Goldmine Music Collector's Magazine

Mike Greenblatt

 The story of Mark Telesca is proof of the healing power of music. Diagnosed with lymphoma, pummeled with chemotherapy, confined to his home for the better part of a year, he wrote and self-published a book (Love Music Hate Cancer), and then self-produced and self-released Higher Vibrations: Solo Acoustic Blues where he sings his blues with the force of a Mack Truck on a gravel road, finger-picks some absolutely exquisite and complex guitar and thumps that bass on his own wildly creative songs like “The Electric Chair” and “Something Just Ain’t Right” which will absolutely haunt you. He also instills new life into classic material from the dustbin of time like Al Green’s “I’m A Ram,” Robert Johnson’s “Come On In My Kitchen,” Blind Willie Johnson’s “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed And Burning,” Mississippi Fred McDowell’s “Louise” and Leroy Carr’s “How Long Blues.” I could listen to this guy all day.

 

Making A Scene

Rhetta's Reviews

Mark Telesca has a new solo acoustic blues album, Higher Vibrations, out, and it is a smooth-sailing winner. There’s not a note or a vocal second in this album that is not just what it should be. Telesca is obviously enjoying himself and you will too. He has a wonderful ability to connect with his audience. This is a great listen any time, whether alone or with company.

 

Blues Blast Magazine - June 2020

by Marty Gunther

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 

Vivascene

by Randall Parrish

"The combination of Telesca’s vocals and his stylistic acoustic guitar lead really hits home hard. Both undertakings are performed in a fine as wine style that reminds me of the tones evoked by the fingers and vocal chords of Jorma Kaukonen"

 

Professor Johnny P's Juke Joint

"Telesca is known for his acoustic work and he’s one of the guys responsible for giving South Florida a reputation for good blues"


Blues Radio International

Jesse Finkelstein

"With respect for tradition and a dash of creative genius, Mark Telesca plays some of the most compelling acoustic Blues you will hear today”

 

WDNA 88.9FM

Charlie Kaufman

"Mark Telesca's agenda is being met, by just being himself"

 

Making A Scene  

Richard Ludmere 

"Telesca’s clear vocals are impressive but it’s his songwriting that will hook you"

 

MARK TELESCA

 

Mark Telesca is an American songwriter, singer, guitarist, bassist, band leader and author.  

He has started off the New Year of 2020 with a new solo acoustic CD titled “ Higher Vibrations” 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 six 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.

Mark is happy announce that HIGHER VIBRATIONS has been nominated for a 2020 BLUES BLAST AWARD!  ACOUSTIC BLUES ALBUM OF THE YEAR!!

“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. 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 since for almost 3 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 life style changes he has made since his diagnosis and the healing power of music.

You can see Mark perform every Monday night at the Funky Biscuit in Boca Raton, FL where he is the host of their popular pro-jam.

If you would like to catch Mark as a solo artist, or playing with his band or attend one of his speaking engagements please refer to the calendar below.


 


 

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