Gregg Holsey and Friends

Ronald Jackson's Smooth Jazz Gateway


Gregg Holsey--Can't Stop
This cool and airy CD, Can’t Stop, from bassist/vocalist Gregg Holsey has a suave, rather debonair R&B/smooth jazz swagger to it that instantly reminds one in spots of the good ol’ Earth, Wind & Fire years, especially when listening to track one, which is also the title track and bears an uncanny resemblance to EW&F’s “That’s the Way of the World.” Nice R&B phrasing and hook.

The entire CD is a very tasteful easy one. While there’s nothing exceptionally innovative or groundbreaking here, it’s an album you can easily display in your library as one that upholds the appeal of “smooth.” Tunes like “Just Cooling,” “Guitar Man,” and “Missing You” do a decent job of blurring the line between R&B and jazz while adding the sweet touch of memorable melodies with some sharp horn action. “The One” has an appealingly bouncy rhythmic groove to it. It could have been almost tropical if he’d gone with what appeared to be developing in the piece. Nonetheless, as a smooth mid-tempo jam with a nice feel, it works.

The one real stand-out observation about this album would be the competent blend of catchy melodies with that laid-back aura about it all. It’s what keeps you connected to the project and listening. Holsey definitely does his part to exclaim that the breath of life in smooth jazz is not exhausted by any means. Take this one on that coastal drive with the top down, and just bask in the glow of the sun and the draw of the smooth melodies that have always served as the signature for smooth jazz.


Posted by Ronald Jackson at 3:13 AM
- Ronald Jackson

Jazz is perhaps the most democratic of all musical genres. Even the greatest and most renowned musician understands that he or she is basically performing in a group of equals where all of the sidemen members are leaders in other bands. The best leader understands that the way to get the most out of those sidemen is to give them ample opportunity to create and shine. That must have been what Gregg Holsey was thinking as he recorded the pleasant sounding Can't Stop. Holsey is a bass player, and while he afforded himself numerous opportunities to solo on this disc, Holsey's smooth bass playing provides the rhythm for guitarists Stuart Scaggs and Kurt Alexander, as well as saxophonist Nick Stone, to create. At eight tracks, Can't Stop goes fast and the tunes - while not adventurous - are well crafted and varied enough in tempo to keep the listener's interest, making Can't Stop a solid piece of contemporary jazz.

Notable Tracks: Just Cooling, The One and This Feeling

Vocals: 2 stars
Music: 3 stars
Production: 3 stars

- Howard Dukes

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Distribution

From Detroit, to Asia and back, Greg Holsey is smoking hot with his Jazz
Award winning Bassist, Singer, Songwriter is Calle Music’s new family member

Chicago, IL, October 5, 2009 (CALLE MUSIC).- Masterful and sultry are only some of the adjectives that can best describe Greg Holsey’s Jazz interpretations when you become introduced to his work.


The award winning Musician, Singer, Songwriter and Producer began playing bass at an early age but by the time he was 18 he had played with many of Detroit’s local recording’s groups, expanding the richness of his art to countries like Canada, Japan and Thailand, among others, where he was recorded with fellow musicians.



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PRESS RELEASE – Greg Holsey is smoking hot with his jazz
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Greg Holsey, who is now the newest member of Calle Music’s artistic family is not only an awesome musician, but an amazing human being who shares his talents in with local Detroit autism organization, participating in benefit events for treatment centers, as well as with the same centers playing for the kids with autism.

Greg, who founded his own record label, Komaki Records, is now promoting his title single “Can't Stop” from his newest album which Jazz aficionados and music lovers alike will love. “Can’t Stop” and more of Greg Holsey’s jazz hits are available now. Purchase your copy by visiting Koch Records at www.kochentertainment.com; for Press & Media and your radio programming inquiries, please contact Calle Music at (312) 624-9722.

Additional artist information, High Resolution pictures and material is available upon request by calling Nelly Cervantes, Media & Public Relations at Calle Music at (312) 624-9723 or by e-mail at nellypressandmedia@callemusic.com.

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- Nelly Cervantes