Music
Press
"Christian Howes is arguably the most intriguing young violinist in jazz"
- Tom Surowicz
"As a jazz violinist today, he has no peer" - Michael Bailey
"Not since Jean-Luc Ponty has a violinist ranged from pure classical to fuzz-tone rock to convincing jazz with such authority"
- Neil Tesser
" Howes is a jazz player, first and foremost -- one whose solid, classically trained technique provides the freedom to fully express an expansive improvisational imagination"
- Don Heckman
"On his second CD Howes shows, that even at this relatively early stage, he is one of the best jazz violinists around" - Scott Yanow
"A force of nature...one of the best young jazz violinitsts in the world" - David Templeton
Discography
Howes has 10 cds and one DVD to his name.Some of the newest cds with descriptions:
Jazz On Sale (2003)- With Argentinian pianist, Federico Lechner, and Spanish bassist, Pablo Martin, this �European Acoustic Trio� treats standards by the likes of Thelonious Monk and Bill Evans with a European sensibility. Also featured are original compositions by Howes including, �When She�s Like Water�, inspired by the sound of Nashville-based Americana, and �Jazz On Sale�, an exploration in �free jazz�. This cd is balanced by both lyrical and out-reaching passages. It highlights the sonic colors of the acoustic instruments in the hands of three classically trained jazz musicians.
Klazyc (2004)- The European Acoustic Trio�s second album, featuring jazzed up arrangements of works by classical composers including Paganini, Ravel, Bach, Mozart, and others. A logical follow up to �Jazz On Sale�, the trio of Howes, Lechner, Martin continue to explore their love of both classical music and jazz, utilizing varied conceptual approaches with the classic themes to incorporate improvisation and creativity. All acoustic, this album is a great listen for classical music lovers and students, as well as jazz lovers. Like �Jazz On Sale�, it combines very lyrical playing with humorous indulgences.
Jazz Fiddle Revolution (2004) A truly revolutionary album featuring spontaneous duo performances with the brilliant young violinist, Billy Contreras, and guest spots with cellist and trombonist, Dana Leong. This album demonstrates new possibilities in two-violin duets, with the violins accompanying each other in a range of jazz styles, including swing, funk, and blues. Including innocent performances of �What a Wonderful World� and the Rodgers and Hart classic, �It Never Entered My Mind�, as well as bold, fresh takes on other standards such as �The Way You Look Tonight�, �Doxie�, and some originals by Howes and Contreras.
Song For My Daughter (2004) This is currently available as a pre-mastered cd, and will be released soon in finished form. Highly produced with many layers of instruments and sonic textures, showcasing Christian�s range as producer, arranger, composer, and multi-instrumentalist (Howes plays all guitars, strings, and some electric bass). Featuring nine original songs, this aims to combine Jazz and Pop sensibilities. Pianist and organist, Bobby Floyd is featured on several songs, as well as an array of special guests from the U.S. and Europe.
Heartfelt (2008) is a batch of romantic and playful music that is satisfying on many levels. The orchestrated tracks utilize just the right touches to compliment the playing. The balance Heartfelt achieves here between solo, group interplay and orchestration is quite remarkable and leaves a lasting impression.
Photos
Bio
38 year-old Christian Howes grew up in Columbus, Ohio and received a degree in Philosophy from the Ohio State University. After spending 8 years based in New York City and touring the world constantly, he has recently returned to Columbus to reclaim his roots, becoming a dual resident of Columbus and NYC.
As an educator, performer and composer, Christian Howes has gained great notoriety and respect from critics and players alike. Christian was a favorite of the late Les Paul, with whom he worked for 11 years. Says Christian of his mentor, "Les defied categorization in terms of age or genre. His character, approach to life, and musicianship taught me many valuable lessons which I hope never to forget". In recent years, Howes has become an in-demand violinist on the New York scene, performing and recording with a bevy of jazz artists, including alto saxophonist Greg Osby, pianist D.D. Jackson, guitarists Les Paul , Frank Vignola, and Joel Harrison, drummer Dafnis Prieto, vibraphonist Dave Samuels’s Caribbean Jazz Project, crossover pioneers Spyro Gyra, and a 4-yr chair in Bill Evans Soulgrass. On his recent cd, Heartfelt, the violinist collaborates with pianist-arranger Roger Kellaway, a legendary figure in his own right.
In August, 2009, Christian was ranked (for the third time) as the #2 violinist in the Downbeat Critics Poll "Rising Stars". Says All About Jazz ,"as a jazz violinist he has no peer". The Minneapolis Tribune called Christian "arguably the most intriguing young violinist in jazz�. According to the Chicago Reader, "Not since Jean Luc Pnty has a violinist ranged from pure classical to fuzz-tone rock to convincing jazz with such authority".
After releasing a string of potent CDs as a leader, a majority of which flew under the radar of most jazz critics, violinist Christian Howes is set to make a big splash with Heartfelt, his spectacular debut on Resonance Records which charted at 24 on the national jazz radio.. Rather than exhibiting the charming delicacy of a Stephane Grappelli or the jaunty Swing era bounce of a Joe Venuti, Howes is a wildly inventive post-bop burner with monstrous facility, a wide expressive range and a take-no-prisoners approach. On Heartfelt, he parlays his Herculean chops, blistering intensity and haunting romanticism into a winning combination that is eminently accessible without sacrificing his obvious skills.
An Associate Professor at the Berklee College of Music, he is also the founder of the Creative Strings Workshop and Festival, which convenes during the first week of July every year at Otterbein College. Says Howes, "The Creative Strings Workshop and Festival offers string players from Columbus and around the world an opportunity to study improvisation, composition, and styles outside the realm of classical music, while bringing the city of Columbus a plethora of talent and musical energy . This July marks the 6th annual camp, and once again we will overwhelm central Ohio with over 25 concerts in various venues throughout the week."
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