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.

African Skies

African Skies 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.

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.

More Artist & Album Information

Album Information:
Artist: Joel Holmes
Album: African Skies
Label: Blue Canoe Records
Release Date: March 23, 2009

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