Drawing upon the ancestry of jazz, the essence of soul, and the sensibility of pop, award-winning saxophonist Richard Howell performs alongside a group of world-class improvisers of jazz and groove music. Featuring phenomenal pianist Glen Pearson, spirited bassist David Ewell, trumpeter Rafa Postel and drummer Else Salif Howell. Together these masters push the boundaries of the genre while honoring the roots of the music.
Performer Bio
In many ways, Richard Howell is the secret weapon of the Bay Area music scene. An artist who’s provided the creative glue holding together an extraordinary range of projects. Howell won an Izzie Award, along with his group RHQ, for their collaboration with choreographer Gregory Dawson in birds eye view (Black Choreographers Festival). He’s also produced several albums by Bay Area Afro-Brazilian ensemble Vivendo de Pão and by jazz/spoken word ensemble UpSurge!
Howell spent his formative years in the orbit of Earth, Wind & Fire and paid dues touring with R&B greats Etta James and Chaka Khan. He made his Bay Area jazz debut in the heaviest of company: joining trumpeter Don Cherry, bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Billy Higgins for a three-night run at the Great American Music Hall in the early 1980s. Howell laces all of these experiences into his performances.
Richard Howell is a treasure and a force to be reckoned with. His music will make you move and more importantly, make you feel.
Musicians
GLEN PEARSON -PIANO
DAVID EWELL – BASS
RAFA POSTEL – TRUMPET
ELE SALIF HOWELL – DRUMS
RICHARD HOWELL – TENOR & SOPRANO SAXOPHONES -VOCAL
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“I have the deepest respect for his musical abilities. He walks in the same path as the great ones: Joe Henderson, Don Myrick to be mentioned in the same light. I have a great belief in his talents. He will continue to make contributions in the time to come.” – Maurice White, Founder of Earth Wind & Fire.
