Musician Profile

Band Info

John Howlett – Trombone and vocals – John has a fine pedigree in the jazz world and his career is marked with several notable achievements. His interest in jazz started via the big bands and he remembers listening to Ted Heath, on many occasions sitting alongside Dicky Valentine and Lita Rosa over half a century ago. He formed his own traditional band in the 50’s including Dick Morrisey on clarinet. By the early 60’s he joined the Clyde Valley Stompers then later into Germany playing with The Leathertown Jazz Band. He has toured with Albert Nicholas, Peanuts Holland Charlie Galbraith, Dick Charlesworth and Monty Sunshine amongst others and has a wide range of mentors from, Jim Robinson to Vic Dickenson but names Abe Lincoln as his favourite. Then for twenty five years he dropped out of the jazz scene, due to work commitments. He took up his trombone again in 1993, and is now recognised as one of the best on the British jazz circuit. Until recently he was the regular trombone player with the Sussex Jazz Kings before joining The Great Northern Jazz Band.