awards, including for albums like 'Sylva,' 'Culcha Vulcha,' and 'Empire Central.' He is also a founding member of The Fearless Flyers, an instrumental supergroup featuring Cory Wong, Joe Dart, and Nate Smith. Alongside his band work, Lettieri has released numerous solo albums, such as 'Knows,' 'Spark and Echo,' and 'Deep: The Baritone Sessions Vol. 2,' the latter earning him a Grammy nomination as a solo artist. His style is recognized for its textural depth and groove-driven approach, always prioritizing the needs of the song.

Beyond his own projects, Lettieri is a sought-after session and touring musician, collaborating with artists like Erykah Badu, David Crosby, Kirk Franklin, and Ledisi. He leads the Mark Lettieri Group, performing globally and continuing to influence the modern jazz and fusion landscape through his innovative playing and compositional voice.

Fun Facts

• Mark Lettieri’s 2021 album 'Deep: The Baritone Sessions Vol. 2' was nominated for a Grammy, marking his first solo nomination.
• PRS Guitars released a signature model for Lettieri called the 'Fiore' in 2021, designed to his specifications.
• He has performed on every continent except Antarctica with Snarky Puppy.
• Lettieri and Apple Inc. collaborated on a package of guitar loops for digital audio workstations in 2021.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Jimi Hendrix - Early inspiration for expressive guitar playing and sonic exploration (Influence on Lettieri’s improvisational and textural style) [1990s (formative years)]
• Joe Satriani - Inspired Lettieri’s interest in guitar technique and instrumental music (Influence on Lettieri’s technical proficiency) [1990s (formative years)]

Key Collaborators

• Snarky Puppy - Core band member, guitarist, arranger, and composer (Sylva, Culcha Vulcha, Immigrance, Empire Central) [2008–present]
• The Fearless Flyers (Cory Wong, Joe Dart, Nate Smith) - Founding member of instrumental supergroup (The Fearless Flyers EPs and albums) [2018–present]
• Mark Lettieri Group (Wes Stephenson, Daniel Porter, Jason 'JT' Thomas) - Leader of his own touring and recording ensemble (Out by Midnight: Live at the Iridium, Can I Tell You Something?) [2010s–present]
• Erykah Badu, David Crosby, Kirk Franklin, Ledisi - Session and touring guitarist (Various live performances and recordings) [2010s–present]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging jazz fusion guitarists - Lettieri’s instructional content and innovative use of baritone guitar have inspired a new generation of players (Instructional videos, masterclasses, solo albums) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Medallion
2. High Valley Roundhouse (The Lotus and the Swamp)
3. Barreleye (Deep: The Baritone Sessions)
4. Skrontch (Against the Fall of Night)
5. Blackout (Patterns)
6. Purple Rain
7. Downside of Love
8. Magnetar (Deep: The Baritone Sessions, Vol. 2)
9. Gigantactis (Deep: The Baritone Sessions)
10. Montreal (Spark and Echo)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia