Mark Lettieri
Deep: The Baritone Sessions Vol 2 Delta Music
Funky grooves on the low-down
Mark Lettieri is not only a primary guitarist in groove bands Snarky Puppy and The Fearless Flyers, but he’s also a new endorsee of PRS guitars – his signature Fiore is quite something – and a solo artist, too. One aspect of Mark’s funky style is his exploration of the baritone guitar, set clean or crunchy and droptuned to B – he brings a fresh perspective to an instrument that has achieved more of a niche status among his peers. The nine instrumental tracks will satisfy funk and groove fans, drawing on a well of 70s and 80s funk/soul/pop inspirations (Prince, Jeff Beck and Steve Wonder influences shine through), and show that Mark knows how to be both muso and infectiously mainstream. Mark plays a mean rock solo on Pulsar, while Steve Lukather guests on Star Catchers, a head-bobbing 12/8 groover with big horns, tight groove guitars and some tasty rock licks. Recommended!
Standout track: Pulsar
For fans of: Snarky Puppy, The Fearless Flyers