James Charles Howard is a virtuoso lead guitarist, soulful vocalist, and acoustic singer-songwriter poet .

A San Francisco Bay Area native with more than 40 years on stage, Mr. James draws inspiration from legends like Jimi Hendrix, Santana, SRV, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, and Van Halen. Howard fuses traditional blues with psychedelic roots rock—seasoned with touches of Latin and jazz—to create a sound that’s uniquely his own. His accolades speak volumes:

* Winner, Washington Blues Society Finals and competitor at the International Blues Challenge, Memphis, TN.  — 2015 & 2023.

*Winner, 2012 Best Blues Guitarist — Lee Ritenour’s Six String Theory Global Guitar Competition, Hartford Conneticut & Flat Head Lake, Montana.

* Semi-finalist, Jimi Hendrix Electric Guitar Competition- San Francisco, 1996

What critics are saying:

“What Howard can do with a guitar is remarkable… sweet and brilliant… deep in the well when it comes to guitar wizardry & creativity.” — Delta Snake Daily Blues

“A Jimi Hendrix on guitar with John Lennon’s voice and vision… a songwriter with great depth.” — Rock and Blues News Magazine

“Guitarist extraordinaire… a breathtaking exhibition… simply awesome.” — Music Connection Magazine.

James Charles Howard is a master musician at the height of his powers—intimate, immersive, and breathtaking.