Lettieri, Mark: Deep-The Baritone Sessions VOL 2

Often guitarists release albums that are intriguing to other guitarists, but might not click with the non-musicians. Snarky Puppy guitarist Mark Lettieri proves to be an amazing player and writer, with the focus on the songs. Don’t get me wrong, the playing is incredible, but this is an amazing collection of catchy, ear-worm instrumentals. The opening “Red Dwarf� features some amazing bass playing from Daric Bennett, and “Magnetar� is a funky, grooving track that will have your head bobbing. I have to admit that I am completely captivated with the Baritone guitar sound that is featured throughout. The thick rich tones that emanate from this unique instrument have drawn me in. On top of all this, the tight intricate rotating rhythm sections will astound you. Lettieri inserts clever licks, tight funky rythyms and although these songs are complex, they have a flow, and nothing sounds forced. I guess I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed that funk groove. I will say one thing, I want to hear more of Lettieri’s songs with horns. “Star Catchers� is absolutely my favorite track, and the horn arrangements are killer. He needs to do more of this!!! The amazing Steve Lukather guests on this track, and it is impossible to not get swept up in this one. It still blows my head off with every listen. The ending, wow!! “Blue Straggler� gives off a countryish vibe with the steel guitar of Travis Toy prominently featured. Honestly, there is not a weak track in the bunch, and the CD finishes as strong as it starts. Keith Anderson rips some great saxophone in “Supernova� which has some heavy guitars, and a beautiful guitar melody closes the disc in “Sublight�.

I feel lucky to have recently seen the Mark Lettieri Group live, and they blew me away. As I scooped up a few discs from the Merch table, I now wish I had bought them all. It’s an amazing feeling finding an artist whose music you connect with, and I will be spending a lot of time diving into Lettieri’s catalog.

Track List:
1. Red Dwarf
2. Magnetar
3. Pulsar
4. Tidal Tail
5. Voyager One
6. Star Catchers
7. Blue Straggler
8. Nebulae
9. Supernova
10. Sublight

Added: May 15th 2023
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Artists @ Bandcamp
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Language: english

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