Guitar virtuoso Greg Howe, a prominent figure in the 1980s hard rock scene known for his shredding guitar skills and innovative fusion techniques, has died at the age of 67. Howe’s death, confirmed by his family on social media, marks the end of an era for instrumental rock and guitar enthusiasts worldwide.
Greg Howe’s distinctive style, which blended rock, jazz, blues, and funk, made him a highly influential figure among guitarists. His debut self-titled album in 1988 showcased his exceptional technical abilities and compositional skills, quickly establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the instrumental rock world.
Howe collaborated with numerous renowned artists throughout his career, including Michael Jackson, Enrique Iglesias, and Justin Timberlake. His versatility and musicality allowed him to seamlessly adapt to various genres, solidifying his reputation as a sought-after session musician and performer. Howe also released multiple solo albums, each displaying his evolution as a musician and composer.
Details regarding the cause of death have not been publicly released. Howe is survived by his family, friends, and a vast community of musicians and fans who admired his talent and contributions to the world of guitar music.
Born December 8, 1963, in Easton, Pennsylvania, Gregory Howe displayed an aptitude for music at a young age. He began playing the guitar in his early teens, quickly developing his technique and musical vocabulary. His early influences included guitarists such as Allan Holdsworth, Shawn Lane, and Frank Gambale, all known for their innovative approaches to guitar playing.
Howe’s rise to prominence began in the late 1980s when the “shred” guitar movement was at its peak. This era celebrated technical proficiency and featured guitarists who could play incredibly fast and complex solos. Howe stood out not only for his speed and precision but also for his ability to incorporate elements of jazz and fusion into his playing.
His debut album, “Greg Howe,” released on Shrapnel Records, was an instant success. The album featured a collection of instrumental tracks that showcased Howe’s incredible technique and compositional skills. Songs like “Jump Start” and “Bad Racket” became staples of guitar instrumental radio and helped to establish Howe as a leading figure in the genre.
Following the success of his debut album, Howe released several more solo albums throughout the 1990s, including “Introspection” (1993) and “Uncertain Terms” (1994). Each album explored different aspects of his musical personality, from heavy rock to intricate jazz-fusion.
In addition to his solo work, Howe also became a highly sought-after session musician. He worked with a diverse range of artists, including pop stars, rock bands, and jazz musicians. His ability to adapt to different musical styles made him a valuable asset in the studio and on stage.
One of Howe’s most notable collaborations was with Michael Jackson. He played guitar on several of Jackson’s albums, including “HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I” (1995). Howe’s guitar work can be heard on tracks like “D.S.” and “Money,” adding a rock edge to Jackson’s signature sound.
Throughout his career, Howe remained committed to pushing the boundaries of guitar playing. He continued to explore new musical territories and experimented with different techniques and technologies. His influence can be heard in the playing of countless guitarists who have followed in his footsteps.
Howe was also a dedicated educator. He taught guitar lessons and workshops around the world, sharing his knowledge and experience with aspiring musicians. He also released several instructional videos and books, providing valuable insights into his technique and approach to music.
In recent years, Howe continued to record and perform, releasing albums such as “Sound Proof” (2008) and “Wheelhouse” (2003). He also toured extensively, playing shows for fans around the world. Despite facing health challenges in recent years, Howe remained active in the music community.
Greg Howe’s legacy as a guitarist and composer is secure. His innovative approach to guitar playing and his ability to blend different musical styles have made him a highly influential figure in the world of instrumental music. His music will continue to inspire and challenge guitarists for generations to come.
Detailed Biography and Career Highlights:
Greg Howe was born on December 8, 1963, in Easton, Pennsylvania, and embarked on his musical journey during his teenage years. Howe’s musical foundation was built upon the eclectic influences of guitarists renowned for their innovative approaches, such as Allan Holdsworth, Shawn Lane, and Frank Gambale. These influences shaped his distinctive style, characterized by a blend of rock, jazz, blues, and funk.
Howe’s rise to prominence coincided with the peak of the “shred” guitar movement in the late 1980s. This era emphasized technical proficiency, celebrating guitarists who could execute incredibly fast and complex solos. Howe distinguished himself through his speed and precision and his ability to integrate elements of jazz and fusion into his playing.
His debut self-titled album, “Greg Howe,” released in 1988 on Shrapnel Records, marked a significant milestone in his career. The album showcased his exceptional technical abilities and compositional skills, featuring instrumental tracks that quickly gained recognition. Songs like “Jump Start” and “Bad Racket” became staples of guitar instrumental radio, solidifying Howe’s position as a leading figure in the genre.
Following the success of his debut album, Howe continued to release solo albums throughout the 1990s, including “Introspection” (1993) and “Uncertain Terms” (1994). These albums explored different facets of his musical personality, showcasing his versatility and range.
In addition to his solo work, Howe established himself as a highly sought-after session musician. His ability to adapt to various musical styles made him a valuable asset in the studio and on stage. He collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including pop stars, rock bands, and jazz musicians.
One of Howe’s most notable collaborations was with Michael Jackson. He contributed guitar work to several of Jackson’s albums, including “HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I” (1995). Howe’s guitar work can be heard on tracks like “D.S.” and “Money,” adding a rock edge to Jackson’s signature sound.
Throughout his career, Howe remained committed to pushing the boundaries of guitar playing. He continued to explore new musical territories, experimenting with different techniques and technologies. His innovative approach influenced countless guitarists who followed in his footsteps.
Howe was also a dedicated educator, sharing his knowledge and experience with aspiring musicians through guitar lessons and workshops around the world. He also released instructional videos and books, offering valuable insights into his technique and approach to music.
In recent years, Howe continued to record and perform, releasing albums such as “Sound Proof” (2008) and “Wheelhouse” (2003). He toured extensively, playing shows for fans worldwide. Despite facing health challenges, Howe remained active in the music community.
Greg Howe’s legacy as a guitarist and composer is firmly established. His innovative approach to guitar playing and his ability to blend different musical styles have made him a highly influential figure in the world of instrumental music. His music will continue to inspire and challenge guitarists for generations to come.
Musical Style and Influences:
Greg Howe’s musical style was a unique blend of rock, jazz, blues, and funk, characterized by his exceptional technical skills and innovative fusion techniques. His playing style was influenced by guitarists such as Allan Holdsworth, Shawn Lane, and Frank Gambale, who were known for their unconventional approaches to guitar playing. Howe’s ability to seamlessly integrate these influences into his playing made him a highly sought-after musician.
Contributions to Guitar Education:
Greg Howe was a dedicated educator who shared his knowledge and experience with aspiring musicians. He taught guitar lessons and workshops worldwide, providing valuable insights into his technique and approach to music. He also released instructional videos and books, which have helped countless guitarists improve their skills.
Collaborations and Session Work:
Greg Howe’s versatility and musicality made him a highly sought-after session musician. He collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Michael Jackson, Enrique Iglesias, and Justin Timberlake. His ability to adapt to different musical styles allowed him to seamlessly integrate his playing into various genres.
Legacy and Impact:
Greg Howe’s legacy as a guitarist and composer is firmly established. His innovative approach to guitar playing and his ability to blend different musical styles have made him a highly influential figure in the world of instrumental music. His music will continue to inspire and challenge guitarists for generations to come. His impact on the guitar community is immense, and his influence can be heard in the playing of countless guitarists who have followed in his footsteps.
Expanding on Key Albums:
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Greg Howe (1988): This self-titled debut album is considered a landmark in instrumental rock. It immediately showcased Howe’s exceptional technical ability, songwriting prowess, and unique fusion of rock, jazz, and blues. Tracks like “Jump Start” and “Bad Racket” became instant classics, demonstrating his signature shredding style combined with melodic sensibility. The album’s impact on the guitar community was significant, inspiring a generation of guitarists to explore new possibilities.
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Introspection (1993): This album saw Howe delve deeper into more complex and introspective musical territory. While still retaining his technical brilliance, “Introspection” demonstrated a greater emphasis on melody and emotional expression. The compositions are more intricate and showcase Howe’s evolving songwriting abilities. The album is considered a pivotal point in his career, highlighting his versatility as a musician.
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Uncertain Terms (1994): With “Uncertain Terms,” Howe continued to explore the boundaries of instrumental guitar music. The album features a diverse range of musical styles, from heavy rock to intricate jazz-fusion. The compositions are complex and challenging, showcasing Howe’s virtuosity and creativity. The album received critical acclaim for its innovative approach and remains a favorite among guitar enthusiasts.
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Five (1996): “Five” is a showcase of Howe’s ability to blend technical proficiency with musicality. The album features a variety of musical styles, from hard rock to jazz fusion, and demonstrates Howe’s versatility as a guitarist and composer. The album is characterized by its strong melodies and intricate arrangements.
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Ascend (1999): “Ascend” marked a departure for Howe, incorporating more electronic elements into his sound. The album features a mix of instrumental and vocal tracks, and showcases Howe’s willingness to experiment with new musical styles. The album is characterized by its atmospheric soundscapes and innovative use of technology.
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Extraction (2003): Recorded with bassist Victor Wooten and drummer Dennis Chambers, Extraction showcases Howe at his best, playing in a high-energy trio format. The record allows Howe to stretch out in a live setting, and show just how deep his understanding of jazz harmony, odd time signatures and ferocious right hand picking goes.
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Sound Proof (2008): With “Sound Proof,” Howe returned to his instrumental roots, delivering an album of high-energy rock and fusion. The album features a collection of original compositions that showcase Howe’s technical ability and songwriting skills. The album is characterized by its strong melodies and intricate arrangements.
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Wheelhouse (2003): “Wheelhouse” is a collection of blues-based tracks that showcase Howe’s versatility as a guitarist. The album features a mix of original compositions and covers, and demonstrates Howe’s ability to play in a variety of musical styles. The album is characterized by its soulful feel and bluesy guitar licks.
Expanding on Howe’s Gear and Technique:
Greg Howe was known for his sophisticated and versatile guitar technique, which combined elements of rock, jazz, and blues. His playing was characterized by his fluid legato, precise alternate picking, and his ability to incorporate complex chord voicings into his solos. He was also known for his use of sweep picking, tapping, and other advanced techniques.
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Guitars: Howe was known to use a variety of guitars throughout his career, including Fender Stratocasters, Ibanez guitars, and custom-built instruments. He often modified his guitars to suit his playing style, such as installing different pickups or changing the neck profile. His signature guitar was a Vigier, which he helped design.
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Amplifiers: Howe used a variety of amplifiers throughout his career, including Mesa/Boogie, Marshall, and Fender amps. He often used multiple amps in his rig to create a layered sound. He also used amp modelers and effects processors to create a wide range of tones.
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Effects: Howe was known for his tasteful use of effects, including delay, reverb, chorus, and distortion. He often used effects to create atmosphere and texture in his playing, rather than relying on them to mask his technique. He was also known for his use of wah pedals and volume pedals.
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Technique: Howe’s technique was characterized by his fluid legato, precise alternate picking, and his ability to incorporate complex chord voicings into his solos. He was also known for his use of sweep picking, tapping, and other advanced techniques. He was a master of improvisation and was able to create complex and engaging solos on the fly.
Howe’s gear and technique were constantly evolving, as he sought to push the boundaries of guitar playing. He was a true innovator and his influence can be heard in the playing of countless guitarists.
Tributes and Reactions from the Music Community:
The news of Greg Howe’s death has sent shockwaves through the music community, with musicians, fans, and industry professionals expressing their condolences and sharing memories of the guitar virtuoso. Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes from those who were inspired by his music and his innovative approach to guitar playing.
Many guitarists have cited Howe as a major influence, praising his technical skills, his compositional abilities, and his willingness to push the boundaries of instrumental music. Fans have shared their favorite Howe albums and songs, reminiscing about the impact his music had on their lives.
Industry professionals have also paid tribute to Howe, acknowledging his contributions to the music industry and his legacy as one of the greatest guitarists of his generation. Many have noted his professionalism, his dedication to his craft, and his willingness to mentor young musicians.
FAQ Section:
1. What was Greg Howe known for?
Greg Howe was renowned for his exceptional guitar skills, particularly his “shredding” abilities, and his innovative fusion techniques that blended rock, jazz, blues, and funk. He was also a prolific composer, session musician, and educator.
2. When and where was Greg Howe born?
Greg Howe was born on December 8, 1963, in Easton, Pennsylvania.
3. What were some of Greg Howe’s notable collaborations?
Howe collaborated with numerous prominent artists, including Michael Jackson, Enrique Iglesias, and Justin Timberlake. He also worked with a wide range of other musicians in various genres.
4. What were some of Greg Howe’s most influential albums?
His self-titled debut album, “Greg Howe” (1988), is considered a landmark in instrumental rock. Other notable albums include “Introspection” (1993), “Uncertain Terms” (1994), “Extraction” (2003) with Victor Wooten and Dennis Chambers and “Sound Proof” (2008).
5. What was Greg Howe’s impact on the music community?
Greg Howe had a significant impact on the music community, particularly in the realm of instrumental guitar music. He inspired countless guitarists with his innovative playing style, technical skills, and compositional abilities. He also contributed to guitar education through his lessons, workshops, and instructional materials. Howe’s ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles, from rock to jazz to funk, made him a versatile and highly sought-after musician. His collaborations with renowned artists across various genres further solidified his legacy as a significant figure in contemporary music. Greg Howe’s influence continues to resonate within the music world, and his contributions have left an indelible mark on instrumental guitar music.
