Joel “Pibo” Márquez, was born in Caracas, Venezuela, within a family of musicians who came from Barlovento,a region rich in manifestations that identify the afro culture rooted in the country, well known as the burning soil and land of drums,a region inhabited by the largest concentration of Afrodescendants in Venezuela.

The strenght of traditon and bond to his roots, made percusion, composition, and music in general come to him in a natural way.

At an early age, he starts his musical studies at Parroquial School “Madre Cabrini”, located in Catia (the musical school that existed at “Cristo Rey del 23 de Enero” Theater). There, “Pibo” took de Venezuelan Cuatro as his first harmonic instrument. As a student, he also won a scholarship in Caracas and studied Theory of Music Language, solfeo and rythmics under the guidance of teacher: María Auxiliadora Gonzalez.

After graduating from High School, he decide to study Economy in Venezuela Central University, while working at the same time a a percussionist in bands of diverse music genders (gaitas, salsa, rock, pop, jazz).

Some of the most relevant groups he worked with are: Los Turpiales, Los Portentosos, Akende, Orquesta Bronco, Sentimiento Muerto y Grupo Madera.

After a couple years he chooses music over economy and decides to leave the country in 1989 (Colombia-Italia-Francia) to continue his studies, widen his spectrum and relate to other universal aspects of music. This process lead to him developing his own style presented in his project : TAMBOR JAZZ ENSAMBLE (Drum Jazz Ensamble), known internationally as LOS MANOS CALIENTES (The Burning Hands).

While working on his personal projects, he also became part of other very successful musical events,being one of the most outstanding: José Carreras and Paloma San Basilio Concert performing with the Bogotá Philarmonic Orchestra.

Having learned from this experience and from participating as guest musician in many groups, bands and solo artists, he decides to put his name on the stage with his own group PIBO MARQUEZ Y LOS “MANOS CALIENTES”.

As an artist, he also incurs in the world of Salsa with his group “PIBO MARQUEZ” Y SU DESCARGA CRIOLLA.

Pibo Márquez has had the opportunity to belong to other recording projects and live collaborations with artist such as: Alfredo De La Fe, Arturo Sandoval, David Valentin, Dominic Miller, Antonio Farao, Edie Martínez, Dimension Latina, Benny Golson, Gene Jackson, Guayacán Orquesta, Cheick Tidiani Seck, Tony Martínez, Jose Alberto "El Canario", Paoli Mejias, Giovany Hidalgo, Adalberto Santiago, José Carreras, Paloma San Basilio, Orquesta Filarmónica De Bogotá, Chico Freeman, Naty y su Orquesta, Alfredo Rodríguez, Orlando Castillo "Watusi", Jerry Weill, Joe Zawinull, Omar Hakim, Beny Golson, Pino Paladino, Hilton Ruiz, Boby Carcases, Hernán Romero, Giovanni Hidalgo, David Valentin, Justo Almario, Luís Perico Ortiz, Pino Paladino, Armando Manzanero, Juanes, Guayacán Orquesta, Los de Abajo from Mexico, Aterciopelados, and others.

With his project TAMBOR JAZZ ENSAMBLE (Drum Jazz Ensemble), Pibo Márquez has performed in multiple countries around the world, representing our music and performing in high level Festivals.

Estados Unidos, Italia, Francia, Mali, Finlandia, Brasil, Colombia, México, Holanda, Alemania, Ecuador, Suiza, Bélgica, Grecia, Portugal, Brasil are among the 40 countries that have been the scene for the artist Pibo Marquez and his projects.