Today we’d like to introduce you to Ted Howe.
Hi Ted, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Boston, MA to play and write music! When I was a toddler, my parents noticed that when they played music, I reacted quickly to it and crawled over to the record player, beating my hands and feet on the floor for as long as the music played. They loved it, for each time they wanted some privacy, or if I was pitching a childlish fit, they would pick me up, and deposit me in front of the blaring Farnsworth, a 78rpm record player, changer, and radio, that resembled a bedroom bureau.
As I grew older, my interest in music was further enhanced when my Dad bought an amplifier, microphone, turntable and speakers, which he hung from the ceiling of our rumpus room in the basement of our home. He also built a good-sized dance floor. He would spin Sinatra, Bennett, Satchmo, The 4 Lads and his very favorite, The Mills Brothers. To top it off, he would sing along with his beloved microphone, 1950’s Karaoke.
My Dad had laid the groundwork and opened my ears to music even more as I got older. By the time I hit my teens, I was studying piano and knew that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. My Uncle also entered the picture. A huge jazz fan, he began taking me to jazz concerts and jazz clubs in Boston where I grew up. Getting to see and hear so many jazz icons live was the experience of a lifetime.
I played in jazz bands all through high school, served in the US Army as a pianist for two years, returned to Boston after my discharge and began playing in bands in Boston and all over New England. I also joined the faculty of the famed Berklee College Of Music before I was 25.
I became bandleader at The Surf Supper Club in Boston where I worked with many top entertainers of the day, Sammy Davis, Jr., Chubby Checker, Marilyn Maye, Bobby Rydell and Frankie Avalon, to name a few.
I moved my family to Atlanta, GA where I continued to perform with many well-known artists, Henry Mancini, Mel Torme, Steve Allen, Gladys Knight, in nightclubs, performance centers, and with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. I was also the featured pianist for three seasons on the CBS television series, In The Heat Of The Night, which was filmed outside of Atlanta…
I’ve spent over 50 years performing, arranging and producing all kinds of music. I currently live in Los Angeles and score my first film, Stevie D, starring Chris Cordone, Hal Linden, and Torrey DeVitto. I still love to perform and play with some of the finest musicians in the world: Bassists, John Patitucci, Tom Kennedy, and Chris Colangelo, Drummers: Dave Weckl, Joe LaBarbera, and Paul Kreibich, to name a few.
I also still teach and truly love teaching and helping people find their way through the world of jazz… I’ve had some very talented students including: Jazz Vocalist Lizz Wright, Jazz pianist Sam Yahel, Indian vocalist, Reewa Rathod, and Grammy Award-winning Producer, Matt Serletic. I am currently working with Flying Lotus, electronic musician, Beat Maker, Composer, Keyboardist and Grammy Award-winning Producer.
What got me here today is a combination of a supporting family, doing something I truly love, always trying to learn more, listening to those who know more than I and just plain hard work coupled with a positive attitude.
I just turned 80 and have no intentions of retiring or slowing down any time in the near future. There’s so much more to do, and as long as this body is still functioning, I will keep on making beautiful music the best I can!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Pretty smooth, but the 60’s and 70’s presented the most challenges as music was advancing so fast in so many genres. You had to keep with everything or you became obsolete very quickly. In my case, I managed to hang in there as I loved how music was changing, especially electronic keyboards, computers, etc… I loved playing them, still do.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a Jazz Pianist, Arranger, Composer, Producer and Educator. My main specialty is arranging and producing projects for musicians and vocalists. I am known for my ability to create exciting and innovative arrangements that showcase an artists’ talents and give them the freedom to be as creative as they wish.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I have a passion for vintage Lincoln’s. I guess I got this interest from working in my Dad’s gas station and auto repair shop when I was in high school. I’ve restored a couple, my 1962 Continental 4 door convertible won the Edsel Ford Trophy in 1993 at the Lincoln Continental Owners Club Meet. I currently drive a 1988 original condition Lincoln Town Car.
Pricing:
- Private Jazz Piano Lessons online $85 per hour.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://www.tedhowe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tedhowemusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TedHoweMusic/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ted_HoweMusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXH2cejeLSXeKHlne6QnE0A?view_as=subscriber
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/tedhowemusic
