Mark Lettieri

From Groundup Music:

“Multi-award-winning guitarist Mark Lettieri, known as the virtuoso sound architect of the Grammy-winning band Snarky Puppy and creative head of his own Mark Lettieri Group, presents a new album that sets new standards: an electrifying collaboration with the renowned WDR Big Band.

In an explosive mix of fusion, funk, and jazz rock, Lettieri's compositions unfold in a new, orchestral guise – full of energy, groove, and musical depth. The arrangements are by none other than Michael Abene, who, with his feel for timbres and dynamics, takes the interplay between the big band and the guitar virtuoso to a new level.

With tracks such as "Star Catchers," "Tidal Tail," "Naptime," "Goonsquad," and "Seuss Pants," the album impressively demonstrates how modern big band music can sound—full of groove attitude, rhythmic complexity, and infectious enthusiasm. Alongside Mark Lettieri and his band members Daniel Porter (keys), Wes Stephenson (bass), and Jason "JT" Thomas (dr), the soloists from the WDR Big Band shine with inspired improvisations and technical brilliance.

The result is a rousing album bursting with musicality that will delight die-hard Lettieri fans and jazz, funk, and fusion lovers as well as big band fans.The listening experience is rounded off by a release in Dolby Atmos, which allows the powerful sound to be experienced in full spatiality.

An album that breaks boundaries – and a must for anyone who loves music that grooves, surprises, and electrifies.”

Released November 28, 2025

Mark Lettieri Group:

Mark Lettieri - guitar and baritone guitar
Wes Stephenson - electric bass
Daniel Porter - keyboards
Jason ”JT“ Thomas - drums

WDR Big Band:

Billy Test - keyboards
Johan Hörlén - Alto Saxophone Martin Gasser - Alto Saxophone Ben Fitzpatrick - Alto Saxophone Paul Heller - Tenor Saxophone
Jens Neufang - Baritone Saxophone
Wim Both - Trumpet Rob Bruynen - Trumpet Andy Haderer - Trumpet Ruud Breuls - Trumpet
Ludwig Nuß - Trombone
Raphael Klemm - Trombone
Andy Hunter - Trombone
Mattis Cederberg - Bass Trombone

Music by Mark Lettieri
Published by Markus Justininus Music (SESAC)
All music arranged by Michael Abene Conducted by Jörg Achim Keller
Recorded and mixed at WDR Studio 4, Cologne, Germany

Recording & mixing engineer: Walter Platte
Sound technician: Raimund Wunderlich
Mastered by Christian Schmitt
Dolby Atmos Mix by David Schwager (streaming only)
at WDR Studio, Cologne, Germany

Design: Knut Schötteldreier
Production Coordination: Claudia Brede
Produced by Joachim Becker & Christian Schmitt WDR Big Band Manager: Arnd Richter