The Beginning
Steve Howlett is probably better known as an internationally exhibited sculptor and wood turner with work in the V&A, Sainsbury Centre and National Museum of Wales. He began playing guitar late in life, age 27, and, as with most things in his life, is self-taught. Influences are really too many to mention here and range to, “just about everything I’ve heard in my life".
Through the '80s & '90s he played in many jazz and rock outfits in west Wales and on numerous occassions with the late Nik Turner’s Fantastic All Stars during the noughties. In 2005 he performed with the legendary Damo Suzuki (improviser and former vocalist with the influential German band Can) where he also met and played alongside Maggie Nichols for the first time. He formed Dynamite Dream with Maggie Nichols in 2006 and then formed the improvising trio Triosh 2009 - 2011. After a break from music due to family health problems, in 2019 he joined the acoustic heavy rock quartet Kubris, and now plays in the jazz quartets, Frantasmagoria and Zagnut as well as Triosh3.
With Maggie Nichols
"A little acknowledgement of the importance of Maggie Nichols to my musical development as she gave me the opportunity and encouragement to explore free improvisation which has been essential in the formation and philosophy behind Triosh.” - Steve Howlett
Dynamite Dream
"After performing and recording a cd (unpublished) as a duo, we added bass and percussion in the shape of Glenda Pescado and Sam Christie in order to play at the 2006 Fishguard Jazz Festival. Ajijo replaced Glenda on bass for the rest of Dynamite Dream's existence. The band folded in 2007."
Triosh the First
with Geoff James & Sam Christie
2009 saw the formation of Triosh with Sam Christie on percussion and Geoff James on alto and tenor sax. Sam and I met through Maggie Nichols and I'd played with Geoff at various jam sessions. The first Triosh was formed to give a performance, alongside an exhibition of my art, to raise funds for Sesiwn Fawr at Tŷ Siamas in Dolgellau, North Wales. We played no other gigs but did record the Sesiwn Fawr Appeal gig. "My first attempt at creating an improvising trio."
Triosh the Second
with Niall Ross & Gary Foote
"I met Niall Ross and Gary Foote in 2008 at a monthly jazz jam in Oswestry which, coincidentally, was organised by Barry "Bazzmatron" Edwards (more of whom later). So, in 2011, I asked if they wanted to be the new Triosh. Both are incredible musicians and hugely creative, they were so exciting to play with and stretched me out of my comfort zone on many occassions.
Sadly, we didn't play many gigs but one in Oswestry was caught on a rather lo-fi video and another was recorded on a mini-disc. Both on music & video plus some rehearsal tapes.
Unfortunately, just at this time, my wife became increasingly ill and my energies had to be focused elsewhere."
Triosh3
with Niall Ross & Barry "Bazmatron" Edwards
And so to the present...
"2022 - Niall and I agreed the time was right to resurrect Triosh but we needed a drummer, who should turn up in May 2023? Barry "Bazzmatron" Edwards! Three old friends having great creative fun together. Love, respect and improvisation. What more could you want? The future beckons..."
