Paul Leroy "Ox Blood" Howard (September 20, 1895 – February 18, 1980) was an American jazz saxophonist and clarinetist.

Early life

Howard was born in Steubenville, Ohio on September 20, 1895. He began on cornet, and also played oboe, bassoon, flute, and piano, but concentrated on tenor sax.

Later life and career

After moving to Los Angeles in 1911, he got early professional experience with Wood Wilson's Syncopators in 1916, Satchel McVea's Howdy Band, and Harry Southard's Black and Tan Band. Howard played in the bands of both King Oliver and Jelly Roll Morton when they toured California. He first recorded with the Quality Four in 1922-23, then played with Sonny Clay in 1925 before forming his own group, the Quality Serenaders, later that year. Among his sidemen were Lionel Hampton and Lawrence Brown (trombone). They played at Sebastian's Cotton Club from 1927 to 1929 and recorded for Victor Records before disbanding in 1930, when Les Hite picked up some of the members. Howard subsequently played with Ed Garland, Freddie Washington, Hampton again in 1935, Eddie Barefield (1936–37), Charlie Echols, and his own ensembles, including one that held a residence at Virginia's in Los Angeles from 1939 to 1953. He played throughout the 1950s. He died in Los Angeles on February 18, 1980.

Recording sessions

Howard's band participated in only 6 recording sessions: April 16, 1929, Hollywood 50830-1-2 Overnight Blues - Victor rejected 50831-1-2-3 Quality Shout - Victor rejected April 28, 1929, Culver City 50868-1 The Ramble - Victor V-38068 and Bluebird B-5804 50869-2 Moonlight Blues - Victor V-38068 50870-2 Charlie's Idea - Victor V-38070 and Victor 22001 April 29, 1929, Culver City 50830-4 Overnight Blues - Victor V-38070 and Victor 22001 50831-5 Quality Shout - Victor V-38122 50877-1 Stuff - Victor V-38122 and Bluebird B-5804 October 21, 1929, Culver City 54477-1-2 Harlem - Victor rejected 54478-1-2 Cuttin' Up - Victor rejected February 3, 1930, Culver City 54477-3 Harlem - Victor 23354 54478-3 Cuttin' Up - Victor 23420 54585-1 New Kinda Blues - Victor 22660 54586-2 California Swing - Victor 23354 June 25, 1930, Hollywood 54847-3 Burma Girl - Victor rejected (released on a Victor LPM-10117 LP) 54848-1 Gettin' Ready Blues - Victor 23420 Source: