“Diverse, dynamic, and richly rewarding listen, Airglow is a great example of how jazz in the 21st century is well and truly alive and kicking. Howl Quartet are going places.”
“A remarkably well balanced unit, with the considerable individual talents of its members combining to create an even more impressive whole.”
“Often beguiling… an assured statement of identity from a band that has very much found its feet… It is very good”
Howl Quartet is an award winning UK based project whose dynamic, expressive music focuses heavily on storytelling through melodic composition and improvisation. Following the successes of their first two releases, Howl Quartet’s third album, Night Song, is set for release in 2025. Formed of old friends and collaborators, this co-led acoustic quartet emerged in 2017 through a passion for developing a collective sound. Taking inspiration from 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.
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 and has achieved over 103,000 streams on Spotify alone. Their second album, Airglow, was released on the 14th July 2023 to critical acclaim. According to UK Vibe, “The band combine a fiery, passionate energy with a thoughtful, intelligent wistfulness and the results are utterly compelling.’ Following their sold out album launch gig at PizzaExpress 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 studio third album. Night Song was recorded in April 2024 at Lightship 95 Studios and set to be released in 2025.
Howl Quartet ARE:
Dan Smith - Alto Saxophone
Harry Brunt - Tenor Saxophone
Pete Komor - Double Bass
Matt Parkinson - Drums
Night Song Press Information:
1. Tolls (UKWL72400020)
Composer: Pete Komor
Order of Soloists: Harry Brunt
Echoes the sombre resonance of tolling bells, reflecting on the emotional weight of choices and their inevitable consequences. With haunting melodies and intricate layers, the piece invites listeners to contemplate the cost of their journeys.
2. Night Song (UKWL72400021)
Composer: Dan Smith
Order of Soloists: Dan Smith, Harry Brunt & Matt Parkinson
Written to capture the night time state of being a new parent as described to Dan by his brother. A whole mixture of colours, emotions and thoughts.
3. Falling Man (UKWL72400022)
Composer: Harry Brunt
Order of Soloists: Harry Brunt & Pete Komor
Colin Branch served with 626 Squadron RAF and flew Lancasters. He survived the war, but died on 7 August 1945 when the aircraft he was travelling in crashed in the south of France on the way to Naples to pick up released British PoWs. He was 23. This piece of music was written in memory of Harry’s great uncle Colin.
4. Smallhope (UKWL72400023)
Composer: Harry Brunt
Order of Soloists: Matt Parkinson
Dedicated to a much loved family home of Harry’s grandparents in Compton Abdale. A place of happiness and warmth. The melody develops slowly throughout the piece, building in complexity amidst the backdrop of Matt’s drum solo.
5. Gwdihŵ (UKWL72400024)
Composer: Harry Brunt
Order of Soloists: Harry Brunt & Dan Smith
Written for the legendary and much missed arts and music venue of the same name in Cardiff where Harry, Dan & Pete frequented regularly during their time living in the city.
6. Embers (UKWL72400025)
Composer: Matt Parkinson
Order of Soloists: Pete Komor & Harry Brunt
Written to capture the calm stillness and introspection found in the glowing embers of a slowly burning fire, this piece evokes the transformative power of change and the promise of new beginnings rising from the ashes.
7. Renjo (UKWL72400026)
Composer: Pete Komor
Order of Soloists: Dan Smith
Captures the both beauty and harsh exposure of the high mountain pass in the Himalayas that it is named after. The piece mirrors the journey’s triumphs and trials against the backdrop of towering peaks.
8. Oku (UKWL72400027)
Composer: Harry Brunt
Soloists: Harry Brunt, Dan Smith, Pete Komor, Matt Parkinson
An interpretation of the Japanese concept of inwardness. This composition is a journey towards a quiet inner space. The intense opening theme leads to a free group improvisation with the restrictions of the composition slowly dropping away until only the saxophones are left in stillness.
9. Lanterns (UKWL72400028)
Composer: Dan Smith
Night Song Reprise
Contact Information
Please do reach out if you are interested in booking the band, or for any press and general enquiries.
howlquartet@gmail.com