Post by wingsj0 on Dec 27, 2005 22:12:42 GMT
The Reluctant Dog features 13 songs written and performed by Steve Holley. Throughout the years Steve Holley has been known to fans as ‘Man Behind The Beat’ and is a drumming legend in his own right. For me, to be able to hear his singing voice at last is a real treat!
‘What are you looking For’ starts the album off in a mellow style. During this song we are treated to a good slide guitar by Justin Jordan. Throughout the album Steve Holley's vocal style is soothing. He truly has a wonderful voice. One of the highlights of this album for me is the beautiful ‘Punta Del Esta’. This song is an instrumental and features a beautiful flute performed by Steve's daughter Amanda Holley. Other highlights include the beautiful ‘Out Of England’ which is a lovely rock ballad, and definitely my favourite from the whole album. Steve’s voice sounds great throughout the song. Another great track is ‘Let Me Entertain you’ and is one you have to play loud! Another highlight for me is a gorgeous song ‘Living For Today’ featuring life-long friend and former WINGS band mate Denny Laine on backing vocals.
During the album we are treated to a variety of instruments from accordion to the flute, lovely acoustic guitars, and some great keyboard work from Mr. Holley himself. On first hearing, Holley has really impressed me. The only thing I want to know is why has he kept his song-writing talent hidden from us all these years? The Reluctant Dog is an album of laid back tunes, you get the feeling Steve has really enjoyed making this album and the professionalism that’s gone into producing this album has definitely paid off. I do hope this album is not a one off and Holley will continue to pursue his song-writing skills and loan us the pleasure of his wonderful singing vocals for many years to come.
You can purchase the album from:
www.angelair.force9.co.uk/
www.steveholley.com
Jo Rishton
All songs written and performed by Steve Holley.
Questions & Answers With Steve Holley - Regarding His Debut Album - The Reluctant Dog.
The Reluctant Dog Was Released Via Angleair Records 13th March 2003
How did the idea and album come about?
Steve Holley: I have written songs since about the age of sixteen, some of which have been released with different bands over the years, others had just been sitting on the shelf. As I am primarily a drummer, I was always more involved with other peoples work than my own. Finally I decided to record some of them for myself. Peter Purnell at Angel Air Records offered to release them on his label, after Ian Hunter and Mick Ralphs encouraged him to have a listen.
Why did you call it The Reluctant Dog?
Steve Holley: The title came to me after a particularly hard time coaxing my dog Oliver out of the house for a walk! His reluctance to move, made me question my own procrastination!
What are your favourite tracks from the album and why?
Steve Holley: All of the songs deal with love and loss in one way or another, but I did not realize this immediately. The personal nature of the songs makes it hard for me to judge them, but I enjoy "Punta Del Este," because the melody was in spired by a beach in Uruguay which I will probably never see again, and my daughter Amanda played flute with me! "Evermore," which is a tribute to my Grandmother's life, and contains some of the last words she spoke to me. "Stronger Everyday," which was written on New Year's Eve 1986 in Central Park, New York, about my wife Jennifer, and "Out Of England" which is about all sorts of subjects, but mostly my love of England.
Are there any plans to tour?
Steve Holley: I would love to tour, but my work in the studio, and on the road, as a sideman occupies most of my time at the moment. Also if I'm honest, the idea of stepping out on my own is a little daunting, to say the least!
Why have you kept this wonderful talent from us for so long?
Steve Holley: Wonderful? Well, I don't know about that, but thanks anyway.
Are you pleased with the out come?
Steve Holley: I am suprised and delighted to have found a home for this CD with Angel Air, and pleased enough with the recording of the songs, although, as most of my peers tell me, it's hard to be convinced you got it right, or even close. But it is honest.
Will us fans get the opportunity to hear more from Steve Holley the singer-song writer in the near future we hope so?
Steve Holley: Well, I have written quite a few new tunes, and I do love the process of rejuvenating the older ones, and recording in general, so it is possible. Hopefully the opportunity and the desire will present itself!
Jo Rishton with
Steve Holley
We'd like to thank Steve Holley for answering our questions.
Official Site: www.steveholley.com
Please note all articles on this site are (C) to The Beat Goes On And On Fanzine and may not be used without permission.
‘What are you looking For’ starts the album off in a mellow style. During this song we are treated to a good slide guitar by Justin Jordan. Throughout the album Steve Holley's vocal style is soothing. He truly has a wonderful voice. One of the highlights of this album for me is the beautiful ‘Punta Del Esta’. This song is an instrumental and features a beautiful flute performed by Steve's daughter Amanda Holley. Other highlights include the beautiful ‘Out Of England’ which is a lovely rock ballad, and definitely my favourite from the whole album. Steve’s voice sounds great throughout the song. Another great track is ‘Let Me Entertain you’ and is one you have to play loud! Another highlight for me is a gorgeous song ‘Living For Today’ featuring life-long friend and former WINGS band mate Denny Laine on backing vocals.
During the album we are treated to a variety of instruments from accordion to the flute, lovely acoustic guitars, and some great keyboard work from Mr. Holley himself. On first hearing, Holley has really impressed me. The only thing I want to know is why has he kept his song-writing talent hidden from us all these years? The Reluctant Dog is an album of laid back tunes, you get the feeling Steve has really enjoyed making this album and the professionalism that’s gone into producing this album has definitely paid off. I do hope this album is not a one off and Holley will continue to pursue his song-writing skills and loan us the pleasure of his wonderful singing vocals for many years to come.
You can purchase the album from:
www.angelair.force9.co.uk/
www.steveholley.com
Jo Rishton
All songs written and performed by Steve Holley.
Questions & Answers With Steve Holley - Regarding His Debut Album - The Reluctant Dog.
The Reluctant Dog Was Released Via Angleair Records 13th March 2003
How did the idea and album come about?
Steve Holley: I have written songs since about the age of sixteen, some of which have been released with different bands over the years, others had just been sitting on the shelf. As I am primarily a drummer, I was always more involved with other peoples work than my own. Finally I decided to record some of them for myself. Peter Purnell at Angel Air Records offered to release them on his label, after Ian Hunter and Mick Ralphs encouraged him to have a listen.
Why did you call it The Reluctant Dog?
Steve Holley: The title came to me after a particularly hard time coaxing my dog Oliver out of the house for a walk! His reluctance to move, made me question my own procrastination!
What are your favourite tracks from the album and why?
Steve Holley: All of the songs deal with love and loss in one way or another, but I did not realize this immediately. The personal nature of the songs makes it hard for me to judge them, but I enjoy "Punta Del Este," because the melody was in spired by a beach in Uruguay which I will probably never see again, and my daughter Amanda played flute with me! "Evermore," which is a tribute to my Grandmother's life, and contains some of the last words she spoke to me. "Stronger Everyday," which was written on New Year's Eve 1986 in Central Park, New York, about my wife Jennifer, and "Out Of England" which is about all sorts of subjects, but mostly my love of England.
Are there any plans to tour?
Steve Holley: I would love to tour, but my work in the studio, and on the road, as a sideman occupies most of my time at the moment. Also if I'm honest, the idea of stepping out on my own is a little daunting, to say the least!
Why have you kept this wonderful talent from us for so long?
Steve Holley: Wonderful? Well, I don't know about that, but thanks anyway.
Are you pleased with the out come?
Steve Holley: I am suprised and delighted to have found a home for this CD with Angel Air, and pleased enough with the recording of the songs, although, as most of my peers tell me, it's hard to be convinced you got it right, or even close. But it is honest.
Will us fans get the opportunity to hear more from Steve Holley the singer-song writer in the near future we hope so?
Steve Holley: Well, I have written quite a few new tunes, and I do love the process of rejuvenating the older ones, and recording in general, so it is possible. Hopefully the opportunity and the desire will present itself!
Jo Rishton with
Steve Holley
We'd like to thank Steve Holley for answering our questions.
Official Site: www.steveholley.com
Please note all articles on this site are (C) to The Beat Goes On And On Fanzine and may not be used without permission.