Artist description The four members of Holstein use the standard guitars/bass/drums lineup, but the resulting music is anything but conventional. Combining an unpretentious, unaffected Kansas reckoning with lofty musical ambition, the band creates a distinct sound. Accessible and esoteric, familiar yet foreign, Holstein always manages to 'entertain on several levels at once' (Pitchweekly). The unique instrumentation, primitive impulse, and off-color humor somehow render every song both sarcastic and sincere. One writer describes Holstein as 'a sonic soup overflowing with random ingredients and exotic spices. A freewheeling musical adventure.' Another praises Holstein's ability to 'rock the audience onto their feet and into a frenzy' (Pitchweekly, Kaw Valley Independent). The powerful live show satisfies both discerning listeners and the excitable masses.

Musical Influences Pre-Fab Sprout, Frank Zappa, Ween, Santana, The Cure, Phish, The Smiths, John McLaughlin, and Bill Frisell

Similar Artists Pre-Fab Sprout, Frank Zappa, Ween, Santana, The Cure, Phish, The Smiths, John McLaughlin, Bill Frisell

Artist History The origins of Holstein lie in Rose Hill, Kansas, the birthplace of Jeff Jackson and Ezra Sykes. During high school these friends played music together, developing distinct yet compatible guitar styles. Jeff honed his chops on Smashing Pumpkins rock riffs and the country licks of Chet Atkins, while Ezra immersed himself in Frank Zappa's instrumental explorations and Robert Smith's idiosyncratic songwriting. In 1995 Jeff and Ezra moved to Lawrence to attend the University of Kansas. They floundered with rhythm sections for years until one night, at the local rock club, they met drummer Alex Logan, then a high school senior. Halfway through the show Jeff and Ezra persuaded the budding percussionist into following them home. Ezra later described the resulting midnight improvisation as a supremely satisfying experience, and Holstein was formed. Six months later, in the fall of 1998, Holstein recruited David Brodie to play bass. The band has since recorded two albums, Menagerie (1999) and Dance of the Flatlander (2002), and become a staple of the Lawrence music scene, playing around the Midwest in Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa. A newspaper once remarked that 'Holstein is unparalleled among local bands in their musicianship, dedication to performing and command of diverse styles… They have developed a reputation for superior live performance' (The Kansan). However, Holstein decided to forego its homegrown success and pursue a broader musical horizon. Fall 2002 found these Midwestern sons moving to Boston, ready to find bigger exposure and dedicate their full efforts toward music. Holstein has since played steadily through the Boston and New York City scenes, expanding its reputation and fanbase with each performance.

Group Members Ezra Sykes: guitars, vocals, keyboards; Jeff Jackson: guitars, steel guitar, vocals; David Brodie: bass guitar, vocals; Alex Logan: percussion, vocals;

Instruments Guitars, Bass Guitar, Drums, Percussion, Pedal Steel Guitar, Keyboard, Voices

Albums Menagerie, Dance of the Flatlander

Location Allston, MA - USA

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