Edmonton-born Owen Howard started playing the drums at 15, and pursued jazz studies in his city's Grant Macewan College. During his studies, the musician honed his skills by supporting major jazz acts when they came to town. The year 1988 was pivotal in the young drummer's career, with a summer spent at the Banff Centre of Fine Arts studying under John Abercrombie or Dave Holland, and a move to New York City to attend the city's New School. As a leader, Howard released Sojourn (1993), Pentagon (1997), Days Before and After (2004) with Andrew Rathburn as co-leader, and Time Cycles (2006).