Dimitri Howald

A Swiss guitarist and one-man producer whose album Southern Return weaves contemporary jazz, psychedelia and Brazilian and ambient colours into a wistful, deeply personal journey.

Dimitri Howald is one of the most exciting guitarists in Switzerland and an active member of the European jazz scene, performing at leading festivals and venues including Cully Jazz Festival, Jazzwerkstatt Bern, Sarajevo Jazz Fest, Jazzdor Strasbourg and the Vortex Jazz Club. On his album "Southern Return," a follow-up to his 2022 trio release "Hidden Tracks," he took on the three-year feat of writing, recording and producing a twelve-track album almost entirely on his own, playing guitars, vocals, bass, organ, synths, drums and drum machines. The result is a colourful tapestry of sounds, textures and melodies that draws on contemporary jazz, new wave, psychedelia, Brazilian and ambient music, leading the listener on a wistful journey through vast landscapes where forests yield to palm trees and waves. With his fluid guitar playing in the spotlight, vivid modern harmony, warm sung melodies, thick analogue synth textures and intimate acoustic guitars craft a subtle sense of melancholy and longing, showcasing his deeply personal and pioneering creative spirit.

Releases

Southern Return

Dimitri Howald