A record I've been anticipating greatly from an artist who stands pretty much in his own place. Lonnie Holley, a black American man, born at the turn of the Fifties and working out of Atlanta Georgia. Someone not defined by one medium. An artist, an educator and a musician.
Holley's past is well documented. An exceptionally harrowing and brutal childhood in Birmingham, Alabama, that has shaped his life and art. He's only come to general attention as an absolutely remarkable artist in recent years and is seizing full advantage of the attention it's giving him.
New album Oh Me, Oh My is as good a place to start as any. Ladies and Gentleman, he is floating in space. Because this is a record about space and wonder more than anything else. Holley appreciates the power of both.
Almost a Jazz record in terms of the way it allows the listener to appreciate the moment. The realisation of existing within a universe that can be at once astonishingly terrifying and astonishing beautiful. And in his own words, ' how precious life is.'
Do yourself a favour. Take an hour out of your life. Sit down and listen to this. It's a record that richly repays that small sacrifice.
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