In an age where there is much dividing us, music has the ability to unite. That's the way Howie sees his newest album, Northern Roots Southern Soul. It also reflects who he is as a person and an artist with a passion for both people and music.

Born and raised in upstate New York to a family where there was always music in the home, Howie early on dabbled in sound and rhythm. Feeling his way on a Baldwin organ his mom bought for his piano lessons, to "borrowing" his brother's harmonica and Framus guitar, Howie pretty much learned how to make music.

It was after a stint in the U.S. Army, and the ensuing unemployment checks that afforded Howie the means and the time to buy an acoustic guitar, that he became serious about being a musician. James Taylor and Joni Mitchel albums were some of Howie's early teachers, and soon he was playing clubs in the Hudson Valley's rich music scene.

While in the Dutchess Community College Big Band (under Director Roger Thorpe), Howie was invited to play in a gigging union band. Thus began the love of ensemble playing, but after a number of bands came and went Howie realized the necessity of performing solo. Someone once said of Howie, "Man, you know so many songs! Indeed, that was one of his strengths and facilitated his ability to make a modest living at music.

Putting many musical styles together into something uniquely his own, Howie's music can best be described as "ecclectic". "I still love the band dynamic, which is what I wanted for Northern Roots Southern Soul. But I love just making music on whatever instruments fit the mood", says Howie.

When Howie plays live, you might find him playing his Gibson 335 or Fender Stratocaster on blues, folk/rock or jazz. Or you may find him outdoors with his LoPrinzi or Washburn acoustic setting up loops and accompanying himself on Native American flute. In the latter settings you will often see his wife, Debbie, lending her talent on rain stick, tambourine, shakers and chimes.

"I'm really excited about this new album, I feel it is a unifying project linking "north and south", various races, genders and backgrounds. Plus, it's just plain fun", Howie explains.

Howie goes on: "The only two northerners on the album are Debbie and me. Everyone else is from the Jackson, Mississippi area." He says, "On the album is a killer rhythm section, dynamite background vocals, a knock out horn section and congas and a world class set of ears on my producer and engineer."

Sounds like Howie is pretty pleased with the outcome of Northern Roots Southern Soul. Give it a listen. We think you'll love it, too. Since you are reading this, you must be a music lover as well, so please be aware that each purchase of Howie's merchandise and albums, and by spreading the word about Howie and his music, helps keep him going.

Thank you in advance for being such a great supporting member of Howie's community.