The Mark Lettieri Group
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.