Paul Howard (musician)

Paul Leroy "Ox Blood" Howard (September 20, 1895, Steubenville, Ohio - February 18, 1980, Los Angeles) was an American jazz saxophonist and clarinetist.

Howard began on cornet, and also played oboe, bassoon, flute, and piano, but concentrated on tenor sax. After moving to Los Angeles in 1911, he got early professional experience with Wood Wilson's Syncopators in 1916, Satchel McVea's Howdy Band, and Harry Southard's Black and Tan Band. Howard played in the bands of both King Oliver and Jelly Roll Morton when they toured California. He first recorded with the Quality Four in 1922-23, then played with Sonny Clay in 1925 before forming his own group, the Quality Serenaders, later that year. Among his sidemen were Lionel Hampton (playing drums) and Lawrence Brown. They played at Sebastian's Cotton Club from 1927 to 1929 and recorded for Victor Records before disbanding in 1930, when Les Hite picked up some of the members. Howard subsequently played with Ed Garland, Freddie Washington, Lionel Hampton again in 1935, Eddie Barefield (1936-37), Charlie Echols, and his own ensembles, including one that held a residence at Virginia's in Los Angeles from 1939 to 1953.

References

• Scott Yanow, Paul Howard at All Music Guide