Mark Griffith, born in Chicago and raised in Pompano Beach, Florida, found his love for drumming at an early age. His fascination with rhythm began as a child when, at just five years old, he started mimicking drummers he saw on television. Using a cardboard box and a whisk broom as his makeshift drum set, Mark demonstrated a natural inclination toward music. Recognizing his talent and dedication, his grandmother gifted him a snare drum when he was seven years old, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of his lifelong journey into the world of music.
Throughout his extraordinary 46-year career, Mark performed with an impressive array of world-renowned artists and musicians. This remarkable list includes Victor Wooten, Jaco Pastorius, Stan Getz, The Bee Gees, Jimmy Haslip, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Will Lee, Dizzy Gillespie, Les McCann, Kevin Mahogany, Don Ellis, Cyrus Chestnut, Hiram Bullock, David Clayton Thomas, Richard Bona, and Gerald Veasley. Beyond these musical collaborations, Mark also contributed his talents to performances alongside some of the most iconic celebrities, such as Perry Como, Rich Little, Don Rickles, Phyllis Diller, Bob Newhart, and many others, further highlighting the breadth and versatility of his artistic abilities.
One of Mark’s most notable achievements was his involvement with the Jaco Pastorius Big Band. In 2003, Mark joined the re-formed group to record an album with the Heads Up jazz label. The following year, the album, *Jaco Pastorius Big Band, Word of Mouth Revisited,* was released and went on to achieve critical acclaim, winning the prestigious Jazz Week Record of the Year award for 2004. Building on this success, the band released a second album in 2005, titled *The Word is Out!* The Jaco Pastorius Big Band became a prominent presence in the global jazz scene, performing at renowned festivals such as the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands and the Montreal Jazz Festival in Canada. Their international tours included multiple performances in Japan and numerous appearances at festivals and clubs throughout the United States, solidifying their reputation as a touring powerhouse.
Mark’s contributions to the music industry extend well beyond his work with the Jaco Pastorius Big Band. Over the years, he was involved in three albums for guitarist Randy Bernsen (Zawinul Syndicate) under the MCA Zebra label. His collaborations also included projects with artists like Chance Hayden, Ritchie Conn, and Ray Lyon. Additionally, Mark showcased his versatility by contributing his talents to recordings for radio, television, theater, and Vegas-style shows. This wide range of experiences underscores Mark’s adaptability and skill in navigating diverse musical genres and formats.
In addition to his accomplishments as a drummer, Mark is an accomplished studio engineer. He graduated from the Audio Engineering Technology program at SAE Institute in Miami, FL, where he honed his technical expertise. Over the years, Mark has recorded and engineered numerous projects, working with bands and artists in Florida and Portland, Oregon. In 2008, he served as the chief engineer at Hula Studios in Fort Lauderdale, a role that allowed him to further elevate his craft in audio production.
Today, Mark continues to push creative boundaries in music. Operating out of his studio in his home in Dunedin, Florida, he is focused on his first solo project. With plans to release new original music in the near future, Mark remains a dynamic force in the music industry, blending his passion for performance and production with a dedication to innovation and artistry.
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