Howard James got an early start in music. Born and raised in NYC, he started flute at age 7, trumpet at age 9, trombone at age 13, keyboards at age 14. He played in numerous rock and jazz bands.

Howard listened to and was inspired by: Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Sony Terry, Browny McGee, Errol Garner, McCoy Tyner, Bucky Pitzorelli, Bill Evans, Nat King Cole... Beatles, Cream, Hendrix, King Crimson, John McGlaughlin, Julian Bream, Isaac Pearlman, Vladmere Horowitz, Pablo Casals, Tchaikowski, Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Stravinsky, and many many more.

Improvisation is the life-blood of Howard's musical expression.

Composing and improvisation for dance film art - Howard James is a musical reservoir of texture, color, and rhythmic ideas. His improvisation with theater and dance is inspiring to the performers and audience alike.

"I love working with choreography, theater, or film to create just the right amount of color and energy for what needs to be expressed. " - Howard

The following video clips are of improvisation and informal rehearsal.

	Rosa Yuki - This clip came from the first meeting of Rosa Yuki and myself in Kyoto. Rosa is a Butoh teacher and performer. I love what she is doing with my music and story of Heart of a Princess. She is like a child suspended from the sky.
	Niu 1 - Niu dances with The Patravadi Theater in Bangkok. When we met, she needed music and help with her choreography for a dance performance in China. Niu 2 - The story here is about a traditional Thai girl who is looking out to the west with wonderment. She takes the leap outward but is not accepted back into her culture in the same way.
requires Quicktime

Prices on musical projects and performances are arranged on an individual basis.