A followup to his 2022 trio release ‘Hidden Tracks’, Howald’s new record saw him take on the mammoth three year feat of writing, recording and producing a 12 track album almost entirely on his own. 

Featuring the guitarist on guitars, vocals, bass, organ, synths, drums and drum machines, the result is a colorful tapestry of sounds, textures and melodies united by Howald’s expressive creative voice.

Drawing on contemporary jazz, new wave, psychedelia, Brazilian and ambient music, ‘Southern Return’ leads the listener along a curious, wistful journey through vast landscapes of where forests yield to palm trees and waves. 

With Howald’s effortlessly fluid guitar playing in the spotlight, vivid modern harmony, warm sung melodies, thick analog synth textures and intimate plucked acoustic guitars craft a subtle sense of melancholy and longing. From the Ted Green-esq solo jazz guitar meanderings of Blurred Intro, to the ominous foley soundscapes of Delude, to the upbeat groove and modern Brazilian sound of Serafin, Southern Return showcases Howald’s striving, deeply personal and pioneering creative spirit in its fullest form.

An active member of the European jazz scene, Howald’s multi-faceted career has seen him perform at leading festivals and venues around the continent including Cully Jazz Festival, Jazzwerkstatt Bern, Sarajevo Jazz Fest, Jazzdor Strasbourg and the Vortex Jazz Club alongside the likes of Django Bates’ Humanchain, Euroradio Jazz Orchestra, This is Pan, Swiss Jazz Orchestra, Ohad Talmor, Bass Drum People and more.