EP Review: Mark Lettieri – Futurefun

Mark Lettieri - guitars, Robert Searight - drums, Jason Thomas - drums and percussion, TaRon Lockett – percussion, Braylon Lacy - bass, Wes Stephenson - bass, Jeff Plant - bass, Caleb Campbell - piano, Wurlitzer, and keyboards and RC Williams – Rhodes

(Review by Steve H).

Mark Lettieri is a Texan based guitarist who sites Jimi Hendrix, Joe Satriani and John Schofield as major influences. This short album comprising of 5 tracks sandwiched between an Intro and Outro thankfully lasts no more than half an hour. It seems to be a fusion between 70’s rock and funk with only a cursory assignation to contemporary jazz. 

Not surprisingly, it is dominated by Texan Lettieri’s  super rocky guitar playing. The first 2 tracks Catboy and Futurefun are loud brash funk/rock numbers with lashings of heavy bass. Extraspecial is less heavy and could almost be described as easy listening. Stinger begins in mellow fashion with shades of early Led Zeppelin before morphing into a heavier rock anthem. Finally, Slugbug a more funkier number completes the quintet of the major tunes on this album.

This album bears as much resemblance to Jazz as a pint of Fosters does to a pint of Wylam Gold Tankard.  Most drinkers prefer the cold fizzy lager but personally, I am a real ale man. 

Mark Lettieri – Futurefun is available now -Website.

Steve H.