Richard Howell

Bay Area tenor and soprano saxophonist, composer, producer, vocalist, and educator Richard Howell leads Sudden Changes, an improvising ensemble shaped by jazz, soul, funk, blues, and spiritual music.

Artist details

Home base: Bay Area, California

Styles: Jazz, Soul Jazz, Funk, Blues, Improvised Music

Instruments: Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Vocals, Percussion, Composition

Band: Core and featured personnel have included Frederick Harris, piano; Charles McNeal, alto saxophone; Elé Salif Howell, drums; Ravi Abcarian, bass; Jasim Peralas, trombone

About

Richard Howell is a Bay Area saxophonist, composer, producer, vocalist, and educator. His music connects jazz improvisation with soul, funk, blues, percussion-driven groove, and spiritual themes.

Howell grew up in Los Angeles, where he moved among jazz, salsa, funk, and R&B. In the early 1980s, he made his Bay Area jazz debut with Don Cherry, Charlie Haden, and Billy Higgins. He later toured and performed with Etta James and Chaka Khan.

Howell leads Sudden Changes, an ensemble that centers original music, collective interplay, and spontaneous composition. The group includes Bay Area musicians Frederick Harris, Charles McNeal, Elé Salif Howell, Ravi Abcarian, and Jasim Peralas. Howell also leads the Joy Protocol Ensemble. Its release Our Purpose continues his Bridge Music approach, connecting jazz, rhythm, and community.

Listen

Richard Howell and Sudden Changes