Jazz Violinist, Producer, Educator

Christian Howes (violin/viola/Octave Geige)

An Associate Professor at the Berklee College of Music, Christian Howes is widely regarded as one of the premiere young jazz violinists in the world.  Having worked with such wide ranging artists as Les Paul, Bill Evans, Greg Osby, Dafnis Prieto, and many more, his classical training and wide range as an improvisor prepares him to meet the needs of producers in a wide array of genres from classical, jazz, hip hop, pop, “world music”, and more.

The 2009 Downbeat Critics Poll ranked Howes at #2 under “Rising Stars/Violin”. This was his sixth time ranking in the poll. Said the Minneapolis Tribune, “Howes is arguably the most intriguing young violinist in Jazz”, and All About Jazz said, “As a jazz violinist, he has no peer”.

Christian tours with his own ensembles as well as co-led projects throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia.

Dana Leong (cello)

Photo by Mat Szwajkos

Electro-Jazz Cellist, trombonist, composer, & producer Dana Leong fuses hip-hop, jazz and electronics to create a signature boundless sound. Often referred to as a “hi-def Yo-Yo Ma,” Dana’s pioneering fusion of electronic music and ethereal jazz sensualities has garnered critical acclaim and wowed audiences worldwide. Getting his start in San Francisco playing in studio and stage orchestras for chart-topping artists including Barry White, Whitney Houston, Bjork, Ray Charles, Earth Wind & Fire and many more, Leong decided to relocate to New York City in search of something bigger.

Over a decade later, Leong has been involved as a performer, arranger, and composer/producer for dozens of top records and TV/film scores, and additionally owns and operates the popular New York Recording Studio, LIFE AFTER DARK STUDIOS, and has worked with Wynton Marsalis, Kanye West, Lil Kim, Yoko Ono, DJ Spooky, Beyonce, Paquito D’Rivera, Lila Downs, Christian McBride, and winners of American Idol.

www.danaleong.com

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Christopher Marion (violin/viola)

Christopher Marion  received intense study in classical, folk, and jazz violin since the age of 5. After attending  the Berklee College of Music he was recognized by his teacher, Christian Howes, as an exemplary student with exceptional skill level and work ethic. Says Howes, “Christopher has the full package. Not only does he possess all the qualities as a player and musician, i.e., as an exceptional arranger, technician, improviser, who is well-versed in many styles.  He is also very skilled in technical aspects of production. I trust Christopher with all aspects of production because I know he has the skill, maturity, and musicianship, and the deep commitment to excellence that we must maintain to serve our clients.”

If you want to know more about Christopher, visit his MySpace account here: www.myspace.com/christophermarion

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Catherine Bent (cello)

Catherine Bent has had an illustrious career as both a classical and non-classical performer, having toured with the likes of Cirque de Soleil, Joe Jackson, Greg Osby, and many others. She has a masters degree from the New England Conservatory of Music and maintains a busy schedule of activity between her two homes in Boston and NYC.

Visit Catherine’s website to learn more about her.

 

Charlie Van Kirk (Production Coordinator)

 

Charlie Van Kirk is the production coordinator for Christian Howes String Productions. Ambiguous job title? Maybe. Varied job description? Yes.

Charlie is in charge of cleaning up our logistical messes. He reminds clients that we are human beings and not automated string playing robots. While developing a career as an independent musician and producer, he is also our resident Pro Tools operator and copywriter.

You can find out more about him at: http://www.charlievankirkmusic.com