Mark Lettieri Stories

Notes From The Jazz Underground Gets Too High

This edition ofNotes From The Jazz Undergroundwas culled from the May 13thbroadcast.The set kicks off with Pat Martino doing Stevie Wonder's Too High for Stevie's birthday.The birthday celebrations continued with Airto and Freddie Hubbard/Stanley Turrentine (yes, that's Herbie Hancock on keys) tunes. What were these tracks celebrating? Creed Taylor's birthday -- he...

Snarky Family: The Side Projects and Musical Kinships of Snarky Puppy

From the onset, Snarky Puppy presents as not-your-average-band. It's been described as a collective with a fluid lineup -- surely there are many different looks, all rooted in impeccable chops and a tendency to bend time with their boundary pushing jazz.The concept is magnified with albums like the just released Family Dinner, Volume 2, where...