Hey,
This is the short version of my bio, for all those of you who loose concentration quickly.
I play the 5 string banjo in many styles, but Bluegrass would be my major. I also sing lead and harmony, which you can hear from the tracks off my Cd, both here and at my website.
I also teach banjo, and am available for recording projects and gigs too. Ok, that’s about it, but for a more detailed analysis, keep reading!
I started playing bluegrass banjo in 1987. After playing in numerous jam
sessions at bluegrass festivals I answered an advertisement for bluegrass musicians in my local news paper. From there,the East Coast Bluegrass Band was formed, where I played for a few years, including a mini tour of Holland. I have also played with
the Anglian Bluegrass Boys and guested with many bands including
Arthur Robinson's band and Phill Morleys band, Wet Paint.
In 1994 I took time out to explore Bluegrass in the USA. During this visit I
forged special friendships in Galax Virginia, the home of the world famous fiddlers convention, which I like to revisit most years to catch up, and enter the banjo competition, where I placed 7th
(only 1st 10 places are recorded out of around 250
players) in 1998.
Around this time I became a regular member with Del Robinson and the Rocky
Island Boys until Del’s untimely death in 2002. It was this event
that put me in touch again with Gerry Williams, band leader of Deep River, who I first met while attending the Wadhurst Bluegrass days. These were days of tuition and workshops by respected British bluegrass singers and musicians. I was proud to be asked back as a tutor myself for the banjo at a later date. Gerry contacted me again in the summer of 2003 and asked if I would be interested in playing banjo for Deep River, where I played until the summer of 2009. Now I play with The Offchords Bluegrass band.
Hi Howard, great playing with you yesterday, we have to do that again at some point. If you're ever in London give me a shout, likewise let me know if you're stuck for a guitar player. All the best, Matt.
Hello Howard? How's life? Busy with the music? Peter Rowan is coming to the village (Drachten) where I live! I wonder what kind of music he makes nowadays, I already got the tickets! It's the happening of the year in this boring village. Our daughter is 6 months now, but she's afraid of the banjo... oh boy... How are you doing? bye!
Thanks for the kind words & we're glad you like the album, we look forward to trying out that 3rd part harmony next time we get a chance for a pick. Had your CD playing here, I must say my favourite tracks are Jackie's Jig & Crosseyed Cricket, Why Oh Why is a great song too.
you're welcome, always great to have more banjo players on the list....um i know Jody through the banjo lounge i think or the banjo hangout, cant remember lol
It was so good having you visit...Glad to hear you're home safe! We hope you'll be back really soon =) Gracie and Evan really enjoyed having you here too..Evan said, "Howard is flying his airplane home, NOW?" and Gracie wanted to make sure that you took her picture to England w/you =)
Hello Howard, Many Thanks for being my new friend. Find your music really super !! Wish you many many success !! Have an excellent day ! Musical Greetings, Rose-Marie, (from Belgium)