Born and raised in the Bay Area of Northern California, Elé Salif Howell officially began his drumming career at the tender age of two, with the gifting of his first drum set. Elé studied piano and composition with Art Khu, and played in after school Oaktown Jazz Workshops. He continued his music studies at NYU, where he met drum master Lenny White, forming a close apprenticeship that was decidedly old school. Elé credits his inspiration and influence from a variety of teachers, including his father, Richard Howell whom he has recorded several albums with (notably with Richard Howell and Sudden Changes), as well as Babatunde Lea, E.W. Wainwright, Khalil Shaheed, Larry Van, James Henry, Jack Dorsey, Sly Randolph and Angela Wellman.
At six years old, Elé first met Chief Adjuah (FKA Christian Scott) at Yoshi’s in Oakland, Ca, where he sat in with the band. Today, Elé is on tour with Chief Adjuah, with upcoming shows across the world.
The Coltrane name has always been a part of Elé’s musical journey, and that remains relevant today, as he joins Ravi Coltrane, son of jazz legend and saxophonist, John Coltrane, band.
“On a jazz scene brimming with exceptionally gifted young drummers, Elé Salif Howell is rapidly earning a spot in the crowded top tier. A conspicuously talented accompanist before he reached his teens, the San Francisco native has thrived since moving to New York City in 2016, forging deep creative connections with leading contemporaries, mid-career masters, and revered veterans.”
-Andrew Gilbert
“He’s a fabulous musician,” Coltrane says. “Just an excellent drummer who plays with a lot of heart and intensity. I love the way he rides the cymbal and plays the bass drum. You can hear a lot of the great modern drummers influencing him, and older players need to be around young players who have their unique insights and takes on music.”
