Mark Lettieri meets the WDR Big Band—fusion, funk, and jazz-rock in full orchestral force. The multiple award-winning guitarist Mark Lettieri, known as the virtuosic sonic architect of the Grammy-winning band Snarky Puppy and the creative force behind his own Mark Lettieri Group, presents a new album that sets a high standard: an electrifying collaboration with the renowned WDR Big Band.
Born in the San Francisco Bay Area and a graduate of Texas Christian University (Advertising & PR), Lettieri has been a key guitarist, arranger, and composer for the Grammy-winning Snarky Puppy since 2008 and is also a member of the funk ensemble The Fearless Flyers. Alongside his group work, he has pursued a successful solo career, including the recently Grammy-nominated Deep: The Baritone Sessions Vol. 2. In an explosive blend of fusion, funk, and jazz-rock, Lettieri’s compositions are presented in a new orchestral setting—full of energy, groove, and musical depth. The arrangements come from none other than Michael Abene, whose keen sense of tonal color and dynamics elevates the interplay between the big band and the guitar virtuoso to a new level. With tracks like “Star Catchers,” “Tital Tail,” “Naptime,” “Goonsquad,” and “Seuss Pants,” the album showcases how modern big band music can sound—full of groove, attitude, rhythmic complexity, and infectious energy. Alongside Mark Lettieri and his bandmates Daniel Porter (keyboards), Wes Stephenson (bass), and Jason “JT” Thomas (drums), the soloists of the WDR Big Band shine with inspired improvisations and technical brilliance. The result is a thrilling, musically rich album that will captivate devoted Lettieri fans, as well as lovers of jazz, funk, fusion, and big band music alike. The listening experience is further enhanced by a Dolby Atmos release, bringing the powerful sound to life in full spatial immersion. An album that breaks boundaries—a must for anyone who loves music that grooves, surprises, and electrifies.
