Mark Towns Latin Jazz Band

Mark Towns Latin Jazz Band plays classic Latin Jazz in the tradition of Tito Puente, Cal Tjader, & Mongo Santamaria. Fronted by the guitar work of Mark Towns and featuring an All-Star lineup of the world’s best Latin and jazz instrumentalists–including some truly astounding percussionists–the band appeals to both jazz aficionados and salsa dancers as they rip through sets featuring bebop-inspired jazz soloing over authentic Latin rhythms including the Mambo, Güajira, Cha Cha Cha, Danzón, & Merengue. Mark Towns’ original tunes as well as his Latin Jazz arrangements of classic compositions by jazz masters Coltrane, Monk, Miles, and Ellington are used as launching pads for the band’s spicy-hot sonic excursions.

“Mark Towns’ music has the piquancy and surprise of the best Latin-inflected jazz, with a sense of space unique to his Southwestern roots meeting the sophistication of his residency in Los Angeles. Mark is a deft, lyrical guitarist — the bright arrangements of his pretty original tunes, the quick, tight, shifting rhythm section reward my repeated listening with growing pleasure.” – Howard Mandel, Down Beat

“Stupendously wonderful!” – Dr. Jazz, Dr. Jazz Operations, Detroit, MI

“Smart, fun and mesmerizing.” Houston Press

“I love it! I have to put it on the air today.” – Emily Hernandez, Programmer, DMX Music, Los Angeles, CA

“There are only a few really good guitarists. Mark Towns is one of them.” – Larry Coryell