Douglas Howard
A bit about myself: I hold a B.A. in Journalism and a minor in Spanish from Indiana University-Bloomington. For the past decade, I’ve worked as a journalist in magazines and in newspapers both in the United States and in Europe. I’m back at school in a technical communication program to add technical writing to my repertoire.
Music is one of the main loves of my life, and I’ve been fortunate to interview some of the leading lights in the world of jazz. Some of those luminaries include composer/pianist Carla Bley, composer/bassist Steve Swallow and jazz-rock guitarists Larry Coryell and Al DiMeola. Others range from more traditional blues musicians like John Mayall and Robben Ford to avant garde artists, such as Norwegian guitarist/composer Terje Rypdal and the late multi-instrumentalist Dewey Redman.
As a newspaper reporter, I've covered court cases ranging from allegations of theft by civil employees to a 31-year old murder case. Some of the brighter moments have come from writing human interest stories, such as an energetic retiree who fashioned a working automobile mainly from native hardwoods to a family business that makes maple syrup -- the old fashioned way.
The how's and why's are the parameters that interest me the most when learning something new, and I don’t think I’m alone. For anyone too embarrassed to ask – that’s where I come in.
Latest Articles
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Making a Beeswax Finish for Wooden Furniture
Beeswax is a time tested natural base ingredient for furniture finish. Beeswax finishes are easy to make and to apply and give lasting protection to indoor woodwork.
Sep 23, 2009
- Douglas Howard
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Easy to Make Latin Percussion Instruments
These two instruments, the rhythm sticks or claves and the cowbell, feature prominently in Afro Carribean music. They can be made in minutes at home.
Sep 23, 2009
- Douglas Howard
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Making a Pipe Recorder
A pipe recorder can be made from commonly available materials and tools. With some patience and persistence, a fine quality instrument can be made and enjoyed.
Sep 23, 2009
- Douglas Howard
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Easy to Make Hand Percussion Instruments
These two instruments, the rhythm sticks or claves and the cowbell, feature prominently in Afro Carribean music. They can be made in minutes at home.
Sep 16, 2009
- Douglas Howard
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How to Change Humbucking Guitar Pickup Magnets
Changing humbucking guitar magnets is a relatively cheap and easy way to replace a failing magnet, to ensure the proper polarity for a split coil hum cancelling effect.
Sep 16, 2009
- Douglas Howard
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Orchestrating With the Clave
With some careful thought, AfroCuban rhythms that use clave patterns are a great way to liven up a familiar tune.
Sep 15, 2009
- Douglas Howard
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Making a Washtub Bass
The low thump of the washtub bass is often associated with jug bands, but it can be used in many genres to good effect. It can be made easily with a few common materials.
Sep 14, 2009
- Douglas Howard
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Making a Coffee Can Cuica
The cuica is a Brazilian instrument whose honks, hoots, and howls can be heard on many recordings. It can be made at home in minutes using just a few common items.
Sep 8, 2009
- Douglas Howard
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The Tumbao and the Clave: Partners in Rhythm
In Afro Cuban music, fundamental as it is, clave is only part of the equation. The clave is often partnered with an alternating pitch pattern known as a tumbao.
Aug 28, 2009
- Douglas Howard
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Understanding the Clave
Learning the function of the clave, a variation of the Spanish word for "key", is indeed key to understanding all AfroCuban derived music.
Aug 25, 2009
- Douglas Howard
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