Mark lettieri biography

• Currently has over 195,000 followers on Instagram, and over 56,200 monthly listeners on Spotify

• 2021 Album "Deep: The Baritone Sessions, Vol. 2"2022 Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album

• 2023 Grammy win for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for the album Empire Central, as a member of Snarky Puppy

• 2020 Grammy win for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for the album Live At Royal Albert Hall, as a member of Snarky Puppy

• 2017 Grammy win for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for the album Culcha Vulcha, as a member of Snarky Puppy

• 2016 Grammy win for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for the album Sylva, as a member of Snarky Puppy

• 2014 Grammy win for Best R&B Performance (with Lalah Hathaway), as a member of Snarky Puppy

Mark Lettieri is a six time nominated, five time GRAMMY winning guitarist, composer, producer, and instructor based in Fort Worth, TX. He creates acclaimed guitar-based instrumental music, and is a member of leading instrumental bands Snarky Puppy and The Fearless Flyers. As a session musician proficient in a multitude of styles, he has recorded and performed in virtually every genre of popular music with both independent and major-label artists.

Born in the San Francisco Bay Area, Lettieri came to Texas via Texas Christian University (TCU), studying advertising and public relations, and competing in track and field. A passionate guitarist since middle school, he began his music career in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area upon graduating from TCU.

In July of 2024 Lettieri released his highly anticipated new album, “Can I Tell You Something?, his latest exploration into the world of instrumental music, blending elements of jazz, funk, rock, and soul to create a sound that is distinctly his own. The 10 tracks feature his trademark intricate guitar work, infectious funk, and a range of dynamic compositions that highlight his versatility and creativity.

Who is Mark Lettieri? A Brief Career Overview

Mark Lettieri, the virtuoso guitarist, composer, and producer, has made an indelible mark in the music world. Known for his work with the iconic jazz fusion band Snarky Puppy and the funk powerhouse The Fearless Flyers, Lettieri's sound transcends genres--melding electric bass, jazz fusion, and everything groovy in between. With a Grammy award to his name and passionate guitar-driven performances, he's not just a sideman; he's a musical architect crafting dynamic sonic landscapes.

Since his solo debut in 2011, Lettieri has been celebrated for his guitar-centric instrumental music, forging connections with fellow artists and vinyl enthusiasts alike. His journey is a testament to the power of creativity--inspired by his roots, his exceptional artistry has also produced remarkable vinyl records cherished by collectors.

Mark Lettieri's Early Life and Background

Born in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area in the early '80s, the son of supportive parents, Lettieri's early exposure to music was a natural progression. With a spark of inspiration ignited at age 12, he dove headfirst into learning the guitar, encouraged by the eclectic music scene surrounding him. Jimi Hendrix and Joe Satriani were among those pivotal artists that inspired his early years, shaping both his skill and ambition.

Mark's family instilled a strong work ethic and appreciation for creativity, encouraging him to explore a variety of genres. He pursued his education and earned a marketing degree at Texas Christian University, but it was the magnetic pull of music that led him to perform in diverse genres across the Dallas-Fort Worth scene, laying the groundwork for his future passion for vinyl records that often echoed those formative experiences.

The Musical Influences That Shaped Mark Lettieri's Sound

As Mark Lettieri developed his craft, he absorbed influence from various artists such as Jimi Hendri

American musician (born circa 1984)

Musical artist

Mark Lettieri (born c. 1984) is an American guitarist, composer and producer. He is a member of the jazz fusion band Snarky Puppy, funk band The Fearless Flyers, and also performs with his quartet, the Mark Lettieri Group. His background spans several genres including jazz, rock and funk. He has released several solo albums. His 2021 album Deep: The Baritone Sessions Vol. 2 was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.

Life and career

Lettieri was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. At age 12 he began playing guitar. He names Jimi Hendrix and Joe Satriani as early influences for expanding his interest in the instrument. Along with guitar lessons (including jazz guitar), he learned by playing along with recorded music and emulating guitar parts, and playing gigs in various bands. He studied marketing at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, and after graduating decided to pursue music professionally. He performed in the Dallas-Fort Worth music scene in clubs, recording sessions, backing bands, and in a variety of genres including R&B, gospel, Christian, country, blues, rock and funk. In regard to starting out as a musician, he said he needed to be versatile and be able to perform in any role and style.

In 2008 he started performing and recording with the jazz fusion band Snarky Puppy, at the time a Dallas-based band whose members along with Lettieri shared the common influence of the Dallas R&B music scene. He is a member of the ensemble and has received five Grammys with the band. He is a founding member of The Fearless Flyers, an instrumental