Album Notes
David Holt and the Lightning Bolts
Featuring Josh Goforth, Laura Boosinger, David Cohen and Zeb Holt
Four time Grammy winner David Holt and his kickin’ new band The Lightning Bolts release their debut CD on December 5, 2006. Holt’s driving slide guitar and banjo with this talented group give old-time music a new-time jolt on this self-titled recording.
“I really like this CD” - Doc Watson
David Holt and the Lightning Bolts start off their debut recording with “The Titanic” collected from Bessie Jones of the Georgia Sea Islands and brought to the 21st century with dynamic National steel guitar layered with driving percussion. The traditional “Johnson Boys” bounces with tune bow, tight a cappella harmony and rhythmic clay drum. The ancient ballad “My Dearest Dear” is reborn with tender singing and beautiful original guitar work. One of today’s most compelling story-songs “Shaky Jake” with its twist ending leaves audiences cheering. The repertoire is brought up to date with David’s rocking original “I Can Do It, Too.”
Over 35 years ago David began collecting and learning old-time mountain music directly from folks like Roy Acuff, Doc Watson and Grandpa Jones. Etta Baker, Big Joe Williams and Merle Watson greatly influenced his unique blues style. In 2002 David was invited to perform at the largest European country music festival in Gstaad, Switzerland. He put together an all-star band The Lightning Bolts to accompany him. Featuring Josh Goforth, Laura Boosinger, David Cohen and Zeb Holt, these inventive North Carolina musicians blend their individual styles and talents to create a distinctive, one-of-a-kind sound.
This music is driving and energetic. The collection of instruments is unique and diverse. The arrangements are ear-catching. The selection of tunes crosses cultures and centuries. Most importantly, the virtuosity of the players is striking. The band members with their wide diversity of ages, styles and solo careers give the Lightning Bolts the spark that keeps their music fresh, fun and fired up.
Sit back and enjoy David Holt and the Lightning Bolts and their old-time music with that new time jolt!
Produced by David Holt and Josh Goforth
Artist's Bio
For over thirty years, David Holt has been living in the Blue Ridge Mountains collecting and performing the songs and stories of the old-time mountaineers. He has learned this treasure trove of music directly from musical greats like Fred Cockerham, Byard Ray, Grandpa Jones, Roy Acuff and the oldest person in the world, 123-year-old Susie Brunson. David is a four-time Grammy Award winner. Winning two Grammys last year with Doc Watson for their 3 CD set “Legacy.”
He is known for his folk music and storytelling recordings, his numerous programs on TNN , Folkways on PBS, Riverwalk on public radio, and for his popular concerts performed throughout the country. He was founder and director of the Appalachian Music Program at Warren Wilson College from 1975-1981. He is a three-time winner of Frets magazine readers’ poll for “best old-time banjoist.” Southern Living magazine recently featured David as a “Southerner Making a Difference.”
