Howard was born in Newport Beach, California in 1958. He began playing guitar at the age of ten after being inspired by recordings by Armstrong, Basie, and Goodman. He was soon playing professionally in Los Angeles, performing in a variety of jazz groups from mainstream to modern. Alden moved to Atlantic City in 1979 with Red Norvo. He continued performing with Red Norvo for many years. Alden’s talents as a soloist and as an accompanist were immediately recognized upon his 1982 move to New York City. His impressive list of credits includes appearances with Mel Powell, Flip Phillips (Benny Carter), Kenny Davern and Clark Terry, Dizzy Gillespie, George Van Eps, and notable contemporaries like Scott Hamilton and Ken Peplowski. Howard Alden is a Concord Jazz recording artist from the late ’80s. His prolific recorded output as a leader, co-leader and versatile sideman has made him an artist of unmatched virtuosity, originality, and versatility. Howard Alden’s long association with Concord Jazz was highlighted in 1991, when he recorded with George Van Eps, seven-string guitar legend, on the album Thirteen Strings. Alden started playing the seven-string guitar in 1992 as a result of his association with George Van Eps. The seven string guitar imparts a greater range and harmonic richness to Alden’s already colorful tonal palette, as evidenced on three remarkable follow-up albums with Van Eps, his critically acclaimed duo recordings with saxophonist/clarinetist Ken Peplowski, and the stunning interplay between Alden and special guest Frank Wess on Your Story – The Music of Bill Evans . Alden recorded a trio of guitars entitled The Concord Jazz Guitar Collective with Jimmy Bruno and Frank Vignola, which was immediately hailed by critics as “an instant classic!” Howard’s vast knowledge of jazz literature is evident in Howard’s 1996 Take Your Pick recording. It is amazing to see how Alden interprets jazz with new surprises throughout the disc. Alden, Bill Goodwin and Renee Rosnes, along with Renee Rosnes, bring excitement and thrills to every corner of the ten lesser-known gems and standard tunes. This duo recording was released in celebration of Concord’s 25th Anniversary. Full Circle collaborated with Jazz/ Concord, which featured Joe Pass and Herb Ellis. Howard can be heard in the soundtrack of the Woody Allen movie “Sweet and Lowdown” (1999). It stars Sean Penn. Penn was nominated for an Academy Award because of his role as a jazz guitarist from the 1930s. Howard played all of the guitar solos and also taught Penn how to play the guitar for the role. The London Observer had this to say about Alden’s new solo CD, My Shining Hour: “If there is such a thing, Alden is it.” Alden is a true virtuoso who can play a full CD of solo guitar with such ease. Howard was the guitarist (and musical director) for the all-star lineup that celebrated the 50th anniversary the Newport Jazz Festival. They toured 50 cities in the United States, as well as making an appearance at the Newport Festival. Howard was able to add his acoustic guitar voice and Hot Swing to Mark O’Connor’s violin during his 2005-2006 season. Howard Alden was named “Best Emerging Talent Guitar” in 1990’s JazzTimes critics poll. He also received “Talent Deserving Wider Recognition” in 1996, 1992, 1993, 1993, and 1995 Downbeat critics polls. Wayne Thompson, jazz critic, writes in Jazzscene that Howard Alden is one of the best young jazz guitarists in America. Howard’s loyal fan base is growing and Howard couldn’t be more pleased. from http://howardalden.com
