For those not in the know, Bob Holz releases Holz-Stathis: Collaborative, a definitive jazz fusion recording featuring the giants of jazz this upcoming September 8th, 2023.

On Bob’s sixth album for MVD Audio, we hear the evolution of one of jazz’s most prolific artists in the last ten years. Blending jazz, funk, Latin, pop and classical, Holz-Stathis: Collaborative takes the listener on an epic journey.

A journey which encompasses Bob’s evolving career beginning with albums with the late Larry Coryell, Stanley Clarke and Mike Stern and now culminating with a 2023 release that’s sure to garner widespread attention.

The new album features the first recording in decades utilizing the talents of Mahavishnu Orchestra alumni John McLaughlin, Jean Luc Ponty and Ralphe Armstrong. Holz’s musical expression of the pain incurred by the world during the pandemic is brought to forefront on World Turned Upside Down.

Contrasting is Make Me Smile, a tune originally recorded by Chicago. Here Holz utilizes the vocal talents of Elliot Yamin (American Idol) and Rolling Stones bassist Darryl Jones to deliver a refreshingly modern rendition of the classic Chicago track.

1. The Tunnel
2. Island Sun Love
3. Alex’s Dream
4. World Turned Upside Down
5. Side Scratch
6. Volta
7. Palo Viejo
8. Back to You
9. Wondering
10. You Can Get It
11. Better Try
12. Flight of Fancy
13. Make Me Smile
14. Lookin’ Back

This amazingly impassioned new recording opens on the funky grooves threaded through The Tunnel and the smoldering Latin-hued hipsway of Island Sun Love and they are in turn backed by the drum-fed Alex’s Dream, the atmospheric World Turned Upside Down, more smooth funk in the form of Side Scratch, and then we get the veritably shimmering Volta and the gently furtive Palo Viejo.

Along next is the lushly sculpted noir feel of Back to You and the beautiful flight of fancy brought forth within Wondering and then we get more deliciously grooved funk within You Can Get It, the dutifully romantic, saxophone-imbibed balladry of Better Try, the free flowing Flight of Fancy, the album rounding out on a spirited, breathtakingly heartwarming rendition of Chicago’s abounding Make Me Smile, closing on one more dip into the groove pool with the sumptuous Lookin’ Back.

As a drummer, Holz has made a significant mark in the jazz world and here he expands his love of Latin jazz fusion rhythms by teaming up with Brazilian percussionist Airto Moreira, Alex Acuna (Weather Report) and Joey Heredia. This album exemplifies Holz’s reputation as one of the top players in jazz and fusion. The drums on this album sound amazing due to platinum recording engineer Dennis Moody’s renowned drum recording techniques.

Not to neglect the horns and woodwinds, Bob brings in Randy Brecker, Brandon Fields, Ada Rovatti and David Goldberg to capture some iconic passages on this amazing fourteen track album. Other aritists on Holz-Stathis: Collaborative include Dean Brown, Ric Fierabracci, Jamie Glaser, Billy Steinway, Ben Shepherd and Diana Moreira.

Bob Holz- Make Me Smile- From Holz-Stathis:Collaborative [Official Music Video]

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