Mark Merella was born in Washington, D.C. in 1964. He's been involved in music for over 25 years playing styles ranging from Rhythm & Blues, Jazz, Afro-Cuban and the avant-garde. His versatility on both drum set and percussion have made him an in demand player for live, studio and educational settings. His music studies began at the age of 10 with Bob Mason of the U.S. Army Blues, learning snare drum technique and drum set rhythms. He began his professional career while still in high school playing summers at Wildworld theme park. He attended Musicians Institute in Los Angeles (studying with Joe Porcaro and Ralph Humphrey) and graduated in 1983. While in L.A. Mark also began studying hand percussion with Jose "Papo" Rodriguez and Efrain Toro.

Since returning to the East Coast Mark has worked with a variety of artists in the jazz and Latin fields including saxophonists Fred Foss, Rene McLean and Al Williams, vocalists Imani and Eva Cassidy, trumpeter Tommy Williams and percussionist Steve Berrios co-founder of the Fort Apache Band. Mark has also worked with the groups Rumba Club, Mambo Combo, Ala Carte Brass & Percussion and the Windmill Saxophone Quartet. As part of Havana Select he played for Celia Cruz's induction into the Smithsonian and 1997's Black Music Conference in Chicago. On the R&B circuit Mark has worked with The Flamingos, Bo Diddley and Mary Wilson of The Supremes. As a freelance musician Mark has played at many embassies, the White House and the Kennedy Center. Mark was also commissioned by the American Composers Forum to compose a piece for Jane Franklin Dance, which premiered March 1st, 2003. A highlight of Mark's career was playing with the Latin Jazz All Stars alongside Steve Turre, Ray Vega and Andy Gonzalez.

Mark's drumming influences include: Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Jack DeJohnette, Al Foster, Victor Lewis, Lenny White, Jon Christensen, Han Bennink, "Famoudou" Don Moye, Steve Berrios, Carlos "Patato" Valdes, Milton Cardona, Trilok Gurtu, Zakir Hussain, Clyde Stubblefield, Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, Bill Bruford, John Bonham and many others.

Other music influences are: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Ornette Coleman, Charles Mingus, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Peter Gabriel, Stevie Wonder, Los Munequitos de Mantanzas, Keith Jarrett, Tom Waits, Karlheinz Stockhausen, John Cage, Edgard Varese, Iannis Xenakis, William Parker, Dave Douglas and the current wave of free jazz.

Currently Mark co-leads the group Mantra, performs with The D.C. Improvisers Collective, teaches and freelances throughout the Washington/Baltimore area.

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