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Christian Howes

The OFFICIAL MySpace page of Christian Howes

About Me

Christian Howes has already made an indelible mark and is poised to be a path-finding figure on the contemporary violin. He’s won recognition and kudos from artists and critics alike. Says guitar pioneer Les Paul, with whom Christian has made numerous appearances: “There is nobody better than this guy.”

The prominent artists Howes has performed and/or recorded with include Greg Osby, Randy Brecker, James Carter, Jack DeJohnette, Akua Dixon’s Quartette Indigo, Billy Hart, D.D. Jackson, David Murray, Steve Turre’s Sextet with Strings, Jane Monheit, Dr. John, Frank Vignola, and Lenny White, to name a few.

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Howes was classically trained beginning at age five. He subsequently performed the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra at 16. After placing in national classical competitions while still in his teens, Howes set out to build upon a strong classical foundation and distinguish himself in jazz, the art of the improvisers. His star has been ascending ever since.

As a bandleader or a featured guest, Howes has performed on such prestigious stages as the Newport, Toronto, Ottawa, and Tri-C jazz festivals. His club work has taken him to such world-renowned venues as Birdland, Iridium, the Knitting Factory, Blues Alley, and the Village Vanguard… and that’s just in the U.S. Christian’s tours have taken him throughout the Midwestern U.S., the Far East, and across Europe, including a part-time residence in Spain, where he has collaborated with some of that country’s finest musicians. In 2002 Howes was featured in performance in the Spanish film Impulsos.

An extremely versatile and flexible artist, this prolific violinist/composer maintains five distinct working ensembles, including the Christian Howes Group (quintet or quartet), the Hot Swing Group, the European Acoustic Trio, the Special Electric Violin Project, and Duo Americana. Howes is also available to provide clinics and master classes for all ages.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 6/19/2006
Band Website: christianhowes.com
Band Members: Christian Howes with Bill Evans' Soulgrass - 2007

Sounds Like:

Christian Howes plays D'Addario strings


Christian also uses the Yamaha VNP-1 acoustic violin pickup


Type of Label: None

My Blog

Reflections on being a string player in Jazz- Identity vs Credibility

From a string player's point of view, gaining acceptance within the jazz community is a little like showing up for the first day at a new school with a big stain on your shirt. If you've ever walked i...
Posted by Christian Howes on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 08:15:00 PST

More on Chord Pairs

(Please refer to the prior exercise "Harmonic Heavy Lifting..." before delving into the following exercises.)I recommend the following chord pairs (triads) to be practiced as outlined in the prior blo...
Posted by Christian Howes on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 08:04:00 PST

Harmonic Heavy Lifting- Exercises for Voice Leading Chord Pairs

Voice-Leading Chord Pairs(Note: You might want to wait to check this out until AFTER you have already done the exercises in the prior blog entitled "Build Harmonic Proficiency")Once you're comfortable...
Posted by Christian Howes on Sun, 04 Nov 2007 10:51:00 PST

First Steps: Improvisation for Classical musicians

As I make my way from NYC to Boston for my first days of teaching at the Berklee School of Music, I'm wondering how it will feel to teach 20 students in the next two days, outside of my normal touring...
Posted by Christian Howes on Thu, 13 Sep 2007 10:48:00 PST

FAQs for music teachers and string players new to alternative styles-and some philosophy

Here are some of my answers to some commonly asked questions regarding "alternative styles", improvisation/composition, and the use of electric instruments. Dear Christian,My first set of questions ha...
Posted by Christian Howes on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 07:34:00 PST

First Steps: Improvisation for Classical Musicians/ Exercises

Non-Tonal Improvisation Exercises The first step for most classically trained players is developing confidence and comfort with improvisation. The exercises below are appropriate for all ages/levels a...
Posted by Christian Howes on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 10:49:00 PST

Overcoming the Harmony Handicap

Most string players have the ability to recognize "classical-sounding" melodies. If you're like I was when I first started investigating "alternative styles" then you are probably having a hard time r...
Posted by Christian Howes on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 12:56:00 PST

Build Harmonic Proficiency

Looking for something to practice that will improve your harmonic understanding and help you internalize chords on the violin? Try these rigorous, yet rewarding, exercises in which you will learn...
Posted by Christian Howes on Sun, 30 Sep 2007 10:44:00 PST

"Jazz Bowing Tricks" et al

People always ask me about jazz bowing tricks or tips and I usually disappoint them with my gut response of, "I got nothing". But actually, I do have some things to say about bow technique but they mi...
Posted by Christian Howes on Fri, 21 Sep 2007 11:03:00 PST

My new blog series for string teachers and players seeking guidance in practice and classroom.

I am now accepting all questions and will publish my answers as part of a series of educational blogs, podcasts, and RSS feeds. This may be the first time I've actually begun to write an honest-to-goo...
Posted by Christian Howes on Sun, 02 Sep 2007 11:43:00 PST