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Marc Bonilla
Marc Bonilla
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Key Information

Marc Henry Bonilla (born July 3, 1955) is an American guitarist and vocalist who has worked as a sideman to artists such as Keith Emerson, Ronnie Montrose, Glenn Hughes, Edgar Winter, David Coverdale, Asia, and Young MC

Career

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Early years and film work

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Bonilla is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and, along with Joe Satriani, was one of the preeminent rock guitar teachers in the Bay area during the 1980s. Bonilla moved to LA in the early 1990s to work on TV and movie scoring working with James Newton Howard, John Debney, and others, eventually earning an Emmy nomination in 2001. He also lectured at LA's Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT).

In addition, he had cameo roles in the 1997 television series Night Man about a crime-fighting sax player, for which he was the musical director and acted as a performer (with his band) in several episodes under the alias Marc Bonilla and Dragonchoir.

He has done guitars for numerous films such as The Replacements, The Scorpion King, Spider-Man 2, Iron Man 2, Green Lantern, The Bourne Legacy, and composed and performed the music on the hit series, Justified, on FX channel, with keyboardist Steve Porcaro (Toto). He also composed for Comedy Central's The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore.

With Keith Emerson

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Marc played in Keith Emerson's 1995 album Changing States. In 1999, he appeared on the Emerson, Lake & Palmer tribute album Encores, Legends & Paradox released by Magna Carta Records. He then joined the Keith Emerson band in 2006 and played with him until Emerson's passing in 2016.

In 2012, Marc completed an album with Keith Emerson titled The Three Fates Project with the Munich Radio Orchestra, conducted by Terje Mikkelsen. In 2018, he collaborated on a tribute album containing Emerson compositions called Beyond The Stars – Keith Emerson with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, featuring Rachel Flowers and Keith's grandson Ethan Emerson.

Other sideman work

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Bonilla live in concert with California Transit Authority

Although Bonilla appears in the video for Toy Matinee's "The Ballad of Jenny Ledge," he did not actually play guitar on the album. Guitar work for the Toy Matinee LP was done by LA studio guitarist Tim Pierce, though Bonilla replaced him for the touring incarnation of the band along with Sheryl Crow, Spencer Campbell, and Toss Panos. Also in the band, as a de facto bandleader, was the late Kevin Gilbert. Marc worked extensively with Gilbert at the beginning of the 1990s, notably on his debut solo album EE Ticket which Gilbert produced. Before fully forming the Toy Matinee live band, in 1990 Gilbert and Bonilla appeared on different radio stations to promote the project, which is when they established a relationship with KLOS' Mark Thompson and Brian Phelps of The Mark & Brian Show. In December of that year, Gilbert and Bonilla performed at Mark and Brian's annual Christmas Show.

He has also worked with Glenn Hughes on two albums: 1996's Addiction (produced, co-written and performed) and 1999's The Way It Is (also playing keyboards).

In late 2000, he played in David Coverdale's live band.

Bonilla currently plays in California Transit Authority,[3] a project led by former Chicago drummer, founding member and Rock n' Roll Hall of Famer Danny Seraphine, featuring some updates to early Chicago songs as well as new material and has currently completed the follow-up album of all original material.

In April 2017, Bonilla and Eddie Jobson began the "Fallen Angels Tour," a tribute to the music of John Wetton & Keith Emerson. In addition, he tours with Eddie Jobson's UZ Project as singer, guitarist and bassist.

He has also toured with Harry Shearer (aka Derek Smalls from Spinal Tap) playing guitar, bass and mandolin, in his "Smalls Change Tour".

In 2022, Asia announced a 40th Anniversary Tour, with Marc Bonilla on guitar and vocals. However, the tour was subsequently cancelled.[4]

Solo work

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Marc Bonilla has released three solo albums. EE Ticket came out in 1991 on Reprise Records. American Matador followed in 1993 on Warner Records, including covers of "A Whiter Shade of Pale" and "I Am the Walrus" with guest Ronnie Montrose.

Around the time that EE Ticket was released, Yamaha musical instruments produced a prototype left-handed Marc Bonilla model guitar. This guitar was embellished with comic book superheroes, of which Bonilla was very fond.

His third solo release was a guitar instrumental album called Celluloid Debris, released in 2019 and available exclusively through his own website.[5]

Graphic design

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Aside from his work as a musician, Bonilla was also a graphic artist, who did album cover designs for Ronnie Montrose, with his 1986 solo album Territory and with his band Montrose, the 1987 album Mean.

Discography

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Solo

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Glenn Hughes

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Bobby Gaylor

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  • 2000: Fuzzatonic Scream

Kevin Gilbert

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  • 2010: Kevin Gilbert Performs Toy Matinee Live (live May 1, 1991)
  • 2014: Toy Matinee Acoustic (live Nov. 1990 – Apr. 1991)
  • 2021: Covers (tracks 3–5, recorded 1990–91)
  • 2024: Troy Manitee: Men Without Pat – Live At Ventura Theater 1991

Keith Emerson

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  • 2008: Keith Emerson Band Featuring Marc Bonilla
  • 2010: Moscow (live August 26, 2008)
  • 2012: Three Fates Project (with Terje Mikkelsen, Munich Radio Orchestra)

Keith Emerson – Glenn Hughes – Marc Bonilla

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  • 2009: Boys Club Live From California (recorded 1998)

CTA – Danny Seraphine and the California Transit Authority

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Saville Row

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2014: The Way Around It (with Troy Luccketta, Mika Greiner, Travis Davis)

Ronnie Montrose

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  • 2017: 10x10 – Track "Head On Straight"

Soundtracks

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  • 1992: Diggstown (soundtrack)
  • 1994: Terminal Velocity (soundtrack)
  • 1997: Night Man (soundtrack)
  • 2000: The Replacements (soundtrack)
  • 2002: The Scorpion King (soundtrack)
  • 2012: The Bourne Legacy (soundtrack)

The Wring

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  • 2021: The Wring2 – Project Cypher

Guest

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  • 1999: Encores, Legends and Paradox (ELP tribute album)

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Marc Bonilla (born July 3, 1955) is an American guitarist, composer, and vocalist recognized for his albums, session work, and contributions to film and television soundtracks. Based in since 1990, he has built a career as a versatile rock musician, collaborating with prominent artists and earning acclaim for his guitar prowess and compositional skills. Bonilla's early career took root in the before he relocated to , where he joined the band alongside Kevin Gilbert and toured extensively with the group. He released his debut solo album, the record EE Ticket, on in 1991, followed by American Matador in 1993 and Celluloid Debris in 2019, showcasing his signature blend of , fusion, and cinematic influences. As a , Bonilla has performed and recorded with luminaries such as of , of Montrose and Gamma, Glenn Hughes of , Slash of , of Toto, and of Yes, including tours like the 1998 Boys Club project and various Keith Emerson Band endeavors. In addition to his rock credentials, Bonilla has composed and performed music for numerous high-profile projects, including scores for films like (2010) and (2004), and television series such as Justified (2008–2015) and (1990–2000). His television work earned him an Emmy nomination in 2001 for the score to the series . Bonilla has also produced albums for artists including , Danny Seraphine's CTA (Full Circle and Sacred Ground), and Saville Row (The Way Around It, 2014), while collaborating with orchestras like the Munich Radio Orchestra and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields. As of 2023, he divides his time between touring, recording, and teaching guitar, songwriting, and orchestration in .

Early life and career

Childhood and influences

Marc Bonilla was born on July 3, 1955, in , a suburb in the . Growing up in this vibrant musical region during the and , he was immersed in a family environment rich with musical activity, particularly through his father's passion for . Bonilla's parents remained in Walnut Creek into adulthood, providing a stable backdrop to his early years. From a young age, Bonilla displayed a natural affinity for the guitar, often sitting outside his family's music room at around seven or eight years old, captivated by his father's jazz lessons and improvisations. This early exposure sparked his interest, leading him to self-teach by mimicking his father's playing before eventually taking formal lessons once he had surpassed his initial guidance. Bonilla's musical tastes quickly expanded into rock, shaped by iconic figures such as , , and progressive rock pioneers like . The following year, seeing live further ignited his admiration for complex, virtuosic rock arrangements. These encounters, combined with the Bay Area's thriving rock scene, propelled him to hone his skills independently. By his high school years at Del Valle High School in Walnut Creek, graduating in 1973, Bonilla had joined his first band, Rock Island, performing locally and realizing the potential for music as a profession. These early gigs in the Bay Area circuit laid the groundwork for his transition into more structured professional pursuits in the 1980s.

Initial music and film work

In the late 1980s, Marc Bonilla was active in the as a and instructor, building foundational experience through local performances and teaching roles that honed his technical skills before pursuing broader opportunities. Around 1990, he relocated to , where he quickly integrated into the professional music scene by joining the band as lead , contributing to their debut album and subsequent touring efforts alongside multi-instrumentalist Kevin Gilbert. This period marked his transition from regional work to national exposure, with Bonilla performing on stages across the U.S. and participating in radio promotions that elevated the band's profile. Throughout the late and early , Bonilla established himself as a sought-after and producer in , lending his guitar work to established artists such as and , which provided steady income and industry connections while he navigated the competitive studio environment. These roles often involved collaborative recording sessions that emphasized his versatile rock and fusion style, allowing him to contribute to tracks that blended technical prowess with commercial appeal without yet focusing on solo endeavors. Bonilla's entry into film and television composition began in the early , with initial contributions to soundtracks for independent and mid-budget projects that showcased his emerging scoring talents. By 1992, he performed solo guitar and composed additional music for the independent drama American Heart, directed by , which explored themes of redemption and urban struggle. Further early credits included guitar work on the soundtrack for (1992) and (1994), both action-oriented films that highlighted his ability to integrate rock elements into cinematic narratives. These projects laid the groundwork for his expanding presence in Hollywood, often in supportive music department capacities rather than lead roles.

Major collaborations

With Keith Emerson

Marc Bonilla's collaboration with Keith Emerson began in 1995 with the album Changing States, where Bonilla provided guitar contributions and co-wrote several tracks alongside Emerson and Kevin Gilbert. This partnership marked Bonilla's entry into Emerson's progressive rock orbit, building on an earlier acquaintance from 1988 projects produced by Gilbert. Their creative synergy was evident in the album's fusion of Emerson's intricate keyboard arrangements with Bonilla's dynamic guitar lines, blending original compositions with reinterpretations of classical influences. The collaboration evolved into live performances, with Bonilla joining the Band for a European tour in 2006, where they delivered high-energy renditions of classics. Subsequent tours extended to and further European dates, culminating in the 2008 studio release Keith Emerson Band Featuring Marc Bonilla, which Bonilla produced and co-wrote, incorporating fresh material that highlighted their shared progressive sensibilities. Live recordings from these efforts, such as the concert DVD/CD, captured their onstage chemistry during sets that revisited ELP staples. Bonilla's guitar work complemented Emerson's keyboard prowess, creating layered textures in live sets where Bonilla's solos intertwined with Emerson's improvisational flourishes, often reimagining complex pieces like "Bitches Crystal" and "Karn Evil 9." Working with the founder profoundly influenced Bonilla, who absorbed Emerson's perfectionist approach to practice and performance, emphasizing emotional depth over technical showmanship. Personal anecdotes from their time together include a spontaneous jam in that inspired the track "Blue Inferno," and a memorable 2006 Rome gig overshadowed by the finals, where the duo bonded amid the city's soccer fervor. This enduring partnership extended to orchestral projects like the 2012 Three Fates Project, further showcasing their integrated musical vision.

With Glenn Hughes and others

Marc Bonilla collaborated extensively with Glenn Hughes, contributing guitar performances, solos, and co-production to several of the vocalist's solo albums in the 1990s. On Hughes' 1996 album Addiction, Bonilla provided guitar work and co-wrote tracks, including the title song, blending hard rock elements with Hughes' soulful vocals. He further co-produced and co-wrote nine of the ten original songs on Hughes' 1999 release The Way It Is, where his guitar arrangements added dynamic layers to the album's blues-rock sound, and also featured keyboard contributions from Keith Emerson on select tracks. Bonilla's sideman roles extended to other prominent artists, including , with whom he shared a mentorship-turned-collaboration spanning recordings and live performances in the and beyond. Following Montrose's death in 2012, Bonilla contributed guitar to the posthumous 2017 album 10x10, a collection of unfinished Montrose tracks completed by collaborators, capturing the guitarist's signature intensity through Bonilla's slide and lead work. He also performed with Montrose in live settings, such as a 1994 appearance on the track "Starliner," honoring their shared California rock roots. In the 2010s, Bonilla joined Danny Seraphine's California Transit Authority (CTA), serving as guitarist and vocalist on tours and recordings that revisited 's classic hits. His tenure with CTA included the "Take Me Back to " tour dates, where he channeled the band's horn-driven rock energy alongside Seraphine on drums and other alumni like bassist . Bonilla's performances emphasized rhythmic precision and lead solos reminiscent of original guitarist . Bonilla participated in the short-lived supergroup project Boys Club, alongside and Glenn Hughes, which resulted in a 1998 live recording released as Boys Club: Live from California in 2009. The ensemble delivered high-energy sets blending Emerson's progressive keyboard flourishes, Hughes' powerful vocals, and Bonilla's guitar-driven arrangements on covers like "" and originals such as "," showcasing their collective rock prowess during California club shows. He also shared stages with in tribute contexts, including the 2016 Official Keith Emerson Tribute Concert, where Bonilla's guitar duets with the Toto axeman highlighted Emerson's legacy through ELP classics like "Lucky Man." In 2022, Bonilla was announced as lead guitarist and vocalist for Asia's planned 40th anniversary tour alongside original members , , and bassist . However, due to lineup changes stemming from logistical challenges, Bonilla did not participate, and the tour took place in 2023–2024 with a different configuration featuring John Mitchell on guitar and vocals.

Solo career

Early solo albums

Marc Bonilla's debut solo album, EE Ticket, was released in June 1991 through , showcasing a collection of tracks characterized by high-energy fusion influences and technical guitar prowess. Produced by Kevin Gilbert, the album was recorded primarily in informal settings like Gilbert's living room in Sherman Oaks, California, and Johnny Yuma Recording Studios in Burbank, emphasizing Bonilla's raw, modern style with conceptual snippets tying the songs together. Guest musicians included on piano for "White Noise," on slide guitar for "Razorback," and contributions from Gilbert himself on keyboards, organ, and programming across multiple tracks, adding layers of texture. The follow-up album, American Matador, arrived in 1993, also on , marking a stylistic with shifts toward harder rock edges and fusion experimentation, incorporating several vocal tracks alongside instrumentals for a more personal and mature sound. Bonilla handled production duties himself, co-credited with Michael Scott in some accounts, and recorded at various studios including and , resulting in enhanced arrangements and dynamic guitar work that balanced aggression with melody. Notable guests featured Glenn Hughes providing vocals on "," a cover that highlighted Bonilla's interpretive range, alongside returning collaborator on for the title track, on organ, and on keyboards and orchestration for the opener. Critically, EE Ticket positioned Bonilla as a promising "modern " through its tuneful and varied instrumental excursions, while American Matador received praise for its growth in song quality and stylistic substance, reflecting Bonilla's maturation as a solo artist. Commercially, both albums experienced limited and mainstream success on major charts, yet they cultivated a dedicated among rock and fusion enthusiasts, evidenced by their 2009 reissues on the label that brought renewed attention to Bonilla's early work.

Later projects and releases

In the , Bonilla contributed significantly to the album Sacred Ground (2013) by California Transit Authority, co-writing the title track and several others, arranging horns, and serving as co-producer alongside . The album blends rock elements with horn sections, exploring themes of , unbroken connections, and musical rebirth, reflecting a spiritual undercurrent in its lyrical and sonic exploration. Bonilla founded the band Saville Row in collaboration with Tesla drummer Troy Luccketta, vocalist Mika Greiner, and bassist Travis Davis, releasing their debut album The Way Around It in 2014 via . As guitarist, producer, and co-writer, Bonilla helped craft the record's sound infused with melodic hooks and introspective lyrics, marking a shift toward ensemble-driven indie projects outside major-label constraints. Bonilla's solo work evolved toward instrumental experimentation with the release of Celluloid Debris in 2019, his first all- guitar album in over 25 years and a follow-up to his efforts. Drawing on his extensive film scoring experience, the album features cinematic textures and influences, with tracks like "Alpha Male" and "Westwood" evoking visual narratives through layered guitar orchestration and dynamic compositions. This period signifies Bonilla's maturation into more experimental solo territory, emphasizing film-inspired soundscapes and independent production while balancing creative pursuits with teaching guitar and songwriting in .

Film and television contributions

Scoring for film

Marc Bonilla's involvement in film scoring began in the early 1990s after relocating to , where he transitioned from to a key contributor in Hollywood's music scene, performing and composing for major motion pictures over more than two decades. Initially working as a on projects like (1993) and Terminal Velocity (1994), Bonilla's career progressed in the to include credited composing roles alongside his instrumental performances, blending his rock background with orchestral arrangements. Bonilla frequently collaborated with prominent composers such as and , providing guitar work and additional compositional elements for action and thriller films. His contributions often featured integrations that added dynamic, rock-infused textures to symphonic scores, enhancing the intensity of cinematic sequences. These partnerships highlighted his versatility and earning recognition within the industry. A notable early project was his participation in (2004), where Bonilla contributed additional music and guitar performances to support Danny Elfman's primary score, incorporating rock elements into the film's action cues. In 2010, he played on 's score for , delivering high-energy riffs that complemented the orchestral framework in tracks like "Ivan's Metamorphosis" and battle sequences. Bonilla's role extended to The Bourne Legacy (2012), collaborating with by performing guitar on the soundtrack, which fused tense, pulsating strings with gritty electric tones to underscore the thriller's chase and espionage elements. Other notable contributions include guitar work on (2011) and (2002). These films exemplified Bonilla's ability to bridge rock guitar with large-scale orchestral scoring, contributing to the sonic identity of blockbuster action genres.

Scoring for television

Bonilla's contributions to scoring span a range of series, where he served as both and performer, often bringing his guitar prowess to underscore dramatic tension and narrative flow. His work frequently involved crafting cues that aligned with the serialized format of TV, emphasizing episodic pacing over the more contained arcs of feature films. This transition from film scoring opened opportunities in high-profile network and cable productions, allowing him to collaborate with established composers like and . A highlight of his television career came in 2001 with the crime drama , created by , for which Bonilla composed the main title theme and earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Main Title Theme Music. The nomination recognized his ability to blend orchestral elements with rhythmic drive to capture the show's gritty urban intensity. Later, Bonilla teamed up with Toto keyboardist to compose and perform scores for the Justified across all six seasons (2010–2015), providing additional music and guitar tracks that heightened the series' tension-filled standoffs and character-driven conflicts. His contributions included over 30 episodes, where guitar elements added raw energy to the Western-infused crime narratives. Bonilla also lent his talents to long-running shows like the medical procedural ER, contributing guitar performances to its theme music by and various episodic cues that built suspense in high-stakes hospital scenes across multiple seasons in the 1990s and 2000s. His rock-influenced style—rooted in progressive and fusion guitar techniques—adapted effectively to television's need for concise, emotionally resonant scoring, as seen in procedural dramas where cues amplified pacing and character arcs without overpowering dialogue. Other credits include composing for , , the animated The PJ's, and the Comedy Central late-night program (2015–2016), showcasing his versatility in both dramatic and comedic contexts. In November 2025, Bonilla discussed his ongoing freelance work in studios, including roles in music for television and film.

Other professional pursuits

Graphic design

In parallel to his musical endeavors, Marc Bonilla pursued a career in graphic design, specializing in album artwork for prominent rock musicians. He created the cover artwork for Ronnie Montrose's solo album Territory in 1986, collaborating with his brother Paul Bonilla on the visual elements that captured the album's hard rock intensity. Similarly, Bonilla handled the design for the 1987 Montrose band album Mean, contributing to its bold, aggressive aesthetic that aligned with the group's sound. Bonilla extended his design work into progressive rock collaborations, providing cover design for the 2008 album Keith Emerson Band Featuring Marc Bonilla, where his visuals complemented the fusion of classical influences and guitar-driven arrangements. This project highlighted his ability to integrate graphic elements with musical promotion, enhancing the release's appeal to prog enthusiasts. His contributions in these areas overlapped briefly with his solo album production, where visual concepts supported thematic continuity in rock and progressive genres.

Teaching and production

Bonilla has conducted guitar teaching in since the early 2010s, offering private lessons at his studio or remotely via and Facebook Messenger for $100 per hour. These sessions focus on practical skills such as , songwriting, guitar technique, , orchestration, arranging, and recording techniques, helping students develop both technical proficiency and creative expression. He has also lectured at the Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT) in , sharing insights from his professional career with aspiring musicians. In his teaching approach, Bonilla emphasizes storytelling through music and emotional connection over mere speed or flash, lessons drawn from his collaborations with artists like and , who mentored him in building deliberate, structured solos. This style extends to mentorship of younger musicians, where he pushes them to explore beyond their comfort zones, as demonstrated in projects like the Three Fates Project (2012), where he guided performers including Tesla drummer Troy Luccketta toward orchestral experimentation. His book Balance of Power further codifies these principles, advising against overplaying and encouraging active listening to bandmates. As a producer, Bonilla has worked behind the scenes with both established and emerging acts, including co-producing California Transit Authority's Full Circle (2007) and Sacred Ground (2013) alongside Danny Seraphine, blending rock energy with sophisticated arrangements. He also produced the Keith Emerson Band's self-titled album (2008), elevating Emerson's performances through multiple takes to capture peak intensity. Following 2020, Bonilla has intensified his focus on and amid reduced touring, while taking on select production and collaborative roles, such as contributing guitar to Steve Porcaro's album The Very Day (2025). This shift underscores his commitment to guiding the next generation of musicians through workshops and personalized instruction up to the present.

Discography

Solo albums

Marc Bonilla's solo discography consists of three albums, each showcasing his virtuosic guitar work and evolving compositional style. His debut, EE Ticket, marked his entry into the major-label scene with a high-energy blend of and fusion elements. Released in 1991 on , the album was produced by Kevin Gilbert and featured guest appearances from keyboardist on several tracks and guitarist on "Lycanthrope." The track listing for EE Ticket emphasizes Bonilla's shredding technique and dynamic arrangements:
TrackTitleDuration
1Entrance0:46
2White Noise3:00
3Mannequin Highway4:36
4Commotion3:29
5Lycanthrope4:38
64:34
7Bogart4:08
8The Awakening4:20
9 Corner3:51
103:12
11EE Ticket4:38
123:23
Key songs like "White Noise" and "Mannequin Highway" highlight Bonilla's aggressive riffing and melodic solos, establishing his reputation as a fusion-influenced . Bonilla's second solo effort, American Matador, arrived in 1993, also on , and leaned into more orchestral and thematic guitar while retaining a rock core. The album features Bonilla handling most , including guitars, keyboards, and bass, with contributions like organ from on the cover of "." Its thematic focus draws on dramatic, matador-like intensity in tracks evoking struggle and triumph, blending with instrumental flair. The track listing reflects this evolution:
TrackTitleDuration
1American Matador4:50
2Get Off the Fence3:26
3Streetalk3:17
44:56
5The Vanishing Road5:11
6Mephisto3:37
7Wake the Baby3:49
8Under the Gun3:55
95:05
103:58
11The Loner4:32
Standout tracks such as the title song and "Mephisto" demonstrate Bonilla's ability to fuse heavy riffs with symphonic undertones. After a long hiatus focused on collaborations and scoring, Bonilla returned to solo work with Celluloid Debris in 2019, an independent release self-produced at various Los Angeles studios including The Blue Corner and Crush Recording. This album represents a stylistic maturation, incorporating cinematic textures, orchestral elements, and refined guitar orchestration, drawing from his film scoring experience while emphasizing instrumental storytelling. It features contributions from Los Angeles session musicians, with tracks like "The Eruption of John Minimum Pt. 1" nodding to volcanic intensity and personal influences. The track listing captures this breadth:
TrackTitleDuration
1Alpha Male5:06
2Westwood4:35
3Fleshwound5:37
44+203:30
55:35
6Prisoners4:57
7The Eruption of John Minimum Pt. 16:12
8The Eruption of John Minimum Pt. 24:45
9Celluloid Debris5:23
10Dark Star5:10
11Sunset Cliffs5:47
Notable for its production polish and emotional depth, the album underscores Bonilla's growth as a composer over decades.

Collaborative albums

Marc Bonilla contributed guitar, keyboards, production, and songwriting to Glenn Hughes' 1996 album Addiction, co-producing the record alongside Hughes and Michael Scott while performing on nearly all tracks. Specific collaborations include co-writing "I Don't Want to Live That Way Again" and "Cover Me," where Bonilla's layered guitar work complemented Hughes' soulful vocals and bass lines. The album marked a pivotal shift in Hughes' solo career toward introspective , with Bonilla's contributions emphasizing dynamic riffs and atmospheric textures. Bonilla reunited with Hughes on the 1999 release The Way It Is, providing guitar and keyboards on multiple tracks, including the co-produced "Stoned in the Temple," which featured on organ. He co-wrote and arranged several songs, such as "Is It Only Love" and "The Truth Will Set Me Free," blending progressive elements with Hughes' blues-infused style. This project highlighted Bonilla's role in shaping Hughes' sound during a period of artistic renewal, resulting in a cohesive blend of and . In Keith Emerson's 1995 solo effort Changing States, Bonilla delivered electric and parts across the , collaborating on compositions like "The Band Keeps Playing" alongside Emerson and Kevin Gilbert. His playing added a modern edge to Emerson's classical-prog fusion, particularly on tracks featuring vocalist Gary Cirimelli. Bonilla later joined Emerson for the supergroup live recording Boys Club (Live from ) in 2009, handling guitar duties on a setlist spanning Emerson's catalog and originals like "Middle of a Dream," co-written by the trio including Hughes on vocals. As a core member of California Transit Authority (CTA), Bonilla played electric and on the band's 2007 debut Full Circle, a revival project led by Chicago co-founder . He contributed to reimagined Chicago classics and originals, such as the title track, infusing the material with his signature rock intensity while supporting vocalist Larry Braggs. The album captured CTA's horn-driven prog-rock essence, with Bonilla's solos evoking Terry Kath's style. Bonilla co-founded the band Saville Row in 2005 with Tesla drummer Luccketta, serving as guitarist, keyboardist, and co-producer on their 2014 debut The Way Around It. Featuring vocalist Mika Greiner, the record showcased Bonilla's multi-instrumental talents on tracks like "Last Goodbye," blending with melodic hooks and his arrangements. The collaboration emphasized group dynamics, with Bonilla co-writing much of the material to explore themes of perseverance. Bonilla supported as live guitarist during their 1990-1991 tours, performing alongside Kevin Gilbert on sets drawn from the band's self-titled debut and contributing to acoustic promo recordings in . His role extended to the posthumous live compilation Kevin Gilbert Performs Toy Matinee Live (2000), where he provided guitar and backing vocals on tracks like "Last Plane Out" captured at the Roxy in 1991. These performances highlighted Bonilla's integration into Gilbert's pop-prog vision, adding live energy to the studio-polished sound. In 2025, Bonilla contributed guitar to the track "Water From The Sky" on Steve Porcaro's solo album The Very Day.

Soundtrack contributions

Marc Bonilla has made significant contributions to film and television soundtracks, primarily as a , arranger, and of additional music and cues. His work spans major Hollywood productions and network television series, often involving guitar performances and collaborative scoring efforts. In film, Bonilla provided additional music composition for (2004), directed by , where he contributed to the score alongside . For (2010), he served as music arranger and electric guitarist, enhancing tracks like "Iron Man Battles the Drones" under composer . His involvement in The Bourne Legacy (2012) included music department duties, supporting James Newton Howard's score with guitar elements. On television, Bonilla composed the main title theme for the series (2001), earning a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Main Title Theme Music. He collaborated with over six seasons on the series Justified (2010–2015), composing and performing cues such as "Boyd & Ava" and "Harlan County," several of which appear on the compilation album Justified (More Music from the Original Television Series) (2015). Bonilla also contributed guitar music to the medical drama ER, notably as a session musician on the 1997 episode "Whose Appy Now?". In 2024, Bonilla released the Night Man – Original Soundtrack Album, compiling previously unreleased music from the 1997–1999 syndicated series, including the theme and selected cues. Additional miscellaneous contributions include unreleased cues for various series and films, as well as guitar performances on soundtracks like The Replacements (2000) and (2011), though specific credits remain episode- or cue-specific without broader compilation releases up to 2025.

References

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