"Although alto saxophonist Noah Howard never quite managed to garner the reputation that several of his more well-known playing partners did, to those 'in the know', he was every bit as essential and extraordinary as Archie Shepp and Albert Ayler. A player and composer of direct and emotionally charged music, Howard's career saw him bear witness to some of the most tumultuous periods in jazz, giving voice to the cry for freedom – both musical and political – that characterised the late 1960s and beyond.

It was in April 1974 that Howard cut the 'Live at the Swing Club' in Turin, for Calumet Records. The session features Howard alongside Michael Smith on piano, Noel McGhie on drums and Bob Reid on bass. This was a very busy period for Howard, and he cut a series of albums for a variety of labels including 'Live in Europe' (featuring a epic version of Trane's 'Olé'), 'Berlin Concert', 'Red Star' (featuring bebop legend Kenny Clarke), and 'Schizophrenic Blues'." - Tony Higgins