"I sure do hope that there would be a greater appreciation for the blues. Especially amongst young people. I fear that this may not be the case."

Mark Telesca: Feels good, Doing Right

Mark Telesca is an American Songwriter / Singer and Bassist. Originally from New York City, Mark came to Florida to study music at Florida Atlantic University and currently resides in West Palm Beach, FL. Proficient in many styles of music including Blues, Jazz and Rock. Mark has held the bass chair in over a dozen Broadway and off Broadway musicals and he has shared the stage with some very well known names in the rock and  blues industry. His expressive style of bass playing and powerful lead vocal is capturing the attention of music lovers everywhere.                     (Photo © by Jeff McDonald)

"These days I would describe my band as BLUES/ROCK with the emphasis on blues. The songbook we use is a mixture of Delta blues, Chicago blues, and of course Original Blues Music." 

In 2011 he and his former band Blues Dragon were winners of the South Florida International Blues Challenge and went on to the semi-finals in Memphis, TN. In 2009 Mark wrote the song that won the Blewzzy Award for “Song of the Year” and “Living on Death Row” which he recorded with Blues Dragon.

Interview by Michael Limnios

How would you describe the band’s sound and songbook?

These days I would describe my band as BLUES/ROCK with the emphasis on blues. The song book we use is a mixture of Delta blues, Chicago blues, and of course Original Blues Music.

What characterizes Marks music philosophy?

If it feels good... You’re doing it right!

What meetings have been the most important experiences for you? Best advice ever given you?

So many people I have had positive experiences with it Would really Be impossible for me to pin point just one.   

If it feels good. You’re doing it right!!! Hey ... I think I heard that somewhere before.

Any memories from gigs, jams or opening acts that you would like to share with us?

Every gig is a blessing. I do host a Monday Night Jam at a Popular Blues Club in Florida. Every now and then we have some very special guests coming in. I do get to play with many great musicians who are touring.

"The thing that connects all blues, regardless of where it has originated is the feeling one gets when hear the music. Or perhaps they can related to the story behind the music." (Photo: Mark & Diunna Greenleaf, American Folk Festival, August 2014 © by Whittling Fog Photography)

What do you miss nowadays from blues of the past?

I miss the fact that is not in the public eye these days. However, It seems to be changing.

What are your hopes and fears for the future?

I sure do hope that there would be a greater appreciation for the blues. Especially amongst young people. I fear that this may not be the case.

If you could change one thing in the musical world, and it could become reality, what would it be?

I would like to get it on public radio. Instead of it being some kind Sunday Night Specialty Radio Show... Like “The Blues Hour”.    

What are the lines that connect the legacy of the blues from the South and Chicago to New York City and Florida?

The thing that connects all blues, regardless of where it has originated is the feeling one gets when hear the music. Or perhaps they can related to the story behind the music.

What has made you laugh lately?

A good Joke.

Let’s take a trip with a time machine: Where and why would you really want to go for a whole day?

Probably Chicago in the late 50’s early 60’s… All the blues music from that era really did for me. It was a mixed bag of the old delta that all the guys brought with them from the south and all the new technology of electric guitars. It’s the old Chess recordings that are my favorites.

Mark Telesca - official website