Tucson Musician Spotlight: Mark Ryan

The Tucson music community is filled with musicians who bring not only talent to the stage, but also heart, history, and a deep connection to the people around them. Mark Ryan, bass player for Legion of Mario, is one of those musicians.

With roots stretching back to college touring bands and later projects like The Clam Tostada, Mark’s musical journey has evolved through decades of live performance, collaboration, and personal growth. Along the way, he found a home in Tucson’s vibrant music scene and eventually became part of Legion of Mario, a band known for blending Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia influences with jazz, blues, Motown, and extended improvisational jams that create a unique live experience.

In this interview, Mark reflects on discovering the bass, performing at Skull and Roses, the importance of community, and why music continues to inspire and heal. He also shares thoughtful insight into the connections between music, nonprofit work, and building meaningful experiences that bring people together.

How did you first decide to play bass, and what was it about that instrument that clicked for you?

As cliche as it sounds, I played guitar and traveling with some friends in college to see some Grateful Dead shows when we decided to start a band. They played guitar together in high school, lent me a Gibson SG bass, and I became the bass player. It wasn’t until my good friend and drummer, Eric Zimmerman, joined the band that things started to really click. The crowd was enthusiastic and we had a blast…maybe too much so.

Have you played in other bands before Legion of Mario? If so, what were those experiences like and how have they shaped your approach to music today?

He introduced me to a lot of music I wasn’t very familiar with, like John Prine,  Leonard Cohen, and Townes Van Zandt. You know, masterful singer/songwriter types and I still think Mark Febbo is one of the best songwriters in Tucson.

The shift for me was to attempt to move from the note-filled melodic parts I was used to playing to a simple 1/5 approach on bass. That was met with moderate success. However, I still recognize the importance of laying back, staying in the pocket and playing less as it supports the song. This seems to be an ongoing journey and can sometimes be challenging in Legion of Mario with no rhythm guitar player.

How did you first get involved with Legion of Mario, and what drew you to the band?

Simply put, I was invited by Andy Briefer. I went to the Hut to see Woke Up Dead, which consisted of David Harris, Hugh McCrystal, Mario on bass and Andy on drums. Andy pulled me aside at the set break and introduced me to Mario. He was enthusiastic about starting a JGB band with Mario on guitar and asked if I was interested in playing bass. In that introduction, Mario and I realized we had met before under different circumstances. It was either a fate-driven, destiny fulfilling moment manifested by the ship of the sun or just coincidental. So much time had passed since I was in a band that embraced the music of the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia, it was an exciting proposal and I jumped at the opportunity.

One thing led to another and we started getting together at a building Andy owned that was formerly a psych ward and that was the genesis of Legion of Mario. We played as a trio for a while and before too long Mario asked Doc Holladay to come by with his organ.

Legion of Mario has a unique energy—how would you describe your style or vibe as a band to someone who hasn’t seen you perform yet?

It’s hard to put this into words. I feel like we have a good vibe and really think it’s up to the audience to decide. Oftentimes people that haven’t seen us perform immediately put us in the Grateful Dead band category. Kind of like “oh, you’re one of those bands!” But I think we are quite different. Sure, we can play Dead tunes and Mario can emulate Garcia’s tone. But if you listen closely there is more going on and that’s what keeps it interesting. You might hear Jeff Beck, or Hendrix, or something jazz-driven coming through in the midst of an extended jam built on the foundation of a JGB tune. When I explain our style to folks that haven’t seen us perform, I explain the era when Garcia was taking on side projects with Merle Saunders in 1972, playing jazz, blues and motown (Smokey Robinson, The Marvelettes)… under the name of Legion of Mary while Bill Vitt was in the band. These early days led to the more well known Jerry Garcia Band, playing Dylan tunes, the Rolling Stones and so many other great songs.

So when new people throw us into the Grateful Dead box, I usually say that we play tunes you’ve heard. Motown tunes like Second that Emotion and Dylan tunes…with a really long guitar solo.

As the bass player, how would you describe your role in shaping the band’s overall sound?

I usually try to lay a foundation for others to build upon. Once drums, percussion and bass lock into a groove, Mario and Stevie(on keys) can feel it and I think it gives them room to be more creative, build on the melody and interact musically. With the foundation established, it all comes down to listening. Finding the elusive groove is magical, but within the groove there is an awareness on stage between musicians, an interplay of voicing that elevates the jam to new heights of unchartered territory. I just try to find my place and voice within the song.

How has being part of the Tucson music community impacted you personally or professionally?

With the support of my lovely and beautiful wife I have been able to focus my energy on making music and it has helped me through some trying times. It can take its toll and requires many hours of rehearsing and gigging. Without a supporting partner, it would be difficult. In addition, the brotherhood within the band can not be overstated.

I have grown as a musician, continue to work on my craft and feel like there is always room to improve. 

What’s one memorable moment you’ve had while performing with Legion of Mario?

Performing at Skull and Roses in 2022. Never in my life did I think I would play on the same ticket as Oteil and Phil Lesh! We opened the festival as the crowd was shuffling in and by the time we ended with Ride Mighty High the crowd was cheering and dancing. As we were ending the song in a climax of final notes the rotating stage started to turn and we all just raised our arms in gratitude. It was an incredible experience. You can see it here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2li9JPHWts

You have a strong background in nonprofit and community work—do you see any connection between that and being part of a local band?

What keeps you inspired to continue playing and creating music?

Music can be healing. Music can promote peace. Music is a universal language we all understand.

I will continue to play music for myself and for others as long as I am able. The inspiration will always be there for me, and when it is shared with others it is even better.

Life can be difficult and life can be joyous. In those times of strife or times of celebration there is usually a soundtrack. A song you associate with the experience, a melody from our youth, a memory that becomes embedded and imprinted on our soul. This is where meaning resides. It is my inspiration and continues to move me brightly.

Thank you to Tucson Local Bands and to all the musicians and audience members.

Music, Community, and Connection

Music has always been about connection, and Mark Ryan’s answers perfectly capture what makes Tucson’s music community so special. From laying down the groove on stage with Legion of Mario to supporting local causes and building lasting friendships through music, Mark’s passion for both people and performance shines through in every response.

His reflections on creativity, community, and the healing power of music are a reminder of why live music matters — not just as entertainment, but as a shared experience that brings people together. Tucson Local Bands would like to thank Mark Ryan for taking the time to share his story, and we encourage readers to check out Legion of Mario live and experience the energy for themselves.