Howard Fishman

Howard Fishman's compositions draw upon an eclectic array of styles spanning New Orleans swing traditions through to obscure pop forms. Originating from Hartford, Connecticut, his initial professional path involved acting, directing, and writing plays. At Vassar College, his academic focus centered on Eugene O'Neill's writings. He later acquired guitar skills independently. This led him, driven by enthusiasm for popular and folk genres, to relocate to New Orleans during 1994, where his distinctive musical approach took shape amid collaborations with figures such as Kermit Ruffins and Corey Harris. By 1997 he had returned to New York and established the Howard Fishman Quartet, taking on vocal and guitar duties alongside Jonathan Flaugher on double bass, Russell Farhang handling violin, and Erik Jekabson on trumpet. The innovative ensemble gained increasing recognition, embarking on a European tour during the summer of 2000 while regularly appearing at prominent New York performance spaces.

His second recording, I Like You a Lot, appeared at the start of 2001. The following year saw the release of Do What I Want, marking a shift from jazz roots toward rock influences. This trajectory persisted across subsequent releases such as Look at All This! in 2005 and Howard Fishman Quartet, Vol. 2 in 2006. The Basement Tapes came out in 2007, documenting his group's interpretations of repertoire from Bob Dylan and the Band during a performance at Joe's Pub in New York City. Multiple projects emerged in 2010, among them the minimalist World Will Be Different arranged for string quartet and the energetic Better Get Right incorporating New Orleans brass band elements. After visiting Romania in 2011, he issued No Further Instructions, containing a series of songs reflecting that journey.