Time: 7:30pm-
Location: 25 Washington Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (map)
Mark Lettieri is a guitarist, composer, producer, and instructor
based in Fort Worth, TX. Proficient in a multitude of styles,
he records and performs in virtually every genre of popular
music with both independent and major-label artists.
He also composes and produces original instrumental
music under his own name.
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.
Playing in the vibrant Metroplex gospel and R&B scene
led Lettieri to join jazz/world group Snarky Puppy in 2008,
where he contributes as guitarist, as well as arranger and
composer. His work with group has resulted in four
GRAMMY Awards: Best R&B Performance for
“Something” feat. Lalah Hathaway in 2014, and
Best Contemporary Instrumental Album
(Sylva in 2016, Culcha Vulcha in 2017, and
Live at the Royal Albert Hall 2021).
Snarky Puppy tours constantly,
having performed on every continent except Antarctica.
Outside of Snarky Puppy, Lettieri has released
six albums as a leader: Knows (2011), Futurefun (2013),
Spark and Echo (2016, #2 on iTunes Jazz and #11 on
Billboard Jazz) Deep: The Baritone Sessions in
(2019, #21 on Billboard Jazz), Things of That Nature
(2019, #1 on iTunes Jazz), and most recently,
Deep: The Baritone Sessions, Vol. 2 (2021, #2 on iTunes Jazz).
Deep: The Baritone Sessions, Vol. 2 earned a
GRAMMY nomination for Best Contemporary
Instrumental Album for the 64th GRAMMY Awards,
giving Lettieri his first nomination as a solo artist.
Due in large part to Lettieri’s vibrant social media
presence, these records have created a sizable buzz
among fans of instrumental music worldwide,
enabling him to tour internationally with his quartet,
the Mark Lettieri Group.
In 2018, Lettieri joined up with Vulpeck-produced group
The Fearless Flyers, featuring Cory Wong and Joe Dart
of Vulfpeck on guitar and bass respectively, and drummer
Nate Smith (Chris Potter, Pat Metheny). The quartet has four
releases to date: The Fearless Flyers (2018),
The Fearless Flyers II (2019), Tailwinds (2020), and Live
at Madison Square Garden (2021).
As an in-demand session guitarist and touring sideman,
Lettieri has logged miles with neo-soul icon Erykah Badu,
gospel singer Anthony Evans, and American Idol: Season 11
winner Phillip Phillips. He’s also performed with a myriad of
other artists, including Nelly, Anthony Evans, Chrisette Michele,
Myron Butler, N’dambi, Bilal, and even alongside comedians
Dave Chappelle and Harry Shearer.
Session recording work includes artists such as David Crosby,
Kirk Franklin, The Jacksons, Fred Hammond, Tori Kelly,
50 Cent, Ledisi, Tamela Mann, Eric Roberson, Lecrae,
Lupe Fiasco, Keyshia Cole, and Xzibit.
Lettieri recently teamed up with Paul Reed Smith Guitars
to create his signature model electric guitar, the Fiore,
released during Winter NAMM 2021. He serves as a
demonstrator and clinician on behalf of PRS and other endorsing brands
