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Mark Holston

Mark is a journalist and photographer who specializes in cultural, political, media, travel and economic issues relevant to Latin America.

About Me

Mark Holston is a journalist and photographer who specializes in cultural, political, media, travel and economic issues relevant to Latin America. As a music journalist and critic covering Latin music and jazz, he is a regular contributor to “Americas,” “Jazziz,” “Hispanic,” “New York Latino,” “Nuestra Gente,” “Latina Style,” and “Dancing USA,” among others. He has written liner notes for dozens of Hispano-Caribbean, Brazilian and jazz artists including Tito Puente, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Luis Bonfa, Dave Valentin, Gilberto Gil and Hilton Ruiz. He leads his own fourteen piece Latin jazz and salsa band, Cocinando. “I'm a confirmed salsaholic,” says Mark, “it's become my pop music of choice! My taste runs the gamut from classic dates from the 1970s to today's best interpreters. I draw the line, however, when electronic instruments become too intrusive and replace or water down real horns and percussion. Given my background as a non-Hispanic with a lifelong interest in mainstream jazz and big bands, I'm most impressed with great arranging and innovative, swinging orchestras. I believe strongly in the interrelationship between music and the cultural environment from which it comes.””

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