BIX TOP ACT: Mark Lettieri

Mark Lettieri is a guitarist, composer, producer and educator from Fort Worth, TX. He is proficient in a variety of styles and records virtually every genre of pop music with independent and major label artists. He also composes and produces original instrumental music under his own name.

Lettieri was born in the San Francisco Bay Area and came to Texas by way of Texas Christian University (TCU) where he studied advertising and public relations and competed in track and field. An avid guitarist since middle school, he began his music career in the Dallas/Fort Worth area after graduating from TCU.

Through his involvement in the vibrant Metroplex gospel and R&B scene, Lettieri joined the jazz/world group Snarky Puppy in 2008, where he contributes as a guitarist, arranger and composer. His work with the group has led to three GRAMMY Awards and regular tours, performing on every continent except Antarctica.

Outside of Snarky Puppy, Lettieri has released five 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). (2019, #21 on Billboard Jazz) and most recently Things of That Nature (2019, #1 on iTunes Jazz).

Lettieri has logged miles with neo-soul icon Erykah Badu, gospel singer Anthony Evans and American Idol season 11 winner Phillip Phillips. He has also performed with countless other artists, including Nelly, Anthony Evans, Chrisette Michele, Myron Butler, N'dambi, Bilal and even comedians Dave Chappelle and Harry Shearer.

Recent recordings include David Crosby, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Adam Levine, Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Tori Kelly, Ledisi, Tamela Mann, Eric Roberson, Lecrae, Lupe Fiasco, Keyshia Cole, Xzibit, as well as numerous radio stations and television jingles. Lettieri is also a member of SKP, a production collective led by GRAMMY award-winning producer Symbolyc One (Kanye West, Beyoncé).

He can also be seen on television, in the house band of The Marcus & Joni Show, a Christian morning talk/variety show that airs in over 200 countries on the Daystar Television Network.

Finally, Lettieri serves as a clinician and equipment demonstrator, often on behalf of companies he endorses, namely J. Rockett Audio Designs, Supro, Grosh, Collings, Paul Reed Smith, Jim Dunlop and TC Electronic.

Lineup: Mark Lettieri (git); Wes Stephenson (b); Daniel Porter (keys); JT Thomas (dr)