Marty Howe

Marty Howe has been playing chromatic harmonica and flute for the last 30 years. The chromatic harmonica is unique in that it is capable of playing the full chromatic scale, making it very suitable for jazz. Most people are familiar with the style of Stevie Wonder, who plays chromatic harmonica, but it was the playing of Toots Thielemans who woke the world up to the wonderful possibilities of the chromatic harmonica as a serious instrument in the jazz genre.

Marty considers his harmonica and flute "as a brother and sister, my harmonica playing being more aggressive, almost imitating a blues harp, but with a broader chromatic palate, and my flute playing a little more on the refined side, although I play in a percussive assertive style inspired by Ian Anderson (of Jethro Tull), Herbie Mann, and Rashann Roland Kirk."

Brazilian music has always been a favorite style of music for Marty. He also appreciates the rich sound that an ensemble of acoustic instruments provides. The harmonica and flute have subtle tonal qualities that are augmented well when playing with an acoustic guitar and hand percussion instruments.

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