Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

October 17, 1958 in Newport Beach, CA

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Howard Alden is a renowned jazz guitarist and banjo player who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on October 17, 1958, in Newport Beach, California, Alden grew up in a musical family. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. Alden started playing the guitar at the age of ten and was soon drawn to jazz music. Alden's early influences included jazz guitarists like Charlie Christian, Django Reinhardt, and Wes Montgomery. He also listened to recordings of jazz greats like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie. Alden's talent was evident from a young age, and he began performing in local clubs and festivals while still in high school. After graduating from high school, Alden moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. He quickly established himself as a sought-after session musician and began playing with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Benny Carter, Dizzy Gillespie, and Lionel Hampton. Alden's reputation as a skilled and versatile musician grew, and he soon became a fixture on the jazz scene. In the early 1980s, Alden moved to New York City, where he continued to perform and record with some of the most prominent jazz musicians of the time. He also began to explore other genres of music, including classical and folk music. Alden's interest in classical music led him to study with renowned classical guitarist Sharon Isbin, and he soon began incorporating classical techniques into his jazz playing. Alden's unique style and virtuosity on the guitar and banjo have earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards. In 1987, he was named "Best Emerging Talent" by Guitar Player magazine, and in 1990, he won the "Guitarist of the Year" award from the Jazz Journalists Association. Alden has also been nominated for several Grammy Awards and has won praise from fellow musicians and critics alike. One of Alden's most notable performances was his appearance in the 1991 film "The Sweet and Lowdown," directed by Woody Allen. In the film, Alden played the role of Emmet Ray, a fictional jazz guitarist who idolizes Django Reinhardt. Alden's performance in the film was widely praised, and he was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for his portrayal of Ray. Alden has also performed at some of the world's most prestigious jazz festivals, including the Newport Jazz Festival, the Montreux Jazz Festival, and the North Sea Jazz Festival. He has recorded over 30 albums as a leader and has collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including pianist Dick Hyman, saxophonist Scott Hamilton, and violinist Regina Carter. In addition to his work as a performer, Alden is also a respected educator and has taught at several universities and music schools. He has also written instructional books and recorded instructional videos for aspiring guitarists. Despite his success and acclaim, Alden remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform and record, always striving to push the boundaries of his art and explore new musical territory. Alden's contributions to the world of classical music have been significant, and his influence on the jazz guitar world is undeniable. He is truly a master of his craft and a true icon of classical music.

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