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Marty Howe

Marty Howe Latin Jazz Quartet plays Latin and Bossa, served up on jazz chromatic harmonica and flute

About Me

Marty Howe Latin Jazz Quartet plays Latin and Bossa, served up on jazz chromatic harmonica and flute, with Darcy Phillips (of Jann Arden) on Keys, and Humberto Mandoza (Panama) on congas and percussion.

While the diatonic harmonica is a familiar sound in blues and pop, the jazz chromatic harmonica is a rare bird indeed. There are very few accomplished players in the world today, and Marty Howe’s playing will convince you that the chromatic harmonica is a beautifully expressive jazz instrument.

The Quartet's repertoire explores the rainbow of various Latin styles such as Bossa Nova from Brazil and more than occasionally ventures into hot Afro Cuban Jazz, where the flute traditionally has a prominent voice and natural playground.

Keyboard player Darcy Phillips, originally from Alberta, is becoming a familiar session man and performer on Vancouver Islands Jazz and Blues scene. Fluent in many styles of pop, blues and jazz, he has had years of experience performing with such legends as Big Miller, Tommy Banks, and Sarah Maclachlan. For the last twelve years Darcy has been keyboardist and vocalist for Universal recording artist Jann Arden, accompanying her on stages throughout the world and performing on several of her recent recordings.

The quartet is rounded out with Anatol McGinnis on bass, and Johnny Lucas on drums, both whom are in-demand players in the Nanaimo music scene and have a natural feel for the Latin repertoire.

Recently got back from the Havana International Jazz fest! Check out a slide show: http://circledigital.com/Cuba_Show/index.htm

I am convinced that the Cuban musicians are among the top in the world! Music is in their DNA. A unique fusion of Spanish and African heritage. Those rhythms having been fused and evolving in Cuba for decades.

I love to play this Afro Cuban, Bossa, and Brazilian Jazz! The rich rhythms, the multi-textured acoustic instrumentation, the sophisticated harmonies...

I enjoy other genres as well...traditional jazz, Gypsy Jazz, Funk, Blues, Celtic, Bluegrass, Roots, any type of “World Music”... If I had my way, I'ld be playing all these genres simultaneously. All I need to do now is figure out how to get “all the time in the world”.

Had previously been playing regularly with “Bossa Loca” playing Brazilian and Latin Jazz out of Nanaimo. We had a good run for a few years.

Have also been doing some gigs with Turiya Mareya, an absolutely wonderful Latin Keyboard player and composer. Check her out at: http://www.myspace.com/mareya

Also working with the incredible Edwin Coppard and Real People Music: http://realpeoplemusic.com/index.html!