Making the music I love for people that appreciate it is an amazing job. I’ve been very fortunate to play with many of the best early jazz & swing style musicians in the country. Digging into the history of the art is a passion that helps me bring integrity to every song my groups play.
I lead groups, I sideman in more groups, and I connect events with the groups they need. Frontman, Sideman, & Middleman for occasions that call for a healthy understanding of 1920’s thru 1950’s Jazz, Swing, and Rhythm & Blues.
Bandleader for The Hollywood Howlers, a group of select professional musicians that I cull from the finest bands to bring music to film, television, & events. Specializing in the music from the 1920’s thru 1950’s we can customize our performances to what you want.
Bandleader for Marquis & The Rhythm Howlers performing the darker side of music with original music & a selection of the finest songs in the macabre style.
Upright Bass, Guitar, &/or Vocals with….
- Janet Klein & Her Parlor Boys
- Jim Kweskin
- Disneyland’s 5 & Dime
- Hobo Jazz
- Miss Mac & The Mean Men
- California Feetwarmers
- Jonathan Stout & His Campus 5
- Dave Stuckey & His Hot House Gang
- Carl Sonny Leyland
- Rosie Flores, Wanda Jackson, El Vez, Ian Whitcomb, Deke Dickerson & many more over the years!
As a sideman I bring energy & thump to every gig. I’m a proponent of a big natural tone coming through my bass rig, befitting any 1920’s Jazz or String Band through to a 1950’s Rhythm & Blues ensemble. From 2 Beat Stomps to 4 on the floor Jive!
Marquis W. Howell, II 