Mark Lettieri: Groove, Restraint, and the Art of the Pocket

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with guitarist and composer Mark Lettieri for a conversation that lives right at the intersection of groove, discipline, and musical curiosity. Mark has spent years carving out a distinctive voice on the guitar—whether through his solo work, his baritone guitar explorations, or his playing with Snarky Puppy and Fearless Flyers—and this conversation is a window into how that voice developed.

We talk about what has been a particularly full year for Mark: touring internationally, playing iconic rooms like the Blue Note, and balancing the demands of the road with the rare gift of time at home. For Mark, staying active isn’t just part of the job—it’s a creative engine. The more he plays, the more ideas emerge.

One of my favorite parts of our conversation centers on restraint—the idea that what you don’t play can matter just as much as what you do. Mark reflects on the records he grew up listening to, where the entire band worked together to shape a moment, and how those lessons show up when he’s on stage or in the studio with world-class musicians.

We also get into the nuts and bolts of being a working musician today: communication in the studio, professionalism on the gig, showing up prepared, and reading the room. Along the way, Mark shares stories about his early career in advertising and PR, a surprising David Crosby connection that introduced him to open tunings straight from the source, and what’s ahead—including a fascinating upcoming project with sitarist Purbhayan Chatterjee, new baritone-driven material, and the continuing musical adventures that connect his solo work, Snarky Puppy, and Fearless Flyers.

Key Takeaways

• Restraint is musical power — sometimes the most impactful choice is knowing when not to play.
• Groove starts with listening — the pocket comes from how musicians respond to one another in real time.
• Professionalism matters — showing up early, prepared, and ready to collaborate keeps you in demand.
• Baritone guitar as a voice — Mark has helped expand the instrument’s role beyond heavy music into funk and groove-based contexts.
• Creative momentum comes from staying active — touring, writing, and performing feed the creative cycle.
• Musical identity evolves — Mark’s journey reflects influences from rock, funk, jazz, and beyond.
• Collaboration drives discovery — projects like his upcoming work with sitarist Purbhayan Chatterjee push his sound into new territory.

Music from the Episode

• Magnetar (Mark Lettieri - feat. Adam Deitch & Shaun Martin)
• Gigantactis (Mark Lettieri Group with the WDR Big Band)
• Voyager One (Mark Lettieri - feat. Nate Smith & Bobby Sparks II)
• Blue Straggler (Mark Lettieri - feat. Travis Toy) 

About the Podcast

The Bandwich Tapes is a podcast hosted by Brad Williams featuring conversations with musicians, composers, producers, and creative thinkers about their musical journeys. Each episode explores the stories, influences, and moments that shape a life in music—one conversation at a time.

Connect with the Show

Email: contact@thebandwichtapes.com