Howe Gelb

The Profile

American singer‑songwriter and guitarist based in Tucson, Arizona, Howe Gelb is the longtime leader of Giant Sand and a prolific solo artist since the 1980s. His work blends Americana, desert rock, folk, and jazz touches, and includes collaborations tied to Calexico, OP8, Rainer, and The Band of Blacky Ranchette.

Pioneer of the Tucson desert rock aesthetic and leader of Giant Sand; extensive solo catalog since 1983. ’Sno Angel Like You features Ottawa’s Voices of Praise choir. Future Standards presents original, jazz‑tinged “standards” recorded in Amsterdam, New York, and Tucson. The Howe Gelb Piano Trio (Gelb, Thoger T. Lund, Andrew Collberg) anchors Future Standards. Collaborations and associations include Rainer, Calexico, OP8, The Friends of Dean Martinez, and The Band of Blacky Ranchette.

DeBaser’s reviews paint Howe Gelb as a Tucson-rooted songwriter and Giant Sand linchpin who helped define the desert rock aesthetic. They spotlight lo‑fi folk (Hisser), gospel-warmed Americana (’Sno Angel Like You), and late‑night piano standards (Future Standards). The vibe is warm, intimate, and slightly psychedelic, with jazz and blues dusted through the mix.