Quick Facts
Biography
Mark Mondesir (born December 12, 1964) is one of the most prominent jazz drummers in Europe. He is "undoubtedly one of the finest drummers the UK has ever produced, and has gained the respect and admiration of musicians the world over. A unique talent, he combines technical velocity, complexity and dexterity with an awesome inventiveness and imaginative dynamism, all grounded in an instinctive feel for groove. He has known and worked with Julian for over twenty years, and has made an inspiring and essential contribution to all his projects, bringing a musical integrity and diversity that is, quite simply, humbling. He is comfortable in any genre, from jazz to rock to funk to fusion and has collaborated with a range of international artists."He was featured on the front cover of Rhythm Magazine, April 1997, with the caption "The Greatest Drummer In The World?". His brother Michael Mondesir is a prominent bass guitarist.
Early life
Mondesir grew up in East London. He started playing drums his school at the age of 12 and winning a mini coordination test. Almost entirely self-taught, the British musician began his career in earnest in 1984 as part of fusion pioneer Ian Carr’s London-based Weekend Arts Center workshops.
Career
He has worked closely and recorded with numerous world class musicians including Courtney Pine, Julian Joseph, Kevin Eubanks, Jeff Beck, Zakir Hussein, Pee Wee Ellis, Van Morrison, McCoy Tyner, Joe Zawinul and John Scofield.
Mark is sponsored by Yamaha.
Discography
- 2012 Back in the Day NDR Bigband Drums
- 2011 Abstract Logix Live: The New Universe Music Festival 2010 Drums
- 2010 To the One John McLaughlin Drums, Percussion
- 2009 Live @ Belgrade John McLaughlin Drums
- 2008 Discover: Jean-Michel Pilc Jean-Michel Pilc Drums, Main Personnel
- 2008 French Piano Masters Live Jean-Michel Pilc Drums
- 2007 New Dreams Jean-Michel Pilc Drums
- 2006 Industrial Zen John McLaughlin Drums
- 2005 Live at Iridium, New York Jean-Michel Pilc Drums, Main Personnel
- 2004 Nonsequence Mike Gibbs Drums
- 2004 Woman's World [EMI] Drums
- 2003 Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues: Red, White & Blues Drums
- 1999 Fire Within Don Braden Drums
- 1999 See You There Vaughan Hawthorne-Nelson Drums
- 1997 The Rough and the Smooth Outside Drums
- 1996 Life I Want Jean Toussaint Drums
- 1995 The Promise John McLaughlin Drums, Featured Artist
- 1994 Reality Julian Joseph Drums
- 1993 Silvershine Andy Hamilton & The Blue Notes Drums
- 1993 Spirit Talk Kevin Eubanks Drums
- 1992 Enja 20th Anniversary Sampler Unknown Contributor Role
- 1992 To the Eyes of Creation Courtney Pine Drums
- 1992 Turning Point Kevin Eubanks Drums
- 1991 Beyond the Groove: Contemporary Jazz on The Move Drums
- 1991 Hot Stuff Barbara Dennerlein Drums, Guest Artist
- 1990 The Vision's Tale Courtney Pine Key Grip, Unknown Contributor Role
- 1988 Destiny's Song Courtney Pine Drums
- 1986 Journey to the Urge Within Courtney Pine Drums