Richard Howell

Born: 1953

Being an artist offers me opportunities to enrich and enhance the lives of others while satisfying my joy to contribute to others well being other than monetary. The creative process promotes good mental health, a sense of value and self-worth for me. There was always a fascination for me how people reacted to music. Some people dance to music, others listen in silence as a quiet or reflective time, some listen for distraction or escapism, others create organizations, social gatherings or use music to tell stories and express their feelings.

Jazz has always been where people come together across a seemingly unbridgeable divide, it’s truth-telling music, my language. Jazz music became the truest expression of community and a common element of connection to bridge what is uncommon.

My music celebrates diversity as it bridges, unites and merges the experience of all listeners. I define it as ‘Bridge Music”. ”Bridge Music" is a jazz pathway over obstacles that joins differences and links through the sonic connection. Its roots are based in the spirit of John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme ”, in the contradiction of James Browns simplistic yet complicated African inspired rhythmic concepts to the deep soulfulness of the Isley Brothers forever touching our hearts.

I have had the privilege to perform with numerous Pop, Soul, and Jazz music Industry icons. I am in gratitude to have been able to record, perform and share the stages across the globe from America to Africa performing the Zellerbach Hall to the Royal Albert Hall with many wonderful musicians local and international artist such as Etta James, Chaka Khan and Maurice White to only name a few and the new voices of jazz with the likes of Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah.

Today I lecture Jazz History with JazzTree Education internationally, I am an intricate part of Oaktown Jazz Workshops, an active saxophonist, and educator a "producer gunslinger for hire" of Jazz, Funk, World and Pop kinds of music while culminating all these experiences I lead two extremely powerful Jazz ensembles, RHQuartet and Richard Howell and Sudden Changes.

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