Live Fusion Pocket: Wes Stephenson Drives “Lotus” with the Mark Lettieri Group
The Mark Lettieri Group delivered a tight live take on “Lotus” at TivoliVredenburg, with bassist Wes Stephenson laying down a deep foundation. His tone is fat and round, with plenty of body. It sits comfortably under the band while still speaking clearly in the room.
What stands out is his touch. He moves seamlessly between fingerstyle and slap, using each approach to shape the dynamics of the tune. The fingerstyle sections are warm and grounded, locking in with the kick and keeping the groove centered. When he shifts to slap, it adds lift and energy without turning the tune into a technique showcase. It serves the music.
“Lotus” leans into modern fusion vocabulary, but the pocket remains the priority.
No Treble CEO Jody Miller is a Chicago-based bassist, guitarist, engineer, and producer best known for his bass gear demo videos and as the co-host of The Bass Nerds podcast.
