Mark de Jong graduated in 2004 with a cum laude degree at the Rotterdam Conservatory, as a versatile drummer, with a specialization in Latin music styles. During his studies he made several trips to Cuba and Brazil. Soon he became a highly in demand player in the Dutch and Belgian latin and jazz scene, playing with groups and artists like Nueva Manteca, Ramon Valle, Lilian Vieira, Tomi y su Timbalight, Ben van den Dungen, Denise Jannah, Felicia van den End, Gerardo Rosales, Maite Hontele, Randal Corsen, Jaime Rodriguez & Rumbata, Josee Koning, Shirley and the Jazzmints, Kim de Stella, and many others. He was soon asked to teach drums and percussion at the Rotterdam Conservatory (Codarts). Mark had the honour to work with international acclaimed artists such as Giovanni Hidalgo, Horacio El Negro Hernandez, Pedro Calvo, Mayito Rivera and Alain Perez.



Mark leads his own latin-jazz group called Latineo. In 2010 they made their first cd as a 4-tet, featuring Cuba's master percussionist Jose Pepe Espinosa. In 2016 they released a new cd, this time as a 7-tet, on which Mark demonstrates another side of his musicality: he composed all the music.



Mark holds a strong connection with Brazil, where he often travels to play. He makes part of the group of Ney Conceição, Brazil's most virtuous bassplayer, mostly known for his work with João Bosco and the Nosso Trio.