Mark Lettieri - Spark And Echo (2016)

"Though Mark Lettieri’s third solo album may be a collection of independent vignettes, as a unit they cohere more than ever. United more by feel than concept, they provide ten snapshots of how far their composer has come as an artist. “I wanted to make a statement, and in that respect it’s almost my first record,” says Lettieri of the sessions. “I’m happy with everything I’ve done prior, but I think I’m finally getting it all together.” Listening to the tightness of his band, members of which he drew from the Dallas-Fort Worth funk belt of which he has become an important fixture, it’s easy to agree. The core trio consists of Lettieri, bassist Wes Stephenson, and drummer Jason Thomas. To this nexus he invites guest satellites Shaun Martin (Rhodes, synths, piano), Milo Deering (pedal steel guitar and fiddle), and Bobby Sparks (synths)."