Biography
Scott Earl Holman was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He moved to Miami, Florida in 1972 to attend the University of Miami. He left to study jazz piano with Wally Cirillo, who recorded with Charles Mingus and studied under John Cage. [1]
Charles Mingus Jr. was an American jazz double bassist, pianist, composer and bandleader. A major proponent of collective improvisation, he is considered to be one of the greatest jazz musicians and composers in history, with a career spanning three decades and collaborations with other jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Dannie Richmond, and Herbie Hancock.
John Milton Cage Jr. was an American composer, music theorist, artist, and philosopher. A pioneer of indeterminacy in music, electroacoustic music, and non-standard use of musical instruments, Cage was one of the leading figures of the post-war avant-garde. Critics have lauded him as one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. He was also instrumental in the development of modern dance, mostly through his association with choreographer Merce Cunningham, who was also Cage's romantic partner for most of their lives.
Holman had his big debut as the house trio in "Hemmingways." "Hemmingways" boasted acts like Buddy Rich, Earl Hines, Lionel Hampton, and Fred Cole. Between 1972 and 1990, Holman performed at all of the major venues in South Florida. [1] In 1985, he released his first album, Through Kathleen's Eyes, under his own record label, BEKA Records. His second album, Language of the Heart, was released in 1988, while Holman was performing at the Doral Hotel on Miami Beach. [1]
Bernard "Buddy" Rich was an American jazz drummer and bandleader. He is considered one of the most influential drummers of all time and was known for his virtuoso technique, power, and speed. He performed with Tommy Dorsey, Harry James and Count Basie, and led a big band.
Earl Kenneth Hines, universally known as Earl "Fatha" Hines, was an American jazz pianist and bandleader. He was one of the most influential figures in the development of jazz piano and, according to one major source, is "one of a small number of pianists whose playing shaped the history of jazz".
Lionel Leo Hampton was an American jazz vibraphonist, pianist, percussionist, and bandleader. Hampton worked with jazz musicians from Teddy Wilson, Benny Goodman, and Buddy Rich to Charlie Parker, Charles Mingus, and Quincy Jones. In 1992, he was inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, and was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1996.
Holman moved to Chicago in 1990 where he was featured live in several performances with Richie Cole on Larry Smith's WBEZ Jazz Party (91.5 fm). He founded the jazz programs at: Chambers, Chicago Blue Note (Beale St. Blues Cafe), Frankie's Blue Room, Tony's Paisons, Delaney & Murphy's, and Regina's. He gained recognition while running jazz programs in various Chicago clubs, playing with jazz artists including Ira Sullivan, Von Freeman, Lin Halliday, Eric Alexander, and Paul Wertico. [1]
Ira Sullivan is a jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist, flautist, saxophonist, and composer born in Washington, D.C.. An active musician since the 1950s, he worked often with Red Rodney and Lin Halliday.
Earle Lavon "Von" Freeman Sr. was an American hard bop jazz tenor saxophonist.
Lin Halliday was an American saxophonist.
While at the Chicago Blue Note, Holman’s trio opened for such artists as Maynard Fergusen, Maria Muldaur, Leon Russell, and G.E. Smith. In 1997, Holman recorded and released Don't Wake the Kids with Pawel Jarzebski and Rusty Jones on Southport Records. His 2007 Crumblehead Records re-release of Don't Wake the Kids received more acclaim, particularly internationally. His recordings also feature Ira Sullivan, Larry Coryell, Paul Wertico and many other notable jazz luminaries. His 2012 release "Ode" with Ira Sullivan donates 100% profits to the homeless. Chicago Tribune jazz critic Howard Reich ranked "He Will Be Immanuel" with Ira Sullivan alongside Wynton Marsellis's Christmas release as one of the seven best of Christmas 2013. His recording "Song for Ai Wei Wei " with Larry Coryell, is a tribute to the free speech activist and artist who is under house arrest in China. It was released in 2014. [1]
Maria Muldaur is an American folk and blues singer who was part of the American folk music revival in the early 1960s. She recorded the 1973 hit song "Midnight at the Oasis" and continues to record albums in the folk traditions.
Leon Russell was an American musician and songwriter who was involved with numerous bestselling pop music records during his 60-year career. His genres included pop, country, rock, folk, gospel, bluegrass, rhythm and blues, folk rock, blues rock, surf, standards, and Tulsa Sound.
