Bob Howell was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He left the city in 1965 to study at the Berklee School of Music in Boston and from there began to perform nationally and internationally, interrupted for two years by being drafted into the army and eventually and luckily being stationed in
a post band. He returned to live in Philadelphia permanently and continues to perform locally, nationally, and internationally.
Bob’s extensive performing background and recording experience in jazz and R&B enhance his work with music students, especially for those interested in a career in music. He has had opportunities to meet and play with people that were around Philly like Jaco Pastorius, Joey Defrancesco, Byron Landham. He is on many recordings and has worked to more extent, with many other great musicians.
Education
Improvisation: Studied with Dennis and Adolph Sandole.
Berklee School of Music: Composition Major. Studied saxophone with Joe Viola.
Settlement Music School: Studied bassoon with Ferdinand Del Negro.
Highlighted Recordings
Ron Thomas
Pete Smyser
King Britt
G.Love & Special Sauce
The Posmontier Brothers
Joe Sudler Swing Machine & Clarke Terry
Richie Cole & The Alto Madness Orchestra,
“Risa’s Rose Garden,” 2006 release.
Odean Pope & The Saxophone Choir
Many R& B sessions including Patty LaBelle, and Lou Rawls