Artist Profile,
Mark Guiliana, The Sound of One Man Drumming
Mark Guiliana, the acclaimed American drummer, composer and educator, is known for his innovative approach and unique contributions to a vast array of musical genres, including jazz, rock and electronic music. Having been named by DownBeat as one of its 25 For the Future as well as tying in first place for the category of Rising Star – Drums in 2016, he has gone on to gain respect in the music community for his wide creativity and technical skill.
Born in 1980, Guiliana grew up in New Jersey before studying at William Paterson University, where he was mentored by drummer John Riley before graduating in 2003 with a degree in Jazz Studies and Performance. Guiliana first gained significant recognition for his work with Avishai Cohen, having appeared on several of the Israeli bassist’s early albums.
Mark has been featured in numerous music magazines and has conducted clinics and masterclasses worldwide, sharing his knowledge and passion for drumming with audiences of thousands of students. Over the past decade, he has toured extensively around the world, performing in 45 countries across 6 different continents. Beyond performing, he is dedicated to education, offering insights into his techniques and musical philosophy through workshops and instructional videos. Mark Guiliana's work continues to inspire drummers and musicians globally, making him a prominent figure in contemporary music.
Released only last week, the new album sees the musician at his most free-spirited and adventurous. It's hard to believe this is Guiliana's first entirely solo recording when his discography thus far has been so iconoclastic, yet it's an ambitious attempt that wipes out all targets in whichever direction he happens to point his sonic pistol and shoot.
Available Formats: Vinyl Record, MP3, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV
Explore some of the finest recordings to feature Mark Guiliana's unmistakeable drum patterns...
2022 saw the culmination of Guiliana's long-running quartet with the release of this deeply expressive and personal recording. Calling on his routine bandmates in the form of pianist Shai Maestro, tenor saxophonist Jason Rigby and bassist Chris Morrissey, the group weave their spell in and out of Mark's peculiar rhythmical tact, making for an impassioned set.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV
Exploring the progressive rock musical influences of Mehldau's youth, this head-scratcher of a recording wasn't the first time these two prolific musicians would join forces (as we shall soon discover). Composed to help find his way through lockdown, Guiliana provides his buddy's esoteric double album with a cavorting jolt.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV
The award-winning jazz & world music vocalist's Brazilian-inspired project showcased her regular drummer – and husband! – in a more delicate light. His shuffling contributions to the track 'Wonderful' are touchingly profound, and there's a brilliantly considered reprise of David Bowie's final release, 'No Plan', on which Guiliana originally appeared.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV
I remember having to elbow my way into the tent when the pair were joined by John Scofield at Love Supreme in 2016; their dreamy setlist, an extension of this brilliant and forward-thinking electronic album. Dazzlingly progressive in scope, its choppy beats and hazy soundscapes remain the stuff of legend.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV
Does anyone else remember when Mark Guiliana sat in with Phronesis? Edition Records certainly do, as their deluxe reissue of this 2010 live album corroborates! Recorded around the time the now-iconic group were reaching the peak of their creative powers, the American drummer briefly replaced Anton Eger for a one-off performance exemplifying the trio's groundbreaking sound.
Available Formats: 2 Vinyl Records, MP3, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV
Some reckon this is where things really started taking off for Guiliana, who rose to match the Israeli bassist's Middle Eastern melodies with his own insightful percussive gifts on more than one occasion. Grab yourself a copy of the remastered vinyl, and discover the launchpad of the influential musician's international acclaim and success.
Available Formats: Vinyl Record, MP3, FLAC/ALAC/WAV
Finally, we head back to where it all began with Guiliana's first group as leader, an 'experimental-garage-jazz' trio. Overflowing with creative juices, Heernt's one-and-only studio appearance saw Mark carry over his percussion duties from typewriter to drumkit and all the way back again! Winning praise from Bill Bruford, it set the tone for the drummer's fertile and elaborate career.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC/ALAC/WAV
Barney Whittaker
