Biography

Christian Howes - violin

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 several appearances: "…There is nobody better than this guy."

The great 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, Frank Vignola, and Lenny White, to name a few. A native of Columbus, Ohio, Christian Howes was classically trained beginning at age five. He subsequently performed the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra at sixteen.

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 a performance in the Spanish film Impulsos.

An extremely versatile and flexible artist, the violinist maintains no fewer than five working ensembles, including the Christian Howes Group, the Christian Howes European Acoustic Project, the Christian Howes Electric Funk Project, and the Christian Howes-D.D. Jackson Duo. Howes is also available for unique clinics and masterclasses for all ages.