"...house trio of veteran Chicago talent that would be the envy of any jazz club in the country. ....Holman's solid piano techinique served as the glue that masterfully held the various elements together. The trio opened the evening with an impressive set of it's own that gave a more prominent role to Holman, who was spotlighted in a latin romp rendition of Chick Corea's "Steps" and an exquisitely rendered version of "Emily",a la Bill Evans."
"With a house rythm section comprising pianist Scott Earl Holman, drummer Rusty Jones, and bassist Brian Sandstrom, its not difficult to understand why listeners have been turning out. Each is a first rate player in his own right: together , they swing effortlessly, accompanying a different guest each week." ..... HOWARD REICH - CHICAGO TRIBUNE
another occasion "..no doubt inspired by Holmans' deeply melodic pianism, Jones' genteel brushwork, and Sandstroms'penchant for unexpected chord changes." .... HOWARD REICH - CHICAGO TRIBUNE
on another ocaasion ....
"With Scott Earl Holman improvising rhapsodically on the piano, Rusty Jones inventing fascinating counter rythms on the drums and Nick Tountas providing a warm yet firm foundation on bass this quartet acquitted itself handsomely."
'Faith And Works' review
Augsburger Allgemeine, Jazz Podium, Jazzzeitung Der Pianist Scott Earl Holman lebt nach zwanzig Jahren in Miami seit 1990 in Chicago, trägt als Musiker und Organisator einen guten Teil zur dortigen Szene bei. Mit seiner ersten Studio-CD seit der hochgelobten kürzlich wieder veröffentlichten 1997er Scheibe „Don’t Wake The Kids“ bleibt er den leisen Tönen treu. Gemeinsam mit Larry Gray am Bass und Paul Wertico am Schlagzeug zelebriert Holman auf „Faith And Works“ komunikativen Pianotrio-Jazz der Extraklasse, berührend, menschlich, verletzlich und in sehr persönlichem Statement der Beteiligten. Nur knapp über drei Stunden waren die drei im Studio, ohne Proben, ohne Absprachen, ohne Vorproduktion, allein im Vertrauen auf die intuitive Kraft gegenseitigen Zuhörens. Die Feststellung „This is jazz for the next century“ ist keineswegs überheblich – allein die tiefe Authentizität der Musik wischt jeden diesbezüglichen Verdacht sacht beiseite – sondern von der hoffentlich berechtigten Überzeugung getragen, dass Zeit der Marktschreier nicht mehr lange währen kann. Tobias Böcker for Jazz Podium, Germany
The following is an english translation using free online translator the original german article is below the english.
Dr.Tobias Böcker : jazz platform, jazz newspaper
The pianist Scott Earl Holman has lived since 1990 in Chicago after twenty years in Miami, carries a good part to the scene there as a musician and organizer. With its first studio CD since the highly praised 1997 again published recently disc "Don't Wake The kids" is faithful to the quiet tones. Jointly, Larry Gray at the bass and Paul Wertico at the percussion celebrated with Holman on "Faith And communication piano trio jazz pursuing a higher cause", touching, humanly, vulnerable and in a very personal statement of the participant. Only slightly over three hours that the three were in the studio, without samples, without arrangements, without any preproduction, however in the confidence on the intuitive power of mutual listening. The determination "This is jazz for the next century" is carried in no way presumptuously – the deep authenticity of the music wipes every suspicion relating to this aside – of the hopefully justified conviction that time of the Marktschreier can no longer long währen. Tobias Böcker for jazz platform, Germany
Thoughtful and ambitious. A challenging conception, successfully excecuted. A commendable variety of textures and rhythms. A record review, and airplay across several programmes of radio One's Jazz Junction.
DON ’T WAKE THE KIDS
apr - may - june 2008 | cadence | 205
... nice piano trio record..... pianist Scott Earl Holman restlessly
probing melodies..... quiet,
funky elegance,intelligent playing .
Scott Earl Holman - "Don't Wake The Kids"
Die Vorstellung, diese Musik würde live und ganz leise irgendwo im Wohnzimmer gespielt, während ein Stockwerk drüber die Kinder schlafen, hat was. Und tatsächlich, hier muss man nicht die Lautstärke am CD-Player unnötig aufdrehen: die Eigenkompositionen des in Chicago lebenden Mannes aus Pittsburgh, PA wirken auch, wenn sie ganz leise erklingen.
Scott Earl Holman - "Don't Wake The Kids"
Denn Pianist und Komponist Scott Earl Holman versteht sich – hier gemeinsam mit dem ausgezeichneten Bassisten Pawel Jarzebski und dem filigran aufspielenden Drummer Rusty Jones – darauf, durch kleine Nuancen atmosphärischen Wandel hervorzurufen. Ob es sich dabei um Triostücke oder Pianosolo-Ausflüge wie "The Thought" handelt, stets ist klar: Holman ist ein Meister der kleinen, feinen Töne. Einer, der zart verwobene Geschichten erzählt, weiß, was er zu sagen hat und doch niemals die Stimme erheben muss. Die natürliche Autorität macht es aus – sozusagen.
Holman lebte knapp zwanzig Jahre in Miami und schrieb für die wöchentliche Children's Show "Arthur and Company" die Musik. Es kommt also ganz und gar nicht von ungefähr, dass "Don't Wake The Kids" mit diesem Coverbild Kinder magisch anziehen dürfte und der Bezug zu den jungen, kleinen Menschen gegeben ist. Dieses Album ist ein herausragendes, feinsinniges Werk.
Carina Prange
..... evoking atmospheric change through small shades. Whether it concerns trio pieces or solo piano- excursions like "The Thought", it's always clear: Holman is a master of the small, fine tones. One that delicately interweaves stories knows, what it has to say and yet must never raise the voice. The natural authority makes it speak. This album is an exceptional, subtle work. Carina Prange
"If your idea of jazz heaven is 'Now He Sings and Now He Sobs' or 60's Herbie Hancock , Scott Earl Holman will guide you to the pearly gates.Fronting a classic piano trio for his latest release ,'Don't Wake the Kids', with Pawel Jarzebski on bass and Rusty Jones on drums, Holman has put together a fresh and refreshing collection of music that is dedicated to God. Don't expect a dusty old collection of hymns ,however. Selections like the haunting "the Lord's Cause" is reflective, somber and meditative in a way that will draw you into the inner sanctum of music. "The Thought" displays Holman's glassy and glistening touch on the piano, with ruminating chords that are a perfect mix of spontaneity and structure. The band works as a cohesive whole featuring clever usage of dissonance as a tempting accent instead of an overwhelming full meal. All of the titles are origionals with "Marching In His Band" being an excellent display of creative output, gently mixing Bill Evans-like harmonics with gentle military rythms. This music puts truth behind the wisdom for all things that have breath to praise the Lord. If you feel overwhelmed by the shallowness of most music, 'Don't Wake the Kids' will get you in a mood to reflect on the value of focusing on the Almighty.
Scott Earl Holman is a fine modern jazz pianist, there is hardly a night that passes without his presence somewhere in the Chicago club scene. He is always "out there" playing into the heart of someone. On this ambitious release Scott abandons the club date repertoire and concentrates on all original music, a very courageous move that makes things difficult in the world of commercial jazz airplay but elevates him to the ranks of serious musician that play and compose equally well. To paraphrase Duke, there is no musician more serious than a jazz musician. Scott's compositions are strong and all have something to say—a little story to tell. There is a great subtly here, excellent use of the tools of music: expression, dynamics and most of all, a personal identity. I played this CD for three days continuously to hear the real Scott Holman! Joining Scott is the razor sharp rhythm team of bassist, Pawel Jarzebski and drummer, Rusty Jones. Not only are these guys great players, the trio plays as one. This is modern music, with all hands on deck contributing to the lyricism of the tunes, while covering their traditional roles. As always, the Southport Baldwin concert grand is majestic here, an overall fine recording engineered by Joanie Pallatto. There are fine liner notes too, by Larry Smith. Despite the title, we need to wake the kids ... and everyone else too; it's time to listen to Scott Earl Holman!—MV
LARRY SMITH , FAMED CHICAGO JAZZ DJ(WBEZ 91.5) wrote ... Actually, this powerful work of art could be called a tone poem, a jazz mass, or an Ode to God. Pianist-Composer Scott Earl Holman has given us strong, thought provoking, subtle, origional compositions based on the concept of " Don't wake the kids." Performing with dramatic tension of time and space of Ahmad Jamal, coupled with the strength and provocative ideas of Mcoy Tyner and voicings that tend to rival Bill Evans, Holman displays great melodic invention from start to finish. The session begins with the haunting "The Lord's Cause." The next selection features the nimble thump of bass master Pawel Jarzebski. Holman's solo on "the Thought" demonstrates the meticulous performer he is and that his command of the piano forte ranks among the best. "Marching in His Band" is introduced by drum wizard Rusty Jones. His skillful work on the snare drum will surely make you smile. "waiting to See" is an unusual piece. It is a nine-bar composition with a melody stated three times, and allows for no solos. This is followed by an even more unusual piece called " The Smile." It affords bassman Jarzebski a real opportunity to stretch out , to be heard to advantage, or maybe to be discovered.It is a two measure tune. Scott Earl Holman is an insightful artist. He has chosen two brilliant musicians who are sympathetic to his cause in this worthy undertaking. Rusty Jones and Pawel Jarzebski perform with great power and precision and are able to compliment anyone's rhythm section. While you are sitting in your living room enjoying this magnificent work of art, be sure to keep the volume low; that way you not wake the kids.
Pianist Scott (Earl) Holman knows that in jazz an intuitive sense of composition can direct seemingly wondrous moments of spontaneity. Thats evident on his impressive trio disc from last year...."
"the music is filled with complex structures and poetic dissonances, but never crosses the line into innaccessability.In short it's beautiful, elegant jazz that fits as easily into private moments as it does into the nightclub format."
"..Holman seems to be after the delicate balance between exploration and restraint that won (Miles) Davis both critical raves and a sizable audience."
...using modern-jazz voicings , Holman created interest and tension on these spacious and often lyrical compositions; because of their lowkey nature you listen all the more closely."
'DONT WAKE THE KIDS'
A successful musical letter.
This one is an album with a theme, touching on his spirituality or as the liner notes indicate, the album could be a tone poem, a jazz mass, or an Ode to God. Hearing Holman perform his own material is a dramatic shift from playing covers, as he gets to branch off with a bit more freedom as he expresses himself on territory unknown. There's a lot of openness and space in his playing, one definitely hears the delicate touches of Ahmad Jamal and McCoy Tyner. He brings on the blues with "His Children Dance", and one can almost picture an open field with kids just grooving to his playing and life itself. The trio is different for this recording, as he features Rusty Jones on drums and Pawel Jarzebski on bass. There is a lot of power shared between the three, as they communicate with each other to create this masterpiece, but Holman also speaks to a higher power, which is very evident in "The Face Of God". Again, while I'm not religious, you can sense the feeling and warmth of the piece, and I would love to see this song covered by other musicians on their instrument of choice, just to be able to continue the dialogue, if you will. You almost can feel Holman lifting his hands away from the piano after the final note, as if to say "thank you".
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Media name: Barry O'Sullivan
Company name: BLU FM 89.1
Date: 2007-07-21
Feedback: This music is just plain beautiful! I was so pleasantly surprised by this album, with its haunting gentle melodies ,superb musicanship and composition that I have featured several tracks from it on my national jazz program which is broadcast weekly across Australia via the Community Radio Network to over 120 stations. I loved the piano of Scott Earl Holman and the subtle techniques that he and the percussion player (Rusty Jones) employ throughout the album."Noble One " is a favourite as is "The Smile" but I love the whole album, each and every track! I will continue to feature tracks from this little gem forever on the program. Thank you for this beautiful gift. It definitely won't wake the kids. Barry O'Sullivan Producer/Presenter of "A Jazz Hour"
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Ilan Oz
Radio Judaica , Brussels.......
June 24, 2007
Re: Dont Wake the Kids
I am now listening again, for the third time. I find this album OUTSTANDING!
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Alex Pijnen
BRTO Radio , Netherlands.......
Fantastic Album. Great stuff for our Radio Station
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Pascal Dorban
Radio ARA , Luxembourg ......
Beautiful original melodies are displayed by pianist Scott Earl Holman both in solo or trio. This well inspired musician has created a spiritual atmosphere which is perfectly well rendered in this recording. ...Pascal Dorban 'Jazz.com' programme Radio ARA, Luxembourg
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Media name: schroeder
Company name: CHCR Canadian Homegrown Community Radio
Date: 2007-10-12
Feedback: Hmm.... As a jazz pianist myself, I can appreciate this cd very much. Its originality is out-the-roof. Scott is top-notch and world-class, maybe even in a class by himself. .... I can appreciate this and listen to it a lot. I personally love it.
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Tony Wickham
Company name: Radio Maldwyn
Date: 2007-10-06 12:29:35
Feedback: I love the cover pic (!) and I love the music too. I appreciate the linking theme for the tracks, and have now played several on "Jazz World" TONY WICKHAM RADIO MALDWYN, UK
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Media name: Ken Irwin
Company name: WMUA
Date: 2007-08-27
"Don't Wake The Kids" was added to WMUA'a playlist in July and will remain in the new music rotation until October when it will be added to our permanent jazz library. Ken Irwin Jazz Music Director - WMUA
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Media name: Carlos Mantilla
Company name: Universidad Industrial de Santander
Date: 2007-08-13
Feedback: Without seeking to say that it is a conceptual album "don't wake the kids" maintains thematic unit. Averagely, this album could be heard same that a mass but in jazz time. The music played by Scott Earl Holman's trio, suggests much of the gender cool tendency. It also supposes dramatism, an excellent handling of the time and of the space and great melodic invention around the topics that compose the disk. It is interesting to appreciate as it intertwines and develops almost consequently and we can to read it in the way that Holman seems to suggest it: "The Lord's causes is to Noble One and His Children it dances at the thought of marching in his band waiting to see the smile on the face of God." Carlos Mantilla JAZZ CLUB 96.9 FM Bucaramanga, Colombia
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Media name: D. Oscar Groomes
Company name: O's Place Jazz Magazine
Date: 2007-08-
Feedback: Scott Earl Holman - Don’t Wake The Kids " This is a large trio led by pianist and writer Holman. Pawel Jarzebski (b) and Rusty Jones (d) combine notes with Scott to produce a larger than expected sound. Pawel leads the way into "Noble One" with an excellent solo. We liked the cool pace of "His Children Dance". "The Thought" is one of two solos that are calm and thought provoking. They contrast with the upbeat and eclectic sounds of "The Smile". The sound is excellent, enhancing a good performance. -- D. Oscar Groomes O's Place Jazz Newsletter Naperville, IL
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Media name: Robert Lochmann
Company name: Radio X (Frankfurt), DJ Jazzmadass
Date: 2007-08-09
Feedback: Thanks for this beautiful, funny and highly recommendable album. I presented it in my recent radioshow and here is the playlist.....
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Media name: George Witham
Company name: Wawatay Native Communications
Date: 2007-07-23
Feedback: Very dark, mellow and warm. Yet lively, positive and refreshing. ME LIKES ! I love the way the stand-up bass was captured. Perfect!..... I love working out to this stuff too man. I have this on our radio station playing in the morning 5-9 AM and after hours. THanks George Witham Wawatay Radio Timmins, Ontario
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Media name: Jacques Emond
Company name: Jazzart Productions
Date: 2007-07-21
Feedback: I had never heard of Scott Earl Holman before. I found his new CD very nice, very soulfull with many musical surprises. I've already played the CD on my radio show and will certainly play it again often. Good job by all. I also think that the name Scott Earl Holman is a name to remember. Jacques Emond CKCU-FM
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Media name: Claude Colpaert
Company name: Radio Campus
Date: 2007-06-28
Feedback: "noble one" by scott earl holman on the air in my program "jazz à l'âme", radio campus north of france (www.campuslille.com)tuesday 19th around 7 pm. all the best, claude colpaert.
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Media name: perrichon jacques
Company name: RADIO PLURIEL 91.5
Date: 2007-06-27
Feedback: Scott Earl Holman bonjour, thank you for such a nice album I really enjoyed. I already added it to my WJAZ broadcast playlist on RADIO PLURIEL 91.5FM in France, plus worldwide INTERNET via our web site, http://www.radiopluriel.fr You can see my last 25/06/07 broadcast playlist on the WJAZ blog also: http://wjaz.musicblog.fr/ Kind regards, Jacques Perrichon for WJAZ.
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Live At Delaney & Murphy's (Crumblehead) was recorded two years ago and makes a fine release two years later. It features Holman on piano, plus Larry Gray on bass and Robert Shy, and is an intimate recording of the trio, so intimate that at times you hear more of the crowd than the actual movie. Is it bootleg quality? Not really, or in this case it's not rough. Everything is mic'd fairly well so you get to hear them play some pretty intense material, such as Miles Davis' "Nardis", Johnny Mandel's "Emily", and the Paul Desmond composition "Take Five", as made famous by Dave Brubeck. It's intimate because you do feel as if you're right in the club, concentrating on the music and everyone else is talking to each other or grabbing for drinks at the bar. I would have preferred something that reduced the audience at least a bit, but the great thing about it is that you do get to hear what goes on in the room. Gray has a way of playing the bass that just makes the room feel a lot bigger, and of coruse when Holman plays the piano, it's just brilliance of a higher level. These guys are just on the money throughout the performance, and the crowd knows this by applauding accordingly.
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'Live @ Delaney & Murphy's'
Strap On Whenver It Seems Advisable.
Scott Earl Holman is not just a Chicago treasure, not just a jazz treasure, he and his colleagues Gray and Shy are what you find at the end of the music rainbow. A sensational live disk. I hate it when music like this is pigeonholed as "traditional" jazz, as though only guys who sleep with their old George Shearing/Shelley Manne/Ray Brown vinyl will find it of interest. Listen to the sinister spin they give to "Take Five." Thought you enough versions of "Polkadots and Moonbeams"? This one will make you cry. Miles Davis might have gotten clean if he knew "Nardis" would get this kind of treatment. The ensemble playing: Virtuosity without any of the look-at-me showiness that can mar a trio with three such distinctive voices. A final note on the mix: Beautiful separation between the instruments -- Holman and Gray never get in the way of one another's melodicism. And Shy is always right there -- just right there -- where you want him. This is vital music that you have to grab when you have a chance.