myspace.com/joelholmestrio

“African Skies” is the electric sophomore release from jazz piano prodigy Joel Holmes.  Mr. Holmes has been lighting up the Eastern United States for years and has recently been touring the world with Grammy-nominee Nnenna Freelon.  Somewhere in between touring and earning his jazz performance degree from the Peabody Conservatory of Music at John Hopkins, Mr. Holmes managed to create ten of the most inspirational songs you are likely to hear this year.

The album opens with the dynamic title track.  The hot Latin rhythms are distinct and the saxophone interpretations of the world-renowned Gary Thomas is breath taking.  The interplay between Cuban percussion phenomenon Melena and Mr. Thomas is as rich as it is haunting.  Likewise, Mr. Holmes’s piano solo is riveting.  He takes the original melodic theme and takes the listener on a roller coaster ride as the passion of this band explodes.  This is an unforgettable song.

Jetting to another continent entirely, Mr. Holmes makes expert use of the Emerald East String Quartet on “Chinese Fishing Song”.  The confident string play in this song in particular is refreshing and beautifully compliments Mr. Holmes’s mature-beyond-his-years piano work.  The refreshing string textures continue in “Fatima” but Gary Thomas steals the show with expressive, thoughtful flute solos throughout.  The arrangement and dynamic tempos on “Fatima” shows striking maturity from a young composer only 25 years of age.

Joel Holmes is the right artist that has created the right album at the right time.  ”African Skies” is a plush adventure of styles, genres and cultures.  From the African continent to Cuba to the Far East…from contemporary jazz to fusion to R&B Joel Holmes takes his listeners on a global sonic journey that is not to be missed.

Hello to you all. I just wanted to let you know about a concert that I am having this Friday Night October17th. The Concert will be held at Jazzway6004

 The Joel Holmes Quartet with special guests Gary Thomas and Steve Williams! - Friday, October 17, 2008 at 8:00 PM and 10pm show

One Night Only!!!

Start Time:	Friday, October 17, 2008 at 8:00pm
End Time:	Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 12:00am
Location:	Jazzway 6004
Street:	6004 Hollins Ave
City/Town:	Baltimore, MD
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-Joel Holmes
http://www.reverbnation.com/joelholmes
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An die Musik LIVE!
A Classical, Jazz & World Music Concert Venue
409 N. Charles Street, Baltimore MD  21201
www.AndieMusikLIVE.com
(410) 385-2638