Mark Erelli

• Folk
• Guitar
• Singer/Songwriter

Mark Erelli is a critically acclaimed American singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his distinctive blend of rock, folk, and Americana. His music is known for its lyrical depth and intricate instrumentation, drawing influence from classic rock icons.

Highlights from Erelli’s career include 13 solo albums; three records with his bluegrass band Barnstar!; sideman stints accompanying Marc Cohn, Paula Cole, and Josh Ritter; and a pair of records he produced for GRAMMY-winning songwriter Lori McKenna.

In the summer of 2020, he faced a profound personal challenge when he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a degenerative eye disease, after a two decade-long career. This diagnosis raised questions about how his diminishing eyesight might affect his songwriting and creative insight. These concerns and his quest for creative expression are central themes in his newest album, Lay Your Darkness Down.

Lay Your Darkness Down follows his 2020 album Blindsided, which received high praise from Rolling Stone Country, Associated Press, NPR, The Boston Globe, and other notable outlets. Folk Alley encourages people to “listen close; there’s sure to be something in there to break your heart a split second before it leads you straight to grace.” Whether he’s wielding a pen or a Telecaster, Mark Erelli’s music welcomes the casual listener, and richly rewards those who choose to dig deeper.