Guitarist, Vocalist, Songwriter, Producer, Band Leader, Educator James Howard is dedicated to the art and craft of making great music. Whether it be rock, blues, jazz, Latin/Spanish, or acoustic singer-songwriter, James consistently delivers a great performance.

Born in the San Francisco Bay Area, James was first inspired at an early age by the pop and rock music he heard on the radio. Later on James searched out the roots of this music in blues, Jazz, folk and R&B and he explored those styles. At the age of 15 he played his first gig as a professional guitarist at a bar in Clearlake California. The bandleader glued a fake moustache onto James’ upper lip, adding a few years to his look.

Throughout The 1980’s James toured and recorded with a string of rock bands honing his style and developing his sound. In the 90’s he fronted his own band, culminating in the 1998 release of “electric rain” on Laughing Man Records. Electric Rain received some great reviews comparing James and his music to Jimi Hendrix, Cream, The Beatles, Stevie Ray Vaughn, John Lennon, and Danny Gatton among others. James continued to tour with his four piece band wowing audiences with a dynamic and powerful live show.

After this period of serious dedication to his work, James took a break from performing and retreated to Mt Shasta where he had a profound mystical experience infusing him with fresh inspiration and a newfound authenticity. Upon re-settling in Seattle Washington, James released the CD “Mayan Mystery” in 2003, a compilation of live and studio tracks from the “Electric Rain” period. James is currently in the studio recording tracks for a new CD entitled, “Celebrate Life” scheduled for release in December of 2008. “Celebrate Life” will have a good dose of the passionate electric guitar style that James is known for with the addition of more steel string acoustic rhythms and nylon string Latin flavors. Come check out The James Howard Band at Hwy 99 Blues Club on Oct 23. 8:30PM and look for a CD release party before the end of the year.