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Mark Towns is a guitarist, bassist, composer, arranger, producer, filmmaker, artist, graphic designer, and journalist. His most recent CD, "Passion," features legendary flutist Hubert Laws, who also appeared on Mark's 2000 release, "Flamenco Jazz Latino" along with Kirk Whalum. In addition having recorded and performed with Laws and Whalum, Mark has also performed with Larry Coryell, Roy Hargrove, Stanley Clarke, Chucho Valdes, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Pharoah Sanders, Pete Barbuti, Arnette Cobb, Yomo Toro, and Rick Braun, to name a few. A prolific composer and arranger, Mark writes music for film, television, and commercials, as well as for his own (and other) Latin Jazz groups. He recently published a songbook of 22 of his original compositions.
As a journalist specializing in Jazz, Latin, and World Beat music, Mark is currently a regular contributor to "Houston Press” and “All About Jazz Los Angeles.” He was formerly jazz editor of "Urban Beat" magazine, and was a staff writer for "Public News" and "Houston's Other." Mark is a member of the prestigious Jazz Journalists Association, and is a voting member of NARAS (Grammy Awards) and LARAS (Latin Grammys).
This column presents his insightful articles, some of which are reprints from the above-mentioned publications.
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Chick Corea & Return To Forever Reunion Tour In Houston Saturday May 31
Chick Corea talks with Mark Towns about the pioneering fusion band's first tour in 25 years and more...
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Breakfast with Barretto
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Ray Barretto's thoughts on the state of Salsa music and more from this 1998 interview with Mark Towns
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What Can You Say About Herbie Hancock?
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Houston's Jazz Pianists Share Their Thoughts
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John McLaughlin Interview with Mark Towns
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McLaughlin talks about the Shakti tour, playing too fast, why retro jazz is boring, why he loves his new CD, and why critics will hate his next one...
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Eddie Palmieri on the Clave
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Originally published in the fall of 2001, we thought it was time to feature this classic once again. Mark Towns talks to Palmieri about the "Clave", the pulse that drives all Latin music. This is a MUST READ for anyone that plays in this genre!
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Exclusive Interview With Eddie Palmieri
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The "Sun" of Latin music speaks! Guitarist Mark Towns caught up Eddie Palmieri last week to discuss his new band, his influences and his practice habits. Great stuff!
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My Gig With Yomo Toro
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When I woke up Saturday morning (3/24/01), I had no idea that that evening I would be onstage playing with one of the legends of salsa in front of thousands of screaming fans...
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Interview: Composer Terry Riley
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Composer Terry Riley launched what is now known as the Minimalist movement with his revolutionary classic, "In C" in 1964. I recently spoke to Terry by phone from his home in Oakland, California
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Concert Review: Omara Portuondo and Barbarito Torres
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Members of the Buena Vista Social Club at Jones Hall
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Interview: Airto
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Another great interview by Mark. This time with percussion legend Airto.
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