"Lots of regular life lessons that we should all adhere to be kind, don’t speak badly of others, and one of the most important lessons that I’ve learned is this: there is really more good in the world than bad."

Mark Telesca: Love Music-Hate Cancer

Mark Telesca is an American songwriter, singer, guitarist, bassist, band leader and author. One of the brightest lights on the South Florida music scene, Mark Telesca celebrates his victory over cancer with this stellar collection of acoustic blues  with his acoustic CD titled “Higher Vibrations” (2020) released along with a new book titled “Love Music-Hate Cancer”. “Higher Vibrations” is a collection of 16 songs. Nine original songs composed by Mark. The remaining seven songs are a mix of Pre-WWII blues and spirituals. His finger style guitar playing and storytelling lyrics combined with his powerful vocal seems to be the perfect combination for making a strong connection with his listeners. "Love Music Hate Cancer" is his second self-published book. In March 2017, Mark was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and underwent surgery and a series of chemotherapy treatments.                                   (Photo: Mark Telesca)

He was confined to his home for the better part of that year. During this time he focused on composing music and writing his book. He has been in remission for over 4 years now and doing well! These days Mark is gigging almost every night promoting his music and book. He is also booking speaking gigs in colleges, libraries, hospitals and city centers. He is speaking about the lifestyle changes he has made since his diagnosis and the healing power of music. Mark Telesca is an expressive bassist, a talented composer and vocalist with a strong voice. Mark working his new album.

Interview by Michael Limnios                  Mark Telesca, 2012 interview @ blues.gr

How has the Blues and Rock Music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

Rock and blues music has influenced my life tremendously. First, I grow up, listening to rock ‘n’ roll on the radio like a lot of people from my generation, we all listen to the same bands we all bought the same records we all went to the same concerts. It brought us all together. I later then discovered the blues. Getting a good grip on where this music came from really made me feel more connected. I have dedicated my life to playing music, particularly rock and blues music. It defines me.

What do you think is key to a music life well lived? What moment changed your music life the most?

I think the key to living a musical life well lived is this. In one word it’s education. It could be becoming an educated musician, and knowing how harmony works or it could be education in the culture in which a particular music came from I think when you educate yourself about some thing and you have a deeper understanding of it that’s the type of stuff that makes a musical life well lived.

Where does your creative drive come from? What's the balance in music between technique and soul/emotions?

My creative drive comes from experiences that I’ve had like everyone we all experience emotions and we all need an outlet. My outlet is creating music whether it’s writing songs or just keeping a great bass  groove in the band. And it’s all wonderful because Music keeps you living in the moment not the past not the future but in the present, that’s what drives me and that’s what drives my soul and emotion living in the present.

"I think the key to living a musical life well lived is this. In one word it’s education. It could be becoming an educated musician, and knowing how harmony works or it could be education in the culture in which a particular music came from I think when you educate yourself about some thing and you have a deeper understanding of it that’s the type of stuff that makes a musical life well lived." (Photo: Mark Telesca)

Why do you think that the Blues music continues to generate such a devoted following in Florida?

I think that the blues music continues to generate a devoted following in Florida, because there are a lot of people who grew up with rock, music and blues music who retired here. Plain and simple people love the blues when it’s done correctly and they were great venues down here to support it, and there are some great festivals and blues cruises come and go come and go out of Florida. I guess we’re just lucky that we live here.

What has been the hardest obstacle for you to overcome as a person and as artist and has this helped you become a better blues musician?

Lately, the hardest obstacle, I’ve had to overcome has been health issues. As an artist, I get inspiration from other folks that I play with. These big jams on all these festivals and everything like that it’s a wealth of knowledge that everyone brings to one area, and they inspire me to maybe change or do something that I’m doing currently better.

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications?  How do you want the music to affect people?

Music has always impacted, society. Music has messages in it or at least most of the music I listen to and perform it affects many people in many different ways. Music tells the story of hope sometimes sometimes it’s all blues. Sometimes it’s about living in the past no matter what song you’re listening to, there is Message in there for everyone.

John Coltrane said "My music is the spiritual expression of what I am...". How do you understand the spirit, music, and the meaning of life?

Well, I’m not sure about the meaning of life thing! But I do know this music is a spear jewel expression of what I am. Music is who I am it’s not just something that I do.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Lots of regular life lessons that we should all adhere to be kind, don’t speak badly of others, and one of the most important lessons that I’ve learned is this: there is really more good in the world than bad.

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(Mark Telesca / Photo by Chris Schmitt)