Mark Guiliana
Jazz · US · Active since 1980

Mark Guiliana

Hyper-precise drumming that bridges the gap between acoustic jazz and glitchy electronic production. Rhythmic, cerebral, and deeply immersive music for deep focus.

Browse Catalog
Intro

Mark Guiliana sounds like a human being who has successfully internalized the logic of a computer. His music exists in the fascinating friction between the warmth of a live jazz quartet and the cold, surgical precision of IDM and breakbeat. Whether he is leading his 'Beat Music' project or playing in a traditional acoustic setting, there is a distinct sense of rhythmic architecture at play, where every snare hit and hi-hat tick feels intentional and structural.

What makes him truly distinctive is his 'human drum machine' approach. He mimics the stutters, loops, and digital artifacts of electronic music on a physical drum kit, creating a sound that is both organic and futuristic. It is jazz for people who grew up on Squarepusher and Aphex Twin, but it never loses the improvisational soul and harmonic depth of the New York jazz scene. The textures are often crystalline and sharp, favoring clarity over murk.

To understand his range, start with 'Beat Music! Beat Music! Beat Music!' for a masterclass in electronic-influenced groove, then pivot to 'the sound of listening' for a more contemplative, acoustic-leaning experience. He is the bridge between the conservatory and the club, making music that rewards both analytical listening and pure rhythmic immersion.

Mark Guiliana (born September 2, 1980) is an American drummer, composer and leader of the band Beat Music. He has played with Avishai Cohen, Brad Mehldau, David Bowie, Meshell Ndegeocello, Gretchen Parlato, Jason Lindner, Lionel Loueke, Dhafer Youssef, Tigran Hamasyan, Matisyahu, St. Vincent, the European piano trio Phronesis and his own groups, Heernt and the Mark Guiliana Jazz Quartet.
From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA →
Our Catalog9 Albums · 2013 · 2025
Known ForWeighted across the artist's discography. Tap a trait for examples.
Adjacent Artists
JF
James Francies

Shares post-bop, restless, jazz fusion, digital clarity (subgenre)

IO
Immortal Onion

Shares nu jazz, restless, jazz fusion, digital clarity (signature)

Phronesis
Phronesis

Shares post-bop, nu jazz, jazz fusion, upright bass (subgenre)

Donny McCaslin
Donny McCaslin

Shares post-bop, avant-garde jazz, jazz fusion, nu jazz (subgenre)

Rudresh Mahanthappa
Rudresh Mahanthappa

Shares post-bop, avant-garde jazz, jazz fusion, nu jazz (subgenre)

Greg Spero
Greg Spero

Shares nu jazz, avant-garde jazz, jazz fusion, upright bass (signature)

Makaya McCraven
Makaya McCraven

Shares drums, nu jazz, avant-garde jazz, jazz fusion (signature)

Julien Lourau
Julien Lourau

Shares nu jazz, avant-garde jazz, restless, jazz fusion (signature)

Steve Coleman
Steve Coleman

Shares post-bop, avant-garde jazz, restless, jazz fusion (subgenre)

Marcus Strickland
Marcus Strickland

Shares post-bop, jazz fusion, nu jazz, upright bass (subgenre)

Cassette uses generative AI to enrich its catalog. How we use AI →