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“Diverse, dynamic, and richly rewarding listen, Airglow is a great example of how jazz in the 21st century is well and truly alive and kicking. Howl Quartet are going places.”
— UK Vibe
Howl Quartet takes inspiration from ‘Howl’, Allen Ginsberg’s seminal poem. The immediacy of the verse and intense conviction behind Ginsberg’s writing reflects the bands approach to composition and performance. The band is a dynamic, expressive outlet with an emphasis on storytelling through melodic composition and improvisation. Formed of old friends and collaborators, this co-led acoustic quartet emerged in 2017 through a passion for developing a collective sound. Inspired by artists such as Endangered Blood, The Bad Plus and Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band, there is an innate freedom and creative intensity to their music.
Dan Smith and Pete Komor first met in Cardiff in 2010 whilst studying together at The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. By 2013 Harry Brunt had also enrolled at RWCMD and the three became firm friends and regular collaborators. By 2015 Dan, Pete & Harry had moved to London to enrol in further study (The Royal Academy of Music & Guildhall School of Music & Drama) and perform regularly. They soon met Matt Parkinson on the thriving scene and began playing regularly in a plethora of musical contexts. Originally seeking an opportunity to explore linear composition in the style of Warne Marsh and Lee Konitz, Harry brought Howl Quartet together in 2017. Soon however, the band began writing compositions inspired by folk, rock and contemporary rhythms and they began shaping a sound that is uniquely theirs. The years of friendship and performing have created an open and reflective environment that allows space for deep and thoughtful music to be created. As a group, Howl Quartet share their personal experiences in their compositions and portray life in a visceral and honest manner.
Having performed at the EFG London Jazz Festival and Vortex Jazz Club, Howl Quartet’s debut album Life As We See It was released in early 2021 with the support of the Help Musicians ‘Do It Differently’ fund. Their second album, Airglow, is a refined statement by the band and was released on the 14th July 2023 to critical acclaim. Following their sold out album launch gig at Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho, their 7 date UK tour culminated in a headline show at The Elgar Room, Royal Albert Hall as part of EFG London Jazz Festival 2023. Howl Quartet are the grateful recipients of a Developmental Award through the Peter Whittingham Jazz Awards to support the release of their third album, set to be released in 2025.
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