 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.
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