Joe Townsend is a unique jazz violinist who is recognized in Britain and the US for his playing and compostion. His style is hard to nail down taking his influences from Ellington, Romanian gypsy music and the blues. As well as playing with his own group he is known for his work with Laurie Anderson, Mervin Africa and as a composer for theatre and opera.

"Joe Townsend is a violinist with breathtaking virtuosity but not afraid of a bit of scratchiness in the right places "........ Songlines

"He has an organic quality that makes one wonder why tunes were never done this way before..." Rootsworld US

“Townsend’s music is an authoritative compendium of European folk styles played with thrilling virtuosity”. The Guardian