What a blast it was to talk to Mark Mondesir. I've been a fan for many years and have always loved Mark's playing. In this conversation, we talk about a variety of subjects, including his time working with John McLaughlin, Courtney Pine, Jilian Joseph, and many others. ENJOY!

Mark Mondesir was born in Stepney, London, on 12 December 1964.

Mainly self taught, Mondesir attended various music workshops including Ian Carr's workshops at the Weekend Arts Centre. He began his professional career with Courtney Pine between 1985 and 1989 and recorded with Kevin Eubanks in 1991 & 1993 for the Blue Note label. In the 1990s he accompanied musicians who were visiting the UK; these included Art Farmer, Joanne Brackeen, Cecil Payne, Ronnie Matthews, James Williams, Hermeto Pascoal, Joe Zawinul, McCoy Tyner and John Scofield. Since the mid 90s he continues to play with Pee Wee Ellis... including a brief stint with James Brown’s Bobby Byrd, Fred Wesley & Vicki Anderson early in that period. In the 1990s and early 2000s he was part of bands led by pianist Julian Joseph.

From 2007 - 2010 he toured & recorded with John McLaughlin's Fourth Dimension Band including the Grammy nominated album To The One.

He has also toured with Todd Sharpville with blues legends Joe Louis Walker & Duke Robillard, ex Deep Purple bassist/singer Glenn Hughes & later with Jethro Tull in 2009.