Howl Quartet takes inspiration from ‘Howl’, Allen Ginsberg’s seminal poem. The immediacy of the verse and intense conviction behind Ginsberg’s writing reflects the bands approach to composition and performance. The band is a dynamic, expressive outlet with an emphasis on storytelling through melodic composition and improvisation. Formed of old friends and collaborators, this co-led acoustic quartet emerged in 2017 through a passion for developing a collective sound. Inspired by artists such as Endangered Blood, The Bad Plus and Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band, there is an innate freedom and creative intensity to their music. 

Dan Smith and Pete Komor first met in Cardiff in 2010 whilst studying together at The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. By 2013 Harry Brunt had also enrolled at RWCMD and the three became firm friends and regular collaborators. By 2015 Dan, Pete & Harry had moved to London to enrol in further study (The Royal Academy of Music & Guildhall School of Music & Drama) and perform regularly. They soon met Matt Parkinson on the thriving scene and began playing regularly in a plethora of musical contexts. Originally seeking an opportunity to explore linear composition in the style of Warne Marsh and Lee Konitz, Harry brought Howl Quartet together in 2017. Soon however, the band began writing compositions inspired by folk, rock and contemporary rhythms and they began shaping a sound that is uniquely theirs. The years of friendship and performing have created an open and reflective environment that allows space for deep and thoughtful music to be created. As a group, Howl Quartet share their personal experiences in their compositions and portray life in a visceral and honest manner.

Having performed at the EFG London Jazz Festival and Vortex Jazz Club, Howl Quartet’s debut album Life As We See It was released in early 2021 with the support of the Help Musicians ‘Do It  Differently’ fund. Their second album, Airglow, is a refined statement by the band and was released on the 14th July 2023 to critical acclaim. Following their sold out album launch gig at Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho, their 7 date UK tour culminated in a headline show at The Elgar Room, Royal Albert Hall as part of EFG London Jazz Festival 2023. Howl Quartet are the grateful recipients of a Developmental Award through the Peter Whittingham Jazz Awards to support the release of their third album, set to be released in 2025. 

“‘Often Beguiling… an assured statement of identity from a band that has very much found its feet… It is very good’. ”
— Jazzwise

  • Harry Brunt

    Harry Brunt is a saxophonist & composer with a ferocious drive to express himself completely within sound. Described by John Harle as ‘a genuine original.. a composer with a complex and often haunting signature style’, Harry writes music that ranges from the visceral and exuberant to the calm and reflective. In addition to his work with Howl Quartet, Harry is a co-leader and arranger for Septology and runs his own quartet. He has worked with artists including: Jean Carne, Tom Seals, Tony Momrelle (Incognito), Casandra Jenkins, Tomorrow’s New Quartet & Nel Begley.

  • Pete Komor

    Bassist Pete Komor is not defined by genre, but by his commitment to and enthusiasm for a multitude of musical situations. A bass player with ‘a huge tone [and] a strong sense of melody’ (The Jazz Mann), Pete’s sense groove and lyricism is fundamental to Howl Quartet’s sound. Pete has worked with such renowned artists as Jason Rebello, Javier Zalba (Buena Vista Social Club), Nigel Price and Tom Ollendorff. His extensive performance credits include shows in Cuba, Switzerland and Europe.

  • Matt Parkinson

    Matt Parkinson is a drummer, percussionist and composer. He is known for his creative and musical approach, across a wide spectrum of groove-based styles. He has been fortunate enough to perform at many prestigious venues throughout the UK and beyond including Wembley Stadium, Buckingham Palace, The South Bank Centre, The Jazz Café, Pizza Express Jazz Club, 606 Club, and Vortex Jazz Club. His current creative projects include the co-led Howl Quartet and Aspyrian, and a forthcoming solo venture.

  • Dan Smith

    Dan Smith is a saxophonist, pianist and composer based in Hertfordshire. Initially inspired by the sounds of jazz musicians such as Charlie Parker, Stan Getz and Oscar Peterson, he has been performing and writing music since the age of 15. He is a collaborator and band leader in projects crossing a plethora of musical genres including working with Hannah Grace and leading Échappée Trio.